Secure containment solutions with ALVATECH

Secure containment solutions with ALVATECH for Geothermal Energy in Costa Rica

In 2024, SOTRAFA supplied ALVATECH geomembranes for the Borinquen geothermal project in Costa Rica. This project uses the heat from volcanic areas to generate clean and renewable energy. The process includes drilling wells, extracting hot water, generating electricity, and reinjecting the cooled water back into the ground. 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 the storage of brine, that is not injected directly into the reservoir during maintenance activities. These lagoons must be properly waterproofed to prevent contact between the water and the environment while it is reinjected into the reservoir through cold reinjection systems. In Borinquen, 110 MW of electricity are produced through this system.

Solution
In 2024, the Costa Rican company Balbeck acquired approximately 30,000 m² of our 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 weather conditions in the area, characterized by frequent rain and winds, presented an additional challenge that significantly prolonged the installation process.

Technical details:

• ALVATECH 5002: HDPE geomembrane with high chemical and mechanical resistance.
• ALVATECH FIX: Textured geomembrane with high shear resistance.
• Thickness: Recommended between 1.50 mm and 3.0 mm.
• Temperature resistance: Withstands high temperatures.
• UV stability: Long-term durability.

Geothermal energy does not produce emissions, reducing the carbon footprint. The water reinjection system prevents contamination and conserves this essential resource. ALVATECH geomembranes provide an impermeable barrier that protects ecosystems and extends the life of geothermal projects, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

Despite adverse weather conditions, ALVATECH 5002 and ALVATECH FIX geomembranes demonstrated exceptional performance, allowing ICE team to operate efficiently and safely, preventing 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 enabling ICE team to continue developing renewable energy projects vital for a cleaner and more sustainable future.