Centram Geothermal to develop 5MW geothermal plant in Guatemala

Centram Geothermal has plans to develop a 5MW geothermal plant at the Joaquina concession which is located about 35km northeast of Guatemala City.

The Joaquina concession has many shallow holes drilled in it producing steam and/or hot water, has several fumaroles and hot springs on it while the surface manifestations of this geothermal source extend over one square kilometre.

Centram president and CEO John Paterson said, "Our team is focussing all its efforts on developing the Joaquina Project."

The analysis of the geothermal water samples from the concession indicate that the reservoir temperature is in the range of 180°C or higher and a drilling programme to know the depth and size of the reservoir has been recommended by GeothermEX.

The company will expand the plant capacity from 5MW if the drilling programme indicates excess energy.

Centram is beginning the Environmental Impact Assessment of the project and is planning to bid for a 15 year power purchase agreement in the country’s Open Tender 2012 scheduled for October.

The Company is also seeking strategic partners for its Baru-Colorado project in Panama.

Canada based Centram Geothermal is an explorer and developer of geothermal resources.