Monday, September 26, 2016

USA, California: One Non-Operating Geothermal Power Plant Evacuated at The Geysers Due to Wildfire

California wildfire forces geothermal plant evacuation (The Seattle Times)


A wildfire that erupted amid hot, dry conditions and gusty winds in Sonoma County north of San Francisco was burning close a massive geothermal power producing facility on Monday, forcing the evacuation of one of its 14 plants, officials said Monday.

Brett Kerr, a spokesman for Calpine, which operates The Geysers geothermal complex, said all employees were safe and accounted for and that the flow of electricity from the facility was not disrupted because the evacuated plant was not operating.

“Our remaining plants at the Geysers continue to operate normally and our team is constantly assessing the situation and will take all steps necessary to ensure the safety of employees and the preservation of our facilities,” Kerr said in an email.