MEXICAN GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE FUTURE

Geothermics in Mexico started in 1954, by drilling the first geotherma l well in Pathe Stare of Hidalgo, which reached a depth of 237 meters. In 1959 electrical generation from geothermal origin began, with an i nstalled capacity of 3.5 MW: From 1959 to 1994 Mexico increased its in stalled capacity to 753 MW: by developing three geothermal fields: Cer ro Prieto, Los Azufres, and Los Humeros. Currently, 177 wells produce steam at a rate of 36 tons per hour (t/h) each. Comision Federal de El ectricidad (CFE, Federal Commission of Electricity! has planned to inc rease the geothermal-electric installed capacity through construction and installation of several projects. Repowering of operating units an d development of new geothermal tones will also allow Mexican geotherm al growth.