Geothermal energy development at Copahue Volcano

Abstract

The Neuquén province (western Argentina) has a significant amount of geothermal resources with a wide range of temperatures in different areas of its territory. Among them, the Copahue Field, located in the southern flank of Copahue volcano, is the most important and the only one with an energy development project since the mid-70s. In 1988 a 0.67 MWe binary-cycle pilot power plant was installed. A technical-economic feasibility study ended in 1992. Since then, the political and economic scenario suffered a profound change in Argentina. As a consequence, radical changes were made to the existing regulations, including privatization of the electrical energy production, transport and distribution sectors throughout the country. In 1996–97 the Neuquén Province launched a heating project for the Copahue village. In the same period, Copahue volcano suffered a series of eruptions, which led to some changes in the hydrothermal system. One of the most significant variations was the development of an active geothermal zone south of the city of Copahue, where several thermal water and gas discharges with temperatures higher than 90 °C and pH <4 appeared, leading to the developing of new mud pools. Interestingly, new mineral species for the Copahue geothermal field were recognized.