The Crescent Valley geothermal energy production facility would include up to two energy generation facilities, geothermal fluid production and injection wells and well pads, access roads, aggregate pits, geothermal fluid pipelines, an electrical gen-tie line, one photovoltaic solar field, and ancillary support facilities such as substations, stringing sites, or laydown areas, according to Ormat’s proposal that was approved by the BLM.

Geothermal is an abundant resource, especially in the western U.S., where the BLM has authority to manage geothermal resource leasing, exploration, and development on approximately 245 million surface acres of public lands and the 700 million acres where the U.S. owns the subsurface mineral estate, the bureau says.

While the proposed Crescent Valley project area encompasses an estimated 2,038 acres, the total maximum surface disturbance would be approximately 233 acres and approximately 174 acres after interim reclamation, according to Ormat.

Geothermal projects support domestic energy production and American energy independence, while contributing to the nation’s economy and security, the BLM says.

In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency says one megawatt produced by a geothermal project can produce enough electricity to power about 1,104 average U.S. homes per year. The Crescent Valley project could generate up to 30 megawatts, which is enough to power over 33,000 homes, BLM says. Click here to access the BLM announcement: “BLM approves Crescent Valley geothermal project”.