Argentina Country Update

Abstract

The degree of progress of the knowledge of the geothermal resources in the last five years in Argentina expands the trends already settled at the beginning of the decade. The direction pointed then was that the research and development lines on both the low and high enthalpy fields should be oriented towards the direct use of the geothermal fluids in order to produce development. For this reason, the use of thermal fluids in farming or industrial establishments, or in multiple use endeavors is encouraged. Also, in many areas of the country, particularly in those with low development there are thermal manifestations and productive activities demanding relatively low thermal levels. This is the case of house heating or animal berthing, farm-industry activities, greenhouses, balneology, etc.. The utilization of these fluids could contribute to improve the life standards in those places. The studies, undertaken in different areas of Argentina, allowed a clear understanding of the geothermal potential of the country and gave place to the exploitation of some of the low temperature thermal fields. In this period, the National Geothermal Plan is an important element, which the Argentine Geological and Mining Survey, through the Department of Geothermy, is carrying out.