Global Geothermal Science & Engineering
Sarmiento + Associates exists to reduce it — an independent advisory firm guiding governments, developers, and investors across the complete geothermal lifecycle, from first exploration to sustained production.
Our Philosophy
The industry has no shortage of specialists. Success in geothermal development depends not on the excellence of any single discipline, but on integrating all of them into one coordinated technical and commercial strategy. That continuity is what we provide.
Every recommendation begins with evidence — measurable data, scientific interpretation, and engineering validation, never conventional wisdom.
Engineering exists to solve problems. We design targeted, defensible solutions that improve technical performance and project economics together.
Exploration shapes drilling; drilling shapes the reservoir; the reservoir shapes the plant. We manage the whole chain, not isolated studies.
Technical findings are framed for the investment decisions our clients actually face — bankable, defensible, and built to withstand scrutiny.
The Complete Value Chain
What We Do
We support every stage of the geothermal project lifecycle — whether identifying a new resource, optimizing an existing field, evaluating an acquisition, or extending the life of a mature asset.
Turning geological potential into bankable opportunities through integrated conceptual modeling, prospect ranking, and drilling strategy that reduces exploration risk.
Well targeting, casing design, and drilling strategies tailored to the geological setting — with deep experience in acid and propellant stimulation to restore injectivity.
Optimizing production and reinjection to maintain pressure support, minimize thermal breakthrough, and sustain long-term field performance across decades of operation.
Evaluating binary (ORC), flash, and hybrid systems — system efficiency, scaling risk, non-condensable gas, and parasitic loads in relation to reservoir conditions.
Independent technical evaluation for acquisition and financing. Where uncertainty is material, we assess to the worst case, so risk is priced honestly rather than optimistically.
Data-driven interpretation across geophysical surveys, well logs, PTS, and production histories — AI-assisted pattern recognition and predictive modeling that sharpen, not replace, geoscientific judgment.
Global Track Record
High-enthalpy volcanic systems, structurally controlled Basin-and-Range fields, and sedimentary basins — our specialists have contributed to discovery, development, and optimization on five continents.
Direct operation and management within the ~700 MW Tongonan complex, including its ~135 MW binary plant — steam-and-binary cogeneration integrating high-enthalpy steam and separated brine.
Senior operational and technical roles across the country's major fields — Palinpinon (190 MW), Bacon-Manito (150 MW), and Mt. Apo (94 MW) — spanning wellfield management, reservoir optimization, and production–reinjection strategy.
Central technical role from resource assessment through drilling, large-scale discharge testing, and commissioning of a hybrid flash-and-binary development in a high-enthalpy volcanic system.
Well planning, drilling supervision, and resource evaluation for a modular binary development in structurally complex volcanic terrain, supporting phased expansion toward its contracted capacity.
Due-diligence and operational evaluation of an established development — reinjection cooling optimization, thermal-decline mitigation, and reservoir management to stabilize long-term generation.
Resource assessment and development support across operating binary power projects in the Basin and Range — MT, gravity, and structural modeling; well targeting, cluster evaluation, and reinjection optimization in structurally controlled reservoirs.
Two operating binary projects in a low-medium enthalpy setting. Well stimulation with acid and propellant programs to restore injectivity in carbonate-hosted reservoirs, plus due-diligence evaluation supporting acquisition.
Reservoir characterization and electric submersible pump system design for a moderate-temperature sedimentary-basin development — pump selection, performance analysis, and optimal setting depth, with due-diligence support.
Additional engagements span El Salvador, Kenya (Olkaria VI/VII feasibility), the Caspian region, and Ethiopia. Installed-capacity figures reflect the plants our specialists helped develop or operate; detailed, project-specific credentials are available on request under appropriate confidentiality arrangements.
Our People
Clients work with specialists who have made the same decisions in the field — not a layer of junior staff. Between them, our advisors carry the technical and executive experience of the world's most mature geothermal programs.
Nearly five decades across exploration, drilling, testing, resource assessment, and reservoir management — including CTO responsibility for major Indonesian developments and ~1,000 MW installed in the Philippines.
40+ years in geothermal drilling and evaluation; senior lead on more than 100 wells across Indonesia, the Philippines, New Zealand, and the Caspian region, with deep expertise in 3D prognosis and drilling integration.
30+ years of geothermal geochemistry — hydrogeochemical modeling, tracer interpretation, and injection chemistry across Nicaragua, Indonesia, and the Philippines. A recognized PHREEQC mentor.
40+ years of MT/CSMT field acquisition, inversion, and 2D/3D modeling; contributor to more than 15 Philippine prospects, trained in France, Japan, and the USA.
Reservoir evaluation and advisory across international geothermal programs — well performance, injection capacity, and field development planning grounded in decades of production experience.
Our core specialists are supported by a broader network of geothermal engineers and advisors assembled to fit each engagement. Full CVs are provided as part of any proposal.
About the Firm
Sarmiento + Associates Inc. is an independent geothermal advisory firm established by senior professionals drawn from the technical and executive ranks of the world's most mature geothermal programs. We combine the rigor of independent due diligence with the practical experience of field development and plant operation.
Our ambition is not measured by the number of projects we undertake, but by the quality, integrity, and long-term impact of every geothermal development we help create. From our base in the Philippines, we serve clients worldwide.
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