SOCIO ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION OF THREE GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION SITES IN MEXICO

Abstract

Summary Good practices of geothermal exploration establish that environmental and social factors should be included in the early stages. This work presents the socio-environmental situation of three geothermal exploration zones in Mexico. In them, the geothermal resource and the social aspects are different, issuing recommendations to promote the development of geothermal projects at each site. The environmental and social conditions were evaluated through fieldwork and interviews. Acoculco, Puebla is a low permeability geothermal reservoir, with acidic fluids and a caldera heat source, the social characteristics are rural with lack of basic services and forest-oriented activities. El Chichonal, Chiapas is a volcano-related geothermal resource; in a small rural indigenous community, their main activities are livestock and the use of natural resources. In Los Negritos, Michoacan the geothermal resource is related to local tectonic faults. The social characteristic is complex in a semi-urban region with criminal activity. In spite of the differences, all sites agree with the development of informed communication of the benefits and possible damages that the geothermal project may cause; they express the need for employment, the interest to have education that will open the opportunity to be employed in the company and develop businesses related to the geothermal resources.