Geothermal energy could contribute up to 50% to Peru’s electricity supply

Lima, Peru (Source: Flickr, CC, By: M M)

Alexander Richter 14 Feb 2020

A recent article in a mining publication, describes the potential role of geothermal energy to Peru.

“Peru has a geothermal potential of more than 3,000 MW, equivalent to 50% of the electricity produced today throughout the country, thanks to our strategic location on the Pacific Ring of Fire,” said Franklin Acevedo, General Manager of Energy Development Corporation Peru (EDC Peru), a geothermal company that has been developing projects in the south of the country.

This renewable energy resource would bring the following benefits to all Peruvians, according to Franklin Acevedo:

Geothermal energy is one of the most reliable technologies to generate electricity. In addition to being an unconventional renewable energy resource, it is very reliable and its availability is not affected by climatic or seasonal factors, to which Peru is very susceptible. To produce electricity, steam that is naturally underground in geothermal reservoirs is used, so geothermal power plants have the guaranteed resource to continue producing electricity.

Geothermal energy is a clean alternative to ensure sustainable electricity supply. Since geothermal power plants use the steam that is found naturally under the earth and after using it, reinject it, this generates a closed and sustainable cycle of electricity production. The first geothermal plant in the world began operating in 1913 and today, after more than 100 years, continues to produce energy. Well managed, a geothermal reservoir could be inexhaustible.

Geothermal energy is a resource that would attract large investments. EDC Peru plans to invest more than US $ 1 billion to build two geothermal plants in Arequipa and Moquegua that will initially produce 200 MW. The fact that Peru has a potential of 3,000 MW to develop, makes it a very attractive country for this type of investments and the consequent positive impact on the economy, the generation of jobs, while representing an environmentally positive alternative for Electricity generation

Geothermal plants are very friendly to the environment. Around the world we find examples of how geothermal energy and the environment coexist harmoniously, because this technology does not require transport or burning of fossil fuels, and greenhouse gas emissions are practically zero. There are experiences in the world of geothermal plants within protected areas and tourist corridors where it is shown that geothermal energy has contributed to environmental care and has increased the number of visitors to the area.

Geothermal energy has a guaranteed base load. The uninterrupted supply of electricity is guaranteed, since the heat of the earth is present 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it is not influenced by international fuel prices or pipeline breaks. Also, it can complement other unconventional renewable energies, such as solar and wind. If a system of hourly blocks were implemented, when there is not enough wind or during the nights, it would always count on geothermal energy.

“All these benefits will become tangible once our plants are operational, so that this is possible requires public policies that include geothermal energy in the country and allow Peruvians to take advantage of this resource that is abundant in the macro South region, specifically in Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna ”, concludes Acevedo.

Source: Rumbo Minero