Geophysical prospecting for geothermal recources in Mexico

Resumen

Mexico is fortunate to possess a large geothermal potential. Experiments to harness this resource have been carried out since 1955, and 4 years later the first pilot plant with a capacity of 600 kW was inaugurated in Pathe, Hidalgo State. The state agency responsible for generation and distribution of electric power - Comisi6n Federal de Electricidad (CFE)- has plans to expand by the year 2000 the installed geothermal generating capacity to 2440 MW from the present 645 MW, which would represent 3.6 percent of the total electrical power generated in Mexico. Also other uses of geothermal resources are being developed.