Description
Workshop for Decision Makers on Geothermal Projects in Central America, held in San Salvador, El Salvador, 26 November - 2 December. 2006.
It was co-hosted by UNU-GTP and LaGeo S.A de C.V. in El Salvador. The fifty participants came mainly from the four countries of Central America active in geothermal development, i.e. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua. Geothermal power stations provide about 12% of the total electricity generation of the four countries. Only a small portion of the geothermal resources in the region has been harnessed.
The aim of the workshop was to give high level decision makers from the respective energy and environmental ministries, leading geothermal agencies, and electric utilities in the region an overview of some of the key issues of geothermal development, with a special focus on environmental issues. The Vice-President of El Salvador (Licda. Ana Vilma Albanez de Escobar) opened the Workshop. Amongst speakers on the opening day were the Economy Minister of El Salvador (Mrs. Yolanda Mayora de Gavidi), the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources of Nicaragua (Mr. Cristobal Sequeira), the Minister of Minister of Mines and Energy of Guatemala (Mr. Luis Ortiz), and the Director of the UNU-GTP (Dr. Ingvar B. Fridleifsson).
Thirty-six papers were presented and distributed as conference proceedings and CD-ROMs. The lecturers came from the four Central American countries as well as Iceland, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Philippines and the USA. Among the lecturers were 9 former UNU-GTP Fellows. The papers presented at this very successful Workshop can be viewed under publications.
The cooperation with LaGeo in organizing the Workshop was marvelous. LaGeo´s staff under the leadership of General Director Mr. José Antonio Rodriguez did an outstanding job. Sincere thanks are due to LaGeo´s management and staff for their help, hospitality and friendship.