11:58 AM EST - U.S. Geothermal Inc. : announced today that drilling has started for the San Emidio Phase II Project. U.S. Geothermal is planning to develop the San Emidio project in two phases: a repower (Phase I) and an expansion (Phase II). Phase I was completed in May of 2012, when the existing 3.6 MW plant was replaced with a new, more efficient 9 MW power plant that utilizes the existing geothermal fluid flow from the proven area of the reservoir. Phase II requires drilling new production and injection wells, and upgrading transmission to support the increased power production. The Phase II expansion may produce up to 11 MW (net) to fill the full available output allowed under the existing PPA with NV Energy. Pending a successful drilling program, the Phase II power plant is anticipated to be online in 2015. U.S. Geothermal Inc.
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