Ormat requests two geothermal leases in Idaho
Raft River plant, Idaho, (source: Ormat)
Alexander Richter
6 May 2010
Ormat Technologies, Inc. has requested two leases for geothermal projects at the north end of the Magic Reservoir in Idaho.
Reported from Idaho, “Ormat Technologies, Inc. has requested two leases for geothermal projects at the north end of the Magic Reservoir, according to the Bureau of Land Management Shoshone Field Office.
The requested leases are located near Highway 20 at the north end of Magic Reservoir in Blaine and Camas counties. The total area under consideration is 2,840 acres.
Ormat Technologies, based in Reno, Nev., operates more than 15 geothermal projects on nearly 431,000 acres around the world. If the leases north of Magic Reservoir are approved, it would be the company’s first project in Idaho.
The company is currently involved in a legal dispute filed on behalf of some investors alleging that Ormat’s executive officers violated federal securities laws by misleading investors in public statements about the company’s operations.
The BLM said management plans for the lands were amended to allow for geothermal energy development in 2008, according to the bureau’s Idaho Renewable Energy Support Team, which is reviewing the applications.
“Geothermal resources in Idaho are an important piece of the nation’s energy future that we’re looking to explore and develop in a thoughtful, responsible way,” said BLM Idaho State Director Peter Ditton.
He said the applications are for leasing only, and that ground work is not being proposed at this time. Prior to any ground disturbing activities, a leaseholder must submit a separate application for drilling and a plan of operations.
Geothermal leases typically are issued for 10 years and may be extended in five-year increments.
Ditton said comments about the two geothermal leases should be submitted via e-mail to rebecca_lange@blm.gov by June 3.”
Source: iStockAnalyst
