GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN THE SPANISH ENERGY PLAN: PRESENT STATUS OF THE MOST ADVANCED PROJECTS.

In 1978-1979 Spain launched its National Energy Plan (PEN), which included in its new energy sources sector a National Program of Geothermal Research. The main objective of the latter is to complex the geothermal knowledge of Spain, in order to assess its geothermal resources and begin exploitation of the most favorable areas. Four years later some preferential areas with resources of potential interest were selected. The projects at the most advanced stage are those of Madrid, Burgos, Barcelona and Murcia. The resources identified in these areas are of low temperature (80-95 degree C), though temperatures of 120-140 degree C are expected in the latter two areas. Technical-economical feasibility studies indicate the possibility of exploiting these resources on an economic basis. Two Hot Dry Rock systems have been recognized on the Canary Islands (Lanzarote and La Palma).