USA, Idaho:

U.S. Geothermal Inc. Announces San Emidio Project Update: Unit I Turbine Spin Achieved Unit II Permit Issued (Marketwire - Press Release)

San Emidio power plant - February 3, 2012 (Courtesy U.S. Geothermal)

U.S. Geothermal Inc. announced that its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor has successfully conducted a number of operational "spin" tests on the turbine and turbine/generator unit at the new 8.6 net megawatt San Emidio power plant. All components of the plant were in operation and tested during the spin test procedures.

During the turbine testing sequence, excessive vibration was found in a gear box that connects the turbine to the generator. The turbine supplier and gear box manufacturer are evaluating the cause of the vibration and will be providing recommendations to the EPC contractor for modifications to eliminate the gear box vibration. The commercial operation date of Unit I depends on elimination of the vibration but is currently expected to be during May 2012.

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