MSc Thesis: Technical and Feasibility Study for the San Vicente Geothermal Power Plant Project in El Salvador, Central America
REYKJAVIK, January 13 - MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering candidate, Angel Fernando Monroy Parada, successfully defended his master's thesis where he performed a technical and feasibility study for the San Vicente Geothermal Power Plant Project in El Salvador, Central America. Angel's work was supervised by Dr. William Scott Harvey from Reykjavik University and Dr. Páll Jensson from Reykjavik University with examination by Dr. Bjarni Pálsson, Executive Director of Geothermal Development at Landsvirkjun.
Abstract:
The production of electricity from geothermal energy is forecast to continue growing worldwide. The complexity and high investment cost of a geothermal project require experienced professionals from different disciplines to organize, prepare and deliver a successful project. Historically, geothermal projects were developed without clear guidelines. Nowadays, there are different methodologies between countries and developers. This report proposes nine key development phases and a feasibility study report structure for a specific geothermal project in El Salvador. The technical and feasibility aspects of developing the San Vicente geothermal project can serve as a guideline to prepare a coherent geothermal feasibility study. Three power plant cycles are modelled to examine different scenarios to develop this project. A financial assessment model is carried out by utilising these scenarios their estimated cost, production, and financial assumptions. The proposed scenarios' key performance indicators and financial ratios are analysed to determine the most suitable power plant for the San Vicente project. Using this methodology, geothermal developers, who already know the potential of their project, could technically and financially determine their projects' feasibility.
Congratulations Angel on an excellent thesis defense!