U.S. Geothermal Announces Update on Raft River Project

Idaho, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] U.S. Geothermal Inc. has announced an update on the Raft River Unit I geothermal power plant in Idaho. The net electrical power output of the plant is currently between 10.5 and 11.5 megawatts (MW). With four production and four injection wells in operation. The maximum net electrical output achieved by the plant during March, April and May were 11.2, 12.0 and 11.7 MW respectively. The power plant operated at 99% availability during the same period, including scheduled maintenance.

The electrical power from Raft River Unit I is being sold by U.S. Geothermal under a full-output contract to Idaho Power Company. Under the terms of the contract, power prices vary by season, with lower prices paid during the spring months of March through May at 73.5% of the contract price and at 120% of the contract price during the summer and winter peak months of July, August, November, December and January. The remaining months are paid at the 100% price level.

A computer model of the reservoir volume, pressure and temperature has been completed by an independent expert and is now being used to investigate possible production and injection well strategies to increase power production and to evaluate alternative well locations and capacities, according to the company.