Clean, renewable geothermal energy to meet the increasing power demands of the Pacific North West region

Canada's most advanced geothermal project is being developed by British Columbia's Western GeoPower Corporation which holds the country's only geothermal lease issued for commercial production of electricity. The thermal reservoir at the South Meager Geothermal Project is located near Whistler, the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The project is expected to bring 100 MW of generating capacity on stream in 2007 and an additional 100 MW in 2009. The project has a maximum potential of 250 MW. This major geothermal site is also located 70 km from the province's main power grid which provides a direct link with the northwestern United States. This green power project offers an alternative to hydro, natural gas, coal and nuclear energy and is expected to meet the province's growing power demands. A feasibility study conducted in 2004 at a cost of C$14.5 million involved production test wells, transmission line studies and a final permitting process. The design and construction phase for 2005-2007 is expected to cost C$276 million and will involve power sales contracts; financing; steam gathering systems and well drilling; plant design and construction; transmission line design and construction; and first start up in 2007 followed by additional capacity in 2009. 2 figs