Business Divisions

Exploration and Production (E&P)Geothermal energy

Geothermal Energy Concessions Law Nº19,657 passed on January 7, 2000, established the legal structure of geothermal concessions, and it also amended ENAP’s activity in order to allow its participation in this industry.  Geothermal energy has been successfully developed in several countries around the world, and it supplies a clean and sustainable energy for the environment.

ENAP has geothermal concessions at the Second, Seventh and Eighth Regions.  Thanks to its wide experience in the hydrocarbons exploration and exploitation, ENAP is particularly qualified to lead such activity in Chile.  Its professionals (geologists, engineers and geo-physicists) have a large experience in the development of similar activities, with a great know-how in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits at complex areas, both in Chile and abroad, using highly specialized technology.

In association with the Italian company ENEL, ENAP has started studies for the development of geothermal fields in Chile.  Such studies are focused on the fields granted in concession by the Chilean Government, that is La Torta and Apacheta, at the Second Region; Calabozo, at the Seventh Region and Chillán, at the Eighth Region.  Also, through Geotérmica del Norte, both companies have agreed to carry out activities at El Tatio area, in the Second Region.

A geothermal field is mainly a natural deposit existing in the earth crust, which allows the extraction of a pre-existing fluid at a high temperature.  

The essential elements determining its geothermal conformation are:

• Existence of a heat source;
• Presence of permeable geological formations that comply with the reservoir functions;
• Existence of a hydric reloading area; and
• Presence of geological units or structures acting as impermeable coating which locks the system so that heat concentration occurs.

The commonest uses of this natural and clean energy source are electricity generation, heating and mild water production.

High Temperature Geothermal Deposit