The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in consultation with the US Department of Energy (DOE), has signed an agreement with Calpine Corporation to buy up to 49.9 MW of electricity from the Fourmile Hill geothermal project in Northern California. The purchase is contingent on Calpine finding a commercially developable source of steam at the site. “Geothermal energy is very clean compared to burning fossil fuels,” said Steve Wright, acting BPA administrator. “Along with wind, solar and other renewable resources, it’s a promising source of natural energy here in the West and elsewhere in the country.” Hot water or steam hidden deep under ancient volcanoes in the West has long been considered a desirable source of energy. BPA originally proposed to purchase power for 45 years from a geothermal plant to be located near Vale, Oregon, as part of its renewable energy programme. When exploratory wells came up dry, BPA agreed to consider a project in the Glass Mountain Known Geothermal Resource Area just south of the Oregon border. The US Forest Service commissioned an environmental impact statement and reviewed the project extensively with the general public, environmental groups and local tribes. The US Bureau of Land Management, Siskyou County and BPA were also involved in the review. The Pit River Tribe and others have appealed the decision to develop the site to the federal Interior Board of Land Appeals. Exploratory drilling had already been approved and can proceed pending a ruling by the board. The plant is expected to begin operating in late 2004.
