Developments in geothermal energy in Mexico—Part three: Economics of wellhead versus central power plants

A comparative economic analysis has been made between a single 110 MW_e plant using concentrated steam from various wells, condensers and extractors for non-condensable gases to maximize its efficiency, and a system of 22 units, each with a capacity of 5 MW_e, with the steam discharged at atmospheric pressure.

The costs used for this comparison have been obtained from experience in Mexican geothermal fields at both Cerro Prieto and Los Azufres. It is concluded that the second alternative is very attractive and should be analyzed in detail for each project where both the production of steam and the generation of electricity are contemplated.

The results of this analysis were presented at a Geothermal Conference and Workshop held at San Diego, California, U.S.A. in July 1985 sponsored by the Instituto de Investigaciones Electricas, Cuernavaca, Mexico and the Electric Power Research Institute, Palo Alto, California, U.S.A.