Portland General Electric and Anadarko Sign Geothermal Energy MOU

Strategic Insights -

Portland General Electric and Anadarko Petroleum Corp. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of power generated by Anadarko's proposed 22-megawatt geothermal plant in southeast Oregon. The project aims to provide clean and renewable energy to Portland General Electric's over 640,000 customers in Oregon. The plant's projected commercial operation date is December 1998.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MOU is a result of Portland General Electric's renewable-only request for proposal (RFP) issued in May 1993, which received 29 proposals, including Anadarko's geothermal project.
  • The Pueblo Valley Geothermal Project is a 22-megawatt air-cooled binary system, which offers low environmental impacts, including no significant emissions, minimal land disturbance, and limited visual impact.
  • The project's development plan will include well drilling and testing, plant construction and operation, and environmental protection measures.
  • The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement, a process expected to span 18 months.
  • This is the first project to proceed under Portland General Electric's renewables RFP, with a wind project still in negotiations.
  • Portland General Electric aims to promote economic development in other areas within the state by pursuing renewable resources.

Statistics:

  • The proposed Pueblo Valley Geothermal Project is a 22-megawatt plant.
  • The project has a projected commercial operation date of December 1998.
  • Portland General Electric has over 640,000 customers in Oregon.
  • The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Environmental Impact Statement process is expected to take approximately 18 months.

Sources:

  • Business Wire, "Portland General Electric and Anadarko Petroleum Corp. Announce Geothermal Energy Agreement," May 8, 1995.
  • Anadarko Petroleum Corp. company information.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) information.