Development of Low Enthalpy in El Salvador

Abstract

Geothermal development in El Salvador has been progressing over time, and El Salvador is currently a benchmark in Latin America for best practices in Geothermal. In El Salvador, the experience in High Enthalpy dates back to the 60s of last century, and translates into a participation of 24% in the energy matrix. LaGEO, a company of GrupoCEL with a research vision, has also been working on low enthalpy projects, but since 2014 has innovated in mechanisms and ways of working with direct use projects of Geothermal Energy; projects that will allow a social development of the areas surrounding the geothermal power plants, projects that will boost the economies in the geothermal fields’ environments, projects that allow students to implement their knowledge, skills and enthusiasm in research, This paper will share the experiences of how LAGEO, a company dedicated to the generation of electrical power, looked for ways to investigate and develop pilot projects in low enthalpy with the aim of improving the conditions of the inhabitants surrounding the two geothermal power plants in El Salvador.