USA, Oregon:

Neal Hot Springs Geothermal Plant Has its Grand Opening (Ontario Argus Observer)

Kevin Kitz, vice president of project development for U.S. Geothermal,

 second from left in front, explains the operation of the turbine (center, left)

 and related structures at the Neal Hot Springs geothermal plant 

(Courtesy Larry Meyer | Argus Observer)

U.S. Geothermal Inc. and Enbridge Inc. hosted a grand opening Friday celebrating the operation of their Neal Hot Springs Geothermal Plant, the first commercial geothermal power plant in Oregon.

With an annual average net production of 22 MWe, the project west of Vale and Bully Creek Reservoir produces about 191,000 megawatt-hours annually, enough to supply the energy needs of about 24,000 customers, according to information provided by the two companies. The power is being sold to Idaho Power through a 25-year purchase agreement. About 150 jobs were created at the peak of construction, plus about 500 in the supply chain, and there are 12 full-time employees.

U.S. Geothermal, with offices in Boise, developed the project with Enbridge, a Canadian company, coming on board as an equity partner. The Neal Hot Springs plant began producing power in November 2012.

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