Abstract:
Colombia has increased its interest in using geothermal resources as part of the solution for energy transition. This is motivated by clear evidences of considerable geothermal potential for power generation and the existence of low and medium enthalpy systems as possible source for direct use and other uses. The Colombian geological and tectonic setting facilitate the presence of geothermal systems associated to volcanoes and sedimentary basins. Numbers highlight the geothermal potential in Colombia. There are at least 20 active volcanoes with hydrothermal features and geothermal gradients from oil wells reveals values up to 65°C/km. Preliminary estimations show that about 20% of energy demand could be supplied using geothermal resources. These numbers contrast with the use of low temperature resources limited to bathing and the absence of geothermal power generation in Colombia. Currently, electricity generation capacity comprises approximately 70% hydro and 30% fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal. These facts certainly make Colombia a great geothermal opportunity. New Zealand and Colombia has strengthened their cooperative relationship in the recent years. An example of this is the crucial role New Zealand played as a supporter of the peace agreement that ended about sixty years of civil war in Colombia. This is now bringing access to unexplored geothermal areas and an atmosphere convenient to develop geothermal projects. Today, the challenges lie mainly in creating a legal and regulatory framework to incentive geothermal projects, and taking actions for raising awareness about the benefits of geothermal uses and capacity building around geothermal. Transfer of experiences, knowledge and technology between New Zealand and Colombia in geothermal development could be significant for Colombia to become a world-class geothermal country.