Californian project could be first in utilizing Kalex Cycle technology
A wildlife refuge in California, might be the first site of a geothermal plant in the United States that uses a Kalina cycle technology for power generation from geothermal energy. The project is developed by Entiv Organic Energy in partnership with Technip and Mannvit.
News from California, report on a geothermal power project in Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge in California. The project might be the first to utilize a Kalina Cycle binary system for power generation.
Entiv Organic Energy is working together with large EPC contractor Technip and Icelandic engineering group Mannvit to develop a plant with a capacity of 3-7 MW from water with a temperature of 190-200 degrees Fahrenheit (88-93 degrees Celsius).
This multi-million dollar facility on the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge in California would provide low cost electricity saving up to $1 million annually in power costs. The refuge has been having a water shortages and power is essential to be pumping water to replenish wetlands. This has made operations very expensive and the hope is that utilizing geothermal power will provide a cost effective solution to the energy demand.
It is expected that the plant will cost more than $10 million, while there are cost savings as wells have already been drilled.
The developer is an energy company owned by a local farmer. The company has worked withh U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials for a year so far. The refuge is exploring ways to reduce its energy costs to not only cover electricity needs byt also the need for heat for its shop and other facilities.
The company in tandem with its partners is currently conducting studies on existing wells to explore water temperature and volumes and hopes to complete them by June this year.
It is expected that the project will take 18 months to be completed, but there are several steps – including public hearings as part of the National Environmental Protection Act – necessary to get started.
“This plant will be the first of its kind,” said Michael Mugerwa, program director for renewables at Technip USA. “We are looking at, at least, 10 to 15 percent more power (than similar plants).”
Mugerwa said Technip is betting big on the improved geothermal technology, which is based on a version of the Kalina system that’s been in place in Germany since 2009, but has been improved with further efficiencies through the partnership with Mannvit.”
More details on the project can be found via the company’s website at: www.entivenergy.com
Source: Herald and News (February 21, 2012), Entiv Energy, Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Sustainable Business Oregon