Pathe geothermal power plant, Hidalgo, Mexico: A comprehensive retrospective assessment of the first plant of its kind in the Americas

Abstract

In November 1959 geothermal power plants were in commercial operation in Italy since 1914, in New Zealand since 1958, and in only one other country, Mexico. It was here that the first geothermal power plant in the Americas was inaugurated at Pathé on November 20, 1959. The United States joined this exclusive club the next year when it inaugurated the PG&E Geysers Unit 1 in Northern California in September 1960. This article summarizes the historic development of geothermal energy with an emphasis on Mesoamerica. This account of the Pathé plant covers its geological environment, field development, unit design, operations and economics, and preservation after reaching the end of its operational life. The account concludes with some thoughts on the future of the Pathé geothermal field. © 2021