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Contributed by SOTRAFA
In 2024, SOTRAFA supplied ALVATECH geomembranes for the Borinquen geothermal project in Costa Rica. This project uses heat from volcanic areas to generate clean, renewable energy. The process includes digging wells, extracting hot water, generating electricity, and reinjecting the cooled water into the subsoil. This method protects the environment and reduces dependence on fossil fuels, helping to combat climate change.
A small reservoir, known as the Reinjection Lagoon, allows for the temporary storage of brine that is not injected directly into the reservoir during maintenance activities or operation maneuvers. These lagoons must be properly waterproofed to prevent contact between the water and the environment while it is injected back into the reservoir through cold reinjection systems. In Borinquen, 110 MW of electricity is produced through this system.
In 2024, Costa Rican company Balbeck purchased approximately 30,000 m² of SOTRAFA’s ALVATECH 5002 and ALVATECH FIX geomembranes for this project. The installation of the geomembranes was carried out by the ICE team over a period of four months. The climate of the area, characterized by frequent rain and wind, presented an additional challenge that considerably prolonged the installation process.
Technical details:
ALVATECH 5002 : HDPE geomembrane with high chemical and mechanical resistance.
ALVATECH FIX: Structured geomembrane with high shear resistance.
Thickness: Recommended between 1.50 mm and 3.0 mm.
Temperature resistance : They withstand high temperatures.
UV Stability : Long-term durability.
Clean energy produces no emissions, reducing the carbon footprint. The water reinjection system prevents pollution and conserves this vital resource. ALVATECH geomembranes provide an impermeable barrier that protects ecosystems and extends the life of geothermal projects, ensuring their long-term sustainability.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, ALVATECH 5002 and ALVATECH FIX geomembranes demonstrated exceptional performance, allowing ICE to operate efficiently and safely, avoiding contamination and ensuring the sustainability of the geothermal project.
The success of the Borinquen project highlights the reliability and high quality of these geomembranes, contributing significantly to the production of sustainable geothermal energy and allowing ICE to continue developing renewable energy projects vital for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Learn more about SOTRAFA here.