U.S. Geothermal to participate in 40 MW RFP for geothermal projects in Guatemala

Well EC-1, El Ceibillo project, Guatemala (source: U.S. Geothermal Inc.)

Alexander Richter 7 Feb 2017

In an update on its corporate activities, geothermal developer and operator U.S. Geothermal has announced plans to participate in a 40 MW Request for Proposals in Guatemala for geothermal with its El Ceibillo project in the country.

On January 10, 2017, the Guatemalan government, through the National Electrical Energy Commission (COMISIÓN NACIONAL DE ENERGÍA ELÉCTRICA-“CNEE”), announced that it is preparing to issue an RFP later this year for 420 megawatts of power, of which 40 megawatts is to be reserved specifically for geothermal energy. When the RFP is issued, the El Ceibillo project will be bid into the process.

With the commercial shallow resource now proven, in 2017, a deep well to test the producing structure down dip from well EC-5 is planned to a projected depth of 1,970 to 2,300 feet (600-800 meters). EC-5 was completed to a depth of 1,450 feet (442 meters) and intersected a high permeability zone at 1,299 feet (396 meters) with a temperature of 388°F (198°C). Chemical analysis of fluid samples taken from EC-5 at the end of a flow test indicate a potential, deep reservoir temperature of 450 to 523°F (232 to 273°C). A deeper intersection in the reservoir could increase the reservoir capacity and production temperature, and change the design of the power plant. Well EC-1, which was drilled in 2013 to a depth of 5,650 feet (1,722 meters) found a measured bottom-hole temperature of 526°F (274°C), but did not intersect permeability. The comparative geology between EC-5 and EC-1 suggests a fault or other structure feeding the reservoir may be located in the area between the two wells.

U.S. Geothermal is planning with a 25 MW plant for the El Ceibillo site.

Source: U.S. Geothermal release via Marketwire