U.S. Geothermal in talks on PPA for El Ciebillo project in Guatemala

Geothermal Power Plant by Ormat in Guatemala (source: video/ Global Post)

Alexander Richter 13 Kas 2011

According to recent news on BN Americas, geothermal developer U.S. Geothermal is currently holding discussions and reports that plannning is under way for a power purchase agreement for the company’s El Ciebillo geothermal power project in Guatemala.

“El Ciebillo lies in the company’s 100km2 concession in the Aqua and Pacaya volcano complex.

“[It is a] very high temperature, steam type resource that we’d like to get started on in the near future,” president and COO Doug Glaspey said in a presentation. Development envisions an initial 25MW.

Nine wells were drilled in the 1990s to depths ranging 170-610m, six of which have measured reservoir temperatures in the range of 365-440 degrees Fahrenheit (174-227 degrees Celsius). Follow-up work will include a detailed geophysical program, geologic mapping, sampling of hot springs, and the redrill of one or two existing wells.

The company also reported talks are underway with interested parties for the potential sale of a minority equity interest in El Ciebillo.”

Currently Guatemala has a geothermal power generation capacity of 49.2 MW.

Source: BN Americas