Exploration and Development of the Platanares, Honduras Geothermal System

Abstract

Platanares lies in an extensional regime with normal faulting similar to productive systems in the Basin and Range province of the western U.S. Prolific hot springs as well as silica-altered volcanic units extend for two kilometers at the site. Extensive geologic and geophysical exploration methods were conducted to create a detailed 3D model. Exploration drilling discovered a 178°C resource with very high permeability in the northern area of the field, while injection was successfully located in the southern half of the field. Temperature and permeability are significantly higher than identified during prior exploration. Tracer flow tests between injection and production confirm high productivity, high injectivity, slow returns, and moderate pressure drawdown. Construction of a 35 MW plant and development drilling are currently ongoing in preparation to bring the first geothermal plant in Honduras online.