ABSTRACT
Due to their location within the Pacific Rim volcanic zone, all Central American countries — with the exception of Belize — are endowed with large geothermal potentials that total about 13,210 MW (advanced technology potential, [1]). The geothermal systems of Central America are so-called “convective systems”, related to the active volcanic belt discussed in Chapter 4, and derive their heat from magmatic bodies at shallow to intermediate levels. Such geothermal systems provide a natural source of energy for many developmental activities. In Central America, the countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica have begun utilizing these sources for power generation, and Guatemala alone is utilizing them for direct applications, but none are using them to the extent possible.
