BLM approves well stimulation program at Brady Hot Springs, Nevada
Brady Hot Springs geothermal plant (source: University of Nevada)
Alexander Richter
15 Oca 2013
The local Bureau of Land Management office has approved a well stimulation program by Brady Power Partners, subsidiary of Ormat Nevada, for the Brady Hot Springs geothermal power plant.
Reported locally, the U.S. “Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Winnemucca District, Humboldt River Field Office has approved a proposal submitted by Brady Power Partners, a subsidiary of Ormat Nevada, Inc. (Ormat), to develop and test a geothermal reservoir using enhanced geothermal system (EGS) technology.
The EGS technology involves creating better hydraulic connections by injecting cool geothermal water to further open the existing network of minute cracks in the rocks deep underground, where natural fractures already occur. The resulting enhanced fracture network would enable increased production of hot geothermal water, thus increasing the power output of the Brady Hot Springs Power Plant. The project is located on an existing production well and the associated drill pad situated on a federal geothermal lease held by Ormat.
In signing the Decision Record and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Brady Hot Springs Well 15-12 Hydro-Stimulation Environmental Assessment (EA), the BLM selected the proposed action, subject to the continued use of the established Conditions of Approval for Well 15-12 and implementation of environmental monitoring programs that include the injection of tracer compounds to identify movement of geothermal fluid, a water quality and quantity monitoring plan, and a seismic monitoring plan.
The BLM is the lead agency for this project because the project activity will occur on leases issued and administered by the BLM. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to authorize the expenditure of federal funding for a portion of the project and was a cooperating agency in the development of the EA.
“This decision provides beneficial economic effects and further development of renewable energy sources for the United States and citizens of Nevada,” said BLM Humboldt River Field Manager Edward Seum.”
