Montana Utility Seeks 45 MW Renewable Energy (reNews)
US utility Northwestern Energy has issued a request for proposals for up to 45 MW of community-owned renewable energy generation in Montana.
The regulated investor-owned utility is required to purchase energy from qualified community projects that have a total generating capacity under 25 MW with a majority ownership stake by in-state residents or entities.
The projects will help the utility meet its Montana energy resource portfolio requirements with targeted commercial operation dates by the end of 2015.
NorthWestern will consider both power purchase agreements and build-transfer arrangements. Proposals are due 14 July.
In relation to geothermal procurement the RFP asks applicants to provide any engineering studies or research indicating the needed geothermal resources are available at the project site and the extent to which such research and studies provides certainty regarding the expected project output. Provide third-party resource evaluation reports where available. Also include a description of the technology to be employed, including the expected plant efficiency, and other technological information such as whether the plant will be a closed or open-loop system and whether a scrubbing system will be employed.
In particular, address how the plant output may change over time and what levels of output depletion might occur as the geothermal resource is tapped and utilized.
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