Low-enthalpy geothermal energy resources in the Central Andes of Argentina: A case study of the Pismanta system

Abstract

Geothermal energy resources are necessary to meet the increasing energy requirements worldwide and reduce the impact of climate change, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study is the investigation of the low-enthalpy geothermal system of Pismanta, in the Central Andes of Argentina, to evaluate the possibility of power generation or direct use applications. Results indicate a circulation of meteoric water to the reservoir located in the Iglesia Basin, reaching a maximum depth of 2500 m. A background heat flow of 60 mW/m2 raises the temperature of the reservoir to approximately 95 °C resulting in a mean thermal gradient of 30 °C/km. The preliminary evaluation of four binary cycle energy conversion plants suggests a gross power generation range of 30–280 kW and the capacity of using the remaining heat for direct use applications such as drying of fruits, greenhouses, food processing and membrane distillation processes to solve arsenic problems in freshwater, among others.