Cover Story ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
exploration stages. The exploration process typically begins with the study of surface manifestations, such as hot springs, fumaroles, and altered ground, which serve as the first indicators of geothermal potential.
Once these initial signs are documented and analyzed, the organization proceeds to detailed geological exploration, mapping rock formations, structures, and fault systems to understand how heat and fluids move underground. This is followed by geophysical exploration, where advanced techniques like resistivity surveys, magnetotellurics, and gravity studies are used to image the subsurface and identify zones with the highest likelihood of hosting productive reservoirs. Through this systematic and data-driven approach, LaGeo ensures that every new prospect is thoroughly evaluated, thereby increasing the potential for successful geothermal development.
The future of geothermal
One significant new venture involving LaGeo is the Chinameca Geothermal Project, a major endeavor that will bring El Salvador another step closer to decarbonization and energy stability.“ The Chinameca Geothermal Project represents one of our most important upcoming projects as we strive to expand El Salvador’ s clean baseload generation. It will have eight wells in total, and to date, we have drilled three production wells and two reinjection wells, which establish a foundation for understanding the reservoir’ s behavior. Furthermore, we are in the process of installing a five MW back pressure unit. As part of this project, funding for the eight wells and the construction of a 20 MW power plant comes from a significant loan provided by the World Bank,” Marlene continues.
The loan also covers the adoption of social and environmental programs and the creation of a Geothermal Center of Excellence, which, as Marlene explains, is dedicated to help train
38