Central America energy resources

Los Alamos National Laboratory will implement the two-phase project. Activities in Phase I will consist of two major components: (1) a regional energy situation analysis, and (2) alternative energy resource development. In the first component, a rapid update will be made of the 1980 MITRE Corporation report, which is based on 1970-78 data, to focus on changes in the energy situation since 1978 and on potential benefits of indigenous energy resource development. A computer database of energy and economic information will be developed to collect, update, and analyze regional data; transfer information to energy planners in each country; and develop long-term planning models to help formulate energy and resource policies. Workshops and individual training will be provided to enhance planning capabilities in each country. The second component will help identify and utilize geothermal resources to generate electricity and will include reconnaissance activities in Honduras and Costa Rica and development of the Miravalles geothermal field (in Costa Rica) as well as of direct heat applications to reduce use of imported oil and firewood. In addition, the project will assess potential industrial and domestic uses for peat and the low-grade coal known to exist in the region, and explore the use of low temperature geothermal heat by commercial and industrial enterprises. To accomplish these objectives, local technicians and scientists will be trained in energy situation analysis; geothermal reconnaissance; hardware fabrication, which includes preparing operating/maintenance manuals; equipment operation; heat requirements evaluation; and feasibility study methodology. The project will also provide equipment such as a logging truck with a geothermal cable, high-temperature downhole logging tools, a high-current, high-voltage DC resistivity transmitter and power supply, and a portable audiomagnetotelluric (AMT) system for deep geophysical soundings. Activities in Phase II will derive from the results of Phase I, and may include: expansion of geothermal and peat activities; country-specific mineral resources assessments; mineral sector profiles; and a study of energy conservation potential in the transportation sector. Amendment of 4/27/87, increases funding by $10 million, extends PACD 18 months to 6/89, changes the project management approach to focus on identifying cost-effecive energy investments, and adds a component to provide actual well logging explorations and testing in each country. Activities will include: (1) identifying 8 energy investment opportunities; (2) enhancing national energy planning and policymaking; (3) disseminating information on geothermal applications; (4) strengthening the Honduran National Electricity Company"s ability to assess geothermal investments; (5) demonstrating industrial applications of geothermal direct heat; (6) studying the feasibility of peat as an energy source at a power plant in northwestern Panama and at the Costa Rican Oil Refinery and (7) disseminating Costa Rican mineral reconnaissance data to promote exploration and investments. (PD-ABA-626)