Geothermal Energy in South America
North America boasts a much more established geothermal energy landscape compared to South America, with a rich history and diverse range of operational power plant.
In January13, 2024, there are around 100 geothermal power plants scattered across the continent, primarily concentrated in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Here’s a breakdown of the installed capacity by country:
United States: The clear leader, the US holds the title of global leader in geothermal electricity production, with a whopping 3,676 MW of installed capacity. California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, and Utah are home to the majority of these plants, leveraging the abundant geothermal resources found in the “Basin and Range” geologic province.
Mexico: Following closely behind, Mexico possesses around 1,021 MW of installed geothermal capacity. The “Domo San Pedro Geothermal Project” in Nayarit, recently completed in 2023, is a noteworthy example of the country’s commitment to expanding its geothermal footprint.
Canada: While still in its early stages of development compared to its neighbors, Canada has around 270 MW of installed geothermal capacity. Provinces like British Columbia and Alberta hold great potential for future geothermal projects.
These figures represent nameplate capacity, which refers to the maximum theoretical output of a power plant. The actual electricity generation can vary depending on factors like operational conditions and geothermal resource characteristics.
Here are some of the largest geothermal power plants in North America:
- The Geysers (California, USA): 1,919 MW
- Coso (California, USA): 280 MW
- Brady-Desert Peak (Nevada, USA): 347 MW
- Dixie Valley (Nevada, USA): 84 MW
- Hell’s Kitchen (California, USA): 40 MW (under construction)
The future of geothermal energy in North America looks promising, with ongoing research and development efforts aimed at enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this clean and renewable energy source. Additionally, supportive government policies and increasing public awareness about the benefits of geothermal power are contributing to a brighter outlook for this sector.
Table of Geothermal Energy in South America by Country
Geothermal Energy in South America by Country (as of January 13, 2024)
| Country | Installed Capacity (MW) | Operational Plants | Projects in Development | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chile | 81 | ✔️ Cerro Pabellón | El Loa, Coyanco, Puchuldiza | First operational plant in South America |
| Argentina | 0 | ❌ | Copahue (160 MW) | High geothermal potential, regulatory challenges |
| Bolivia | 0 | ❌ | Laguna Colorada (5 MW) | Early exploration stage, low capacity potential |
| Brazil | 0 | ❌ | Brauna, Pipa Nativa | Early exploration stage, limited resources |
| Colombia | 0 | ❌ | Paipa, Cerro Tatara | Exploration and drilling stages, potential for medium-scale projects |
| Ecuador | 0 | ❌ | Chachimbiro (50 MW) | Feasibility studies in progress, potential for small-scale projects |
| Peru | 0 | ❌ | Quellopunco, Chivay | Early exploration stage, potential for geothermal tourism |
Note:
- The table only includes countries with known geothermal projects or potential.
- “Projects in Development” refers to projects in various stages, including exploration, feasibility studies, construction, and permitting.
- The installed capacity for countries with no operational plants is 0 MW.
https://www.exaputra.com/2024/01/lansdcape-of-geothermal-energy-in-south.html
My doctor, who knows that I understand physics and renewable energy in particular, asked me today what I thought about wind turbines on boats.
I explained that, since boats need their own ways to generate electricity, what is called “small wind” may make sense. Most ships have diesel-powered generators, and that’s an option for smaller craft as well, and solar is not an attractive option because of the small area.
Doctors generally don’t have time to kill, but he asked me further about small wind, to which I explained:
Because the area of a circle is proportional to the square of the radius, big is better. If you can build a turbine with a radius 100 times larger than a small one, you’re going to generate 10,000 time more power.
Because the power generated by a turbine is proportional to the cube of the wind’s velocity, if you can site a turbine in wind conditions that are 10 times those on your rooftop, with trees and other buildings slowing the wind down, you’re going to generate 1000 times more power.
So, as usual, the answer resides in physics and math. 1000 times 10,000 is 10 million, which is why we see huge turbines on structures that lift huge turbines high above the ground, and it’s why the small wind industry has essentially disappeared.
If you don’t understand elementary school math and high school science, and you have money to burn, the investment offered at left may be right for you.
It’s interesting that there is no Fox News (or equivalent) in Canada.
The Canadians have protections of free speech that are very similar to ours in the States, and, like the U.S., these rights are not absolute. One difference is that Canada prohibits gross misrepresentation, which, in this case means that presenting opinions and calling it “news” is against the law. Lies are fine; calling them “news” is not.
A possible name for a show with the same content might be “Conservative Viewpoints” or “The Way the Right Wing Sees the World.”
Where Canada protects its people from malicious bullshit, in America we say, “Money talks.”
Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich makes an excellent point at left.
The constant onslaught of distractions coming out of Trump’s mouth is calculated make us give up striving for truth, honesty, and environmental responsibility.
We mustn’t quit.
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