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IDB supports early geothermal exploration efforts in Dominican Republic, Caribbean

IDB supports early geothermal exploration efforts in Dominican Republic, Caribbean Sight in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (source: flickr/ Reinhard Link, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 30 Dec 2016

Supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), French specialists are conducting early studies on the geothermal potential in the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean.

As part of a study, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), French and Dominican geologists and geochemists recently conducted water and rock surveys in 20 areas of the Dominican Republic to determine their geothermal potential and assess conditions leading to clean energy production.

The study “Specific Agreement to Evaluate the Geothermal Potential of the Dominican Republic” is carried out by the French Geological and Mining Research Office (BRGM), and the Energy and Mines Ministry (MEM), through the affiliate agency National Geological Service (SGN), which will also determine which areas have the most potential to develop geotourism projects.

The French technicians will take 100 kg of water and rock to carry out isotopic and geochemical analyzes using geothermometers, to determine the temperature in the depth of the regions, starting from the chemical composition of the waters, said Bernard Sanjuan, head of The Georeferential Division of Deep and Surface Geothermal Resources of the BRGM.

There’s also geothermal interest in the Padre Las Casas-Vicente Noble- Canoa (west) area, where there are hot springs, whereas San Juan de la Maguana, Enriquillo, Pedro Santana and San José de las Matas have sites with mineral waters.

Source: Dominican Today