Tapping the Earth
January 29, 2012
Project goal: Optimizing the use of geothermal energy
Project size: four geothermal facilities
Capacity: 30 megawatts, or approximately three percent of El Salvador’s energy needs
El Salvador is well-known for its majestic, powerful volcanoes. The hot, steaming lava that bubbles just under the earth’s surface serves the country well. Water is pumped 1,200 meters into the hot earth to power steam water turbines in geothermal power plants. Through this process, El Salvador generates about a quarter of its electricity – no CO2 emissions involved. Now, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GiZ) is helping the country develop its geothermal potential even further. Engineers are demonstrating how geothermal energy can be used on a micro level, for example in small energy-intensive businesses.
A film by Manuel Özcerkes