800 MW of Geothermal Resources Identified

The resources were found in California, Idaho, Oregon and Utah. The resource evaluation was performed by Black and Veatch and GeothermEx.

In other geothermal news, the Idaho-based development company U.S. Geothermal has chosen Science and Applications International for engineering and construction services for its 11.5-MW geothermal plant in northwest Nevada. The work will be done by SAIC's subsidiary, The Benham Companies.

The San Emidio project is a planned two-stage development. Phase 1 consists of relocation and replacement of the existing power plant. The new 11.5-MW plant will have a net electrical output of between 9.1 and 8.1 MWs depending on seasonal and other variations. Phase 2 is a planned 26 MW expansion. SAIC is providing design-build services for the Phase 1 geothermal power plant, teamed with technology provider TAS Energy, which worked in close collaboration with U.S. Geothermal on the plant design.

To secure a long term project loan to repay the construction loan, U.S. Geothermal is engaged in financing discussions in anticipation of a possible DOE geothermal loan guarantee. Negotiations for a 35-MW power purchase agreement are also ongoing.