The first-ever Latin American Geothermal Congress (LGC 2025) took place from September 22nd to 25th in El Salvador, establishing itself as the premier technical forum for geothermal energy in the region.
Hosted at the Sheraton Presidente Hotel in San Salvador, the congress was a resounding success, drawing 165 participants from 20 countries across Latin America and the globe., For three intensive days, leading experts, researchers, and the next generation of geothermal leaders engaged in dynamic presentations, poster sessions, and crucial roundtable discussions.
The choice of El Salvador as the inaugural host was symbolic and inspiring. The nation is a pioneer in geothermal energy, and attendees had the unique opportunity to cap off the event with a field visit to the iconic Ahuachapán geothermal field, which celebrates an incredible 50 years of continuous operation. This visit served as a powerful reminder of the region’s long-standing geothermal history and its immense, largely untapped potential.
Forging a unified path forward
More than just a conference, the LGC 2025 was a catalyst for action. Two monumental outcomes have set a clear course for the future of geothermal collaboration in Latin America:
- A Network for Action: The congress saw the formation of a pivotal working group, the “Red de Acción Geotérmica” (RAG). This group is tasked with creating and implementing strategies to bolster regional technical cooperation and champion gender equity in the sector. The RAG’s mission will be enshrined in a forthcoming declaration, a powerful call to action for a unified geothermal future.
- A Unified Voice: In a historic move, the congress laid the foundation for the establishment of the Latin American Geothermal Association. This long-awaited body will serve as the single, powerful voice for geothermal energy in the region. Its mandate is to facilitate knowledge exchange, advocate for supportive public policies, and represent the interests of the Latin American geothermal community on the global stage.
These initiatives directly address the core objectives of the congress: to accelerate geothermal development, strengthen regional ties, and empower a new, diverse generation of professionals.
The success of this first congress has ignited a palpable momentum. The technical committee, composed of Elizabeth Henriquez (El Salvador), Magaly Flores (Mexico), Andrea Blair (New Zealand), Mateo Acosta (Ecuador), Diego Aravena (Chile), Pablo Aguilera (Colombia), José Luis Henriquez (El Salvador), and Ottoniel García (Nicaragua), in collaboration with Crearte Eventos as the logistics manager has set a high standard for future events.
The torch has now been passed to Chile, which will host the second Latin American Geothermal Congress in 2028. As we look ahead, the spirit of collaboration and innovation sparked in San Salvador is set to propel the entire region toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.
