Peru exploitable geothermal potential estimated at 3,000 MW

Miraflores, province of Arequipa, Peru (source: flickr/ zug55, creative commons)

Alexander Richter 12 Dec 2011

Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) reports a potential of exploitable geothermal energy potential capacity of 3,000 MW.

According to Makoto Nakao, representative of Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) the scope of work for the Master Plan for Development of Geothermal Energy in Peru agreed between the Peruvian government, represented by the MEM, and JICA as signed in late 2009 has been ratified. It is also “considered favorable in the context of the priorities identified for the development of Peru.

He said that such ratification was given by a decree of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE). The ratification underscores the importance and benefits, within renewable energy, that geothermal energy has to be the only one that offers high utilization factors by providing stable power supply for 365 days a year.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) authorized the exploration of geothermal resources in the regions of Arequipa and Cuzco, to the company Hot Rock Peru SA. In this way, they will explore geothermal resources in the areas known as Turu, located between the districts of Caylloma, Suyckutambo and Sibayo in the provinces of Caylloma (Arequipa) and Espinar (Cusco).” The company recently sold a majority stake to Philippine company EDC.

Source: EVWind