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Nicaraguas geothermal potential estimated at over 1,500 MW

Nicaraguas geothermal potential estimated at over 1,500 MW Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua (source: flickr/ lil'latvian, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 22 Mar 2013

Nicaragua has the potential of about 1.500 MW of geothermal power generation capacity, representing about three times the total energy demand of the country today.

In a press conference, Nicaraguan Minister of Energy and Mines, Emilio Rappaccioli, told reporters that geothermal power generation potential could be more than 2,000 MW or at least 1,519 MW. due to the discovery of new geothermal resources.

The volcanic mountain range of Maribios, which belongs to the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific, represents a potential of at least 1,519 MW of power generation capacity.

Rappaccioli made that announcement as part of the presentation of the results of the “Capacity Building in Geothermal” in Nicaragua project, sponsored by the Icelandic International Development Agency (ICEIDA), which lasted five years and had a cost of $ 4.2 million.

“In these (five) years the country received technical assistance and postgraduate training in Iceland. Modern geochemical laboratory equipment and research assistance for new geothermal fields,” said Mario Gonzalez, director of geothermal at the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

Engilbert Gudmundsson, director of ICEDIA, described Nicaragua as “a lucky country in terms geothermal”, because it has a minimum potential of 1,519 MW, equivalent to three times the country’s total consumption today.

“Not all countries have geothermal potential, only a fortunate few” he said during his speech Gudmundsson project closure.

Nicaragua uses only 7% of its geothermal potential, according to authorities.

Of the twelve points suitable for geothermal power generation, only two are being exploited, three more are under exploration concession, and the other seven are still “virgin”, but there are companies involved, according to official information.

“We hope the government of Nicaragua will decide when to give or not give concessions, based on a comprehensive vision that can manage risk and geothermal resources,” said Gudmundsson.

Gisli Palsson, specialist at Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR), warned that the project the management of the laboratory and geochemical database can only be a start.  “The laboratory will need the financial support of the Ministry of Energy in its development phase to gain users. That will take time and the database needs to be handled responsibly to provide useful data” said Palsson.

Nicaragua aims to generate 95% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

The share of renewables is expected to reach over 50% by the end of 2013.

The 2012 Climascopio report ranked Nicaragua in the second position of the most attractive countries for renewable energy in Latin America, second only to Brazil.

Source: La Prensa