The Unit One geothermal power plant in Idaho has gone onstream on January 3, 2008. The power is being purchased by Idaho Power Company under a Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act ("PURPA") contract. The 10.8 square mile site may eventually yield 110 MW according to estimates from GeothermEx Inc. Construction began in June 2006 and company is planning for 36 MW when looking at the power transmission resources they have resereved.
This power would flow west and power states such as Idaho and Oregon. The project formerly belonged to the .S. Department of Energy ("USDOE") geothermal demonstration project that operated from 1974 to 1982 where over $40 million dollars were invested in geothermal studies and production infrastructure. In 2002 the site was purchased by U.S Geothermal Inc.. The site is according to estimates one of the most promising sites in the region.
For additional information:
www.usgeothermal.com
http://www.usgeothermal.com/NewsReleases/Jan-07-2008.pdf
http://www.usgeothermal.com/RaftRiverProject.aspx
