INDUSTRY WATCH
– demonstrate ongoing exploration and potential for further development in these regions .
El Salvador falls behind the top two countries in the region ( Mexico and Costa Rica ), with a collective 230 MWe in installed capacity .
According to the report , Geothermal developments could hold additional promise beyond their traditional power generation uses .
The technology could help revolutionize lithium production , particularly in regions with abundant reserves like Chile , Argentina and Bolivia .
The Atacama , Salta and Salar de Uyuni regions are teeming with lithium deposits – yet current extraction methods pose environmental concerns .
Geothermal brine extraction offers a cleaner alternative , potentially mitigating land use , water consumption and emissions issues .
The report identifies Mexico standing out as the leader in Latin America ’ s geothermal landscape , leveraging its rich reserves through initiatives led by the state-owned utility , Comisión Federal de Electricidad ( CFE ).
CFE has spearheaded geothermal development , overseeing installations such as like Cerro Prieto at 570 MWe and Los Azufres at 240 MWe .
The report says key geothermal projects like Cerro Pabellon , Laguna Colorada and Tuzgle-Tocomar are strategically located near these lithium-rich areas .
This proximity not only grants access to geothermal brines but also facilitates the development of direct lithium extraction ( DLE ) projects . Similar to utilizing an existing highway , geothermal initiatives can seamlessly integrate with nearby lithium mining operations , thus streamlining supply chains and reducing costs , the report says .
Collectively , they contribute massively to Mexico ’ s total capacity of 1 GWe .
The report lists Costa Rica as following distantly with a collective 320 MWe .
Here , Grupo ICE plays a key role in advancing geothermal projects like Las Pailas at 90 MWe and Miravalles at 185 MWe .
El Salvador takes the third spot , with LaGeo-operated projects like Berlin and Ahuachapan making significant contributions by adding up to 211 MWe .
Nicaragua , Guatemala , Chile , Honduras , Argentina , Bolivia and Colombia follow with progressively lower installed capacities compared to Mexico .
However , the report recognizes pilot projects like Sol de Mañana ( Bolivia ), Las Maracas ( Colombia ) and the Caldas project ( Colombia ) – a collaboration between Ecopetrol , Baker Hughes and Grupo EPM
By tapping into geothermal brines for lithium extraction , these nations are said in the report to be able to maximize their natural resources , strengthening their positions in the global lithium market .
Additionally , integrating lithium extraction with geothermal energy production enhances operational efficiency and sustainability . Waste heat from geothermal plants can power the extraction process , slashing energy consumption and costs .
The report says this dual approach to renewable energy and lithium production could propel economic growth while advancing global sustainability goals .
The report says the ‘ Lithium Triangle ’ where Chile , Argentina and Bolivia intersect , could emerge as a key player in green energy transition .
However , the report says , realizing these benefits hinges on technological advancements , regulatory frameworks and market dynamics . p
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