Preparations ongoing for Domuyo geothermal project in Argentina
Domuyo, Neuquén, Argentina (source: Angel Valdez / flickr, Creative Commons)
Carlo Cariaga
8 Feb 2023
Social and environmental studies are being done in preparation for the planned 5-MW geothermal pilot plant near the Domuyo volcano in Neuquén, Argentina.
Social and environmental studies have already begun for the proposed 5-MW pilot geothermal plant in the area of Domuyo volcano in Neuquén, Argentina. Meanwhile, Mexican firm Geokeri is working on determining the best location to drill the first well for the project.
In 2022, we reported that the first phase of the Domuyo geothermal project will be financed by a non-refundable contribution from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The funding has gone into the social and environmental studies currently being carried out.
We have called the entire community of northern Neuquén even through radio media where we asked the people, the residents, the crianceros to go to a meeting where we explained the project to them,” explained José Brillo, the head of the Neuquén Investment Agency (ADI-NQN).
Some 50 residents participated in the first session, expressing their desire for a plant with a small capacity to take advantage of geothermal energy. Another session is being planned for March.
Early studies in the 1980s by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and a follow-up study by an Italian agency indicate the pre-feasibility of the project in Domuyo. According to Brillo, the resource has an estimated capacity of 90 MW. The first stage plans for only a 5-MW turbine.
Source: Rio Negro
