Idaho, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com] U.S. Geothermal Inc. has announced that Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) of Eugene, Oregon has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the planned Unit Two power plant at Raft River. The PPA allows for variable electrical output up to a maximum of 16 megawatts (MW) with a term of 25 years. The PPA is subject to successful drilling and resource development at Raft River.
Under the terms of a related agreement entered into by U.S. Geothermal, EWEB and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the power generated from Unit Two at Raft River will be delivered to BPA’s customer load in Idaho. The same amount of power will be made available by BPA to serve EWEB’s load.
A computer model of the Raft River reservoir is being developed that includes data collected from current injection and production well tests. The model will be used to help locate new wells for increasing production at Unit One from its current production of between 9 to 9.5 MW to the plant’s full output potential of an annual average of 13 MW and for the planned development of Unit Two.
“EWEB has been at the forefront of developing renewable energy resources to meet its increased demand and we welcome them as a potential new customer for Raft River. We extend our thanks to BPA for supporting renewable energy development at Raft River,” said Daniel Kunz, CEO of U.S. Geothermal.
