Geothermal Development in Bolivia - A Country Update

Abstract

The geothermal development in Bolivia started in the 1970s with surface explorations along the Andean Cordillera, and, demonstrating a prospective geothermal potential in some areas, such as Sajama, Empexa and Laguna Colorada (Sol de Mañana). Six geothermal wells were drilled between 1988 and 1992 in the geothermal field Sol de Mañana, as part of the geothermal project Laguna Colorada. In 1996, the CFE certified the Laguna´s Colorada geothermal potential (240 MW). Between 2012 and 2013, with the financial support of JICA and the technical supervision of West JEC, the well testing of the existing wells was done and it was concluded that at least 100 MW can be exploited. By the end of 2018 and with the aim to provide energy to the future plant construction works, an ORC pilot power plant (5 MW) construction contract was signed and its operation is expected by the end of 2020. Likewise, the tender documents for the drilling of 25 new wells would be issued in the second semester of 2019 and the field operations would start in 2020. The first 50 MW unit is expected to be constructed in 2024 and the second 50 MW unit by 2025. On the other hand, the government is seeking funding for the development of Sajama and Empexa. The geothermal development in Bolivia started in the 1970s with surface explorations along the Andean Cordillera, and, demonstrating a prospective geothermal potential in some areas, such as Sajama, Empexa and Laguna Colorada (Sol de Mañana). Six geothermal wells were drilled between 1988 and 1992 in the geothermal field Sol de Mañana, as part of the geothermal project Laguna Colorada. In 1996, the CFE certified the Laguna´s Colorada geothermal potential (240 MW). Between 2012 and 2013, with the financial support of JICA and the technical supervision of West JEC, the well testing of the existing wells was done and it was concluded that at least 100 MW can be exploited. By the end of 2018 and with the aim to provide energy to the future plant construction works, an ORC pilot power plant (5 MW) construction contract was signed and its operation is expected by the end of 2020. Likewise, the tender documents for the drilling of 25 new wells would be issued in the second semester of 2019 and the field operations would start in 2020. The first 50 MW unit is expected to be constructed in 2024 and the second 50 MW unit by 2025. On the other hand, the government is seeking funding for the development of Sajama and Empexa.