The Neal Hot Springs Project is the first geothermal project to secure a loan guarantee of up to $96.8m, under the DOE’s Title XVII loan guarantee program.
The project features a first of its kind binary cycle process that uses R134a refrigerant as the working fluid, and a pre-fabricated modular construction of major plant components.
US Geothermal CEO Dennis Gilles said that the successful completion of the first of its kind project at Neal Hot Springs is a significant milestone for the company as well as for the entire geothermal industry.
"The Neal Hot Springs project reflects the true success of the collaborative effort among U.S. Geothermal and our equity partner Enbridge, the Department of Energy who provided the low cost financing under their innovative technology program, and TAS Energy Inc. who provided the innovative plant equipment," added Gilles.
Idaho Power Company has bought the power output from the project as per the 25-year power purchase agreement for up to 25MW of power per year.
