Geothermal energy may have a bright future in Idaho

The project located near the Raft River was actually the site of the first geothermal binary cycle plant in the world back in 1979.  The United States Department of Energy (DOE) used the site to test geothermal power back then. Only now it is hoped will the site start to produce power on a commercial basis and start perhaps this fall to supply consumers.

The plant is being operated by U.S. Geothermal a company based in Idaho itself which acquired the rights to the site in 2001.  Expectations are that the site will produce around 10 mW, with two additional phases each expected to generate 13.5 mW. For a region of the US which has traditionally depended more on hydro power and a state which was home to America’s first nuclear reactor, it comes as a welcome surprise that there is yet another abundant source of energy ready to meet consumer needs.

For additional information:

http://www.usgeothermal.com/