The Geothermal Energy in the Globalization Process

Abstract

The trend toward globalization by international power and energy companies have led geothermal power production to change the scheme, adjust its activities to meet the legal regulatory framework and try to be competitive in the electricity market. The privatizations in Central America are at different stages of development. Guatemala had privatized the distribution of electricity, yet energy production is not subject to privatization. Geothermal production which is at an early stage with two geothermal plants located at Amatitl·n geothermal field and Orzunil I power plant, have had experience during this first year the in the new environment of the electricity market. Some of these aspects are considered and a plan to increase the geothermal production in the country is included, as well as their case history. The projection of the geothermal energy in the context of globalization is taken into account and the mechanisms to increase the options to develop geothermal energy by private investors.