A new energy era in Madrid
The Community of Madrid has taken a bold step towards the energy future by announcing its intention to explore the geothermal potential in the northern part of the region. This initiative, which seeks to harness a renewable energy source, could transform the way the Spanish capital meets its growing energy needs.
The General Directorate of Economy and Industry has recently granted two research permits, with plans to issue three more in the coming weeks. This effort aims to determine whether it is technically and economically viable to exploit the geothermal potential discovered by chance during failed oil exploration attempts in the 1980s.
The president of the Spanish Association of Geologists and Geophysicists in Petroleum (AGGEP), Jorge Navarro, recalled that one of the deepest wells drilled by Shell, known as El Pradillo-1, revealed significant temperatures at considerable depths. Although hydrocarbons were not found, measurements indicated temperatures reaching up to 156ºC at 3,400 meters, suggesting a promising geothermal reservoir.
Under the name of the Cibeles project, plans are in place to sign five permits to investigate geothermal resources in areas such as Colmenar Viejo and Tres Cantos. Each permit will cover between 20 and 40 square kilometres. The research will be conducted in three phases over three years, starting with the collection of seismic data and historical reviews.
The Minister of Economy, Finance and Employment, Rocío Albert, highlighted that if the studies confirm the project's viability, Madrid could generate electricity continuously 24 hours a day. This would not only ensure a stable source for a population of nearly seven million but also minimise risks associated with blackouts.
Utilising existing locations of old wells will be key to reducing the environmental impact of the new project. The Community aims to use historical data accumulated since the 1980s to optimise this exploratory process.
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