From Pure Science to Applied Projects: Direct Use of Geothermal Energy in Patagonia

Abstract

Although the first geothermal plant started to operate in April 2017, in Chile, for most of the population the use of geothermal energy still looks like a science fiction and geothermal resource reminds undeveloped. But what happens if geothermal energy looks as an opportunity to undertake energy poverty and mitigate the high levels of pollution in a region where wood-burning heating is the tradition? Those questions have been examined by the Andean Geothermal Center of Excellence, CEGA, for the last years. This paper, from a social science perspective, illustrates the case of Aysén community, characterized by high social resistance to energy projects but where geothermal energy has earned a place. For CEGA, the first approach in the territory was to develop two-year geothermal exploration campaign, scientific study made by public bidding. Three years later, there are three geothermal direct use projects developed in the region, and CEGA will start in 2019 an exploration assessment for electricity generation in the north of the region. This paper highlights local public engagement strategies, technical challenges and the pivotal role of two-ways exchanges among local communities, decision makers and scientists in order to promote geothermal direct projects.