ABSTRACT
Geothermal projects to generate electricity, like hydroelectric or thermal-electric projects, are the responsibility of the Mexican Federal Commission of Electricity (CFE). The Mexican Electrical Power Research Institute (IIE) carries out research and development projects to support the CFE in the construction and operation of geothermal-electric plants. Development of geothermal energy in Mexico is centered primarily in two large geothermal regions, the Valley of Mexicali and the Neo-volcanic Axis. To assist the CFE with that project, the Geothermal Program was established by IIE in 1977. This program was structured to encourage direct consultation among personnel from the CFE, universities, and the IIE. In regard to prefeasibility and feasibility studies related to geothermal exploration, the IIE is able to sample and perform chemical and isotopic analyses of fluids from natural emanations, as well as chemical and mineralogical analyses of associated solid deposits. Most efforts by the IIE have gone into the areas of exploitation and the generation of electrical power.
