Contribution of UNU/GTP training to geothermal development in Central America – Mexico

• Main Authors: Luz Antonina, Barrios Martínez, Ingeniería Reservorios, Gerencia Producción
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: United Nations University; Geothermal Training Programme; Central America; Mexico; Geothermal Utilization; Iceland
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.498.4192; http://www.jardhitafelag.is/media/pdf/s02paper002.pdf

The Geothermal Training Programme of the United Nations University (UNU/GTP), operated with great success at the National Energy Authority of Iceland (Orkustofnun), has offered over the past 25 years, a geothermal training programme to all the Central American countries and Mexico. Of the 44 UNU/GTP Fellows trained, 31 or 70 % are still active in the geothermal industry. El Salvador and Costa Rica have the highest retention with 16 and 9 active Fellows, respectively. Around 10 % occupy leading positions in governmental institutions, and all have contributed significantly to domestic geothermal industries and the energy sector. UNU/GTP Fellows are leading specialists, have stepped out of traditional boundaries as implementers of know-how, and have assumed roles in the development and implementation of new geothermal practices and technologies in their home countries. UNU/GTP Fellows not only transfer knowledge acquired in their respective training courses, and implement their learning in geothermal resource development, but have also been able to successfully share best industry practices through the UNU/GTP Fellows network. Additionally, Fellows successfully collaborate with third parties, research institutions, and consultants, contributing to the region’s success in attracting international investors in the geothermal energy sector.