Source:ThinkGeoEnergy – Geothermal Energy News
Original URL:https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/el-salvador-reaffirms-regional-geothermal-leadership-at-11th-geolac/
ThinkGeoEnergy – Geothermal Energy News

The XI Geothermal Congress for Latin America and the Caribbean (GEOLAC 2024), organized in alliance with the Government of El Salvador in coordination with the General Directorate of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mines (DGEHM), the World Bank and with the support of the International Geothermal Association (IGA) , highlighted the key experiences of all the countries involved in the development of renewable energy.

Delegates from 15 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and other nations around the world participated in the congress, where essential topics were addressed, such as the role of geothermal energy in industrial growth, food and economic security, and innovative technologies to reduce costs and increase project viability.

In addition, progress was made on geothermal projects in El Salvador, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Dominica, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras, positioning them as emerging success stories.

A new geothermal law in El Salvador

During GEOLAC 2024, the Director General of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mines, Daniel Alvarez, announced that El Salvador is working on a new Geothermal Law.

As he explained, this legislation is aligned with the vision of President Nayib Bukele’s Economic Plan, which aims to increase private investment and enhance the direct uses of geothermal energy through innovative technologies. In this sense, GEOLAC had a solid participation of companies in the geothermal sector such as Ormat, SLB, Petroseismic, Baker Hughes, NOV, EPM, Ecopetrol, among others.

Director General of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mines, Daniel Alvarez speaking at the 11th GEOLAC in El Salvador (source: CEL via Twitter)

“Our goal is for geothermal generation to represent, in the medium term, 30% of the energy matrix,” said Alvarez, who also reported that the document is being prepared with the support of the World Bank.

For her part, the World Bank country manager, Carine Clert, confirmed that $150 million in financing is expected to be provided to carry out these projects. “We hope that these resources will also transform lives, through the direct use of geothermal energy, encouraging sectors such as agroindustry and small businesses,” said Clert during the event.

Site visit to Ahuachapán

The conference concluded with an official visit to the Ahuachapán Geothermal Plant, a pillar of the Salvadoran energy matrix and a benchmark in Latin America in the use of terrestrial heat as a renewable energy source.

Attendees were able to observe the operation of the country’s first geothermal plant and explore its direct applications in the production of products such as candles, coffee and honey.

The Ahuachapán Geothermal Power Plant, El Salvador (source: LaGeo)

This event reaffirmed El Salvador’s leadership in the transition to renewable energy, consolidating its position as a benchmark in the development of sustainable technologies and in the promotion of a resilient energy model for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Launch of the IGA Academy

Prior to the GEOLAC 2024 congress, the Government of El Salvador, through the General Directorate of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mines (DGEHM) and the International Geothermal Association (IGA), launched IGA Academy, a global academy aimed at training geothermal experts. This initiative aims to train new generations of technicians, engineers and specialists in the development and management of geothermal resources.

IGA CEO Marit Brommer with Director General of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mines, Daniel Alvarez at the launch of the IGA Academy during the GEOLAC 2024 in El Salvador (source: Marit Brommer via LinkedIn)

IGA Academy will offer both in-person and virtual training, with courses on power plant technologies, geothermal exploration, geothermal heating and cooling, project management, finance and investment in the geothermal sector, among other relevant topics. This academy reinforces El Salvador’s commitment to energy innovation and sustainability.

Source: Email correspondence from LaGeo via our Spanish language platform PiensaGeotermia

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