Geothermal Development in Ecuador: History, Current Status and Future

Labus, Jerko
Lloret, Andrés

2014

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Exploration of geothermal resources in Ecuador began in 1979. Three decades later, the high enthalpy geothermal projects of Chachimbiro, Chacana and Chalpatán have reached the advanced prefeasibility stage, while the Tufiño-Chiles-Cerro Negro and Chalupas projects are currently under research. The present exploitation of geothermal resources in Ecuador is restricted to bathing resorts, balneology and swimming pools. The total geothermal potential of the country is estimated at 3000 MWe. Nothing unusual, considering the fact that the country is traversed by more than 40 active volcanoes. The total installed capacity of geothermal energy for direct heat applications in 2009 was 5 MWt, with a slight increase over the last five years. Currently, a plan to carry out prefeasibility studies on twenty two undeveloped prospects is being discussed.

Ecuador; Energía geotérmica; Estudio de viabilidad;