Las Pailas Geothermal Project: A 35 MW Plant

Abstract

The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) developed the Miravalles geothermal field in only one decade (1994-2004), reaching a geothermal installed capacity of 163 MW at present. Additionally, ICE is going to increase the installed geothermal capacity by 35 MW with the construction of a new plant called Las Pailas, located on the south-southwest slope of the Rinón de la Vieja volcanic complex.
So far, the contribution of geothermal energy in the country stands at 14% and it will increase during 2011 when this new project is finished. A brief description of the Las Pailas geothermal project, information on the drilled wells, the adjudication process, the financing scheme, as well as the civil works associated to the development is presented in this document.
The potential for future geothermal development in the Las Pailas area and in the rest of Costa Rica is very limited. The fact that Las Pailas geothermal project is located adjacent to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, and current laws in Costa Rica do not allow the exploration or exploitation of geothermal energy inside National Parks, represents an enormous limitation, which has increased the difficulties in looking for the optimal development of the project.
An update of the current drilled wells and the main characteristics of the separation station, the gathering system and the civil works are described in this document.