Dec 28 2009
Ram Power, Corp., a renewable energy company based in Reno, has received a Geothermal Conditional Use Permit from the Imperial County Planning Commission for the 49.9 MW Orita I Project that is located in Imperial Valley, California. The company received this permit through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ram Power, Inc. Through this permit, Ram Power will be allowed to drill up to six exploratory wells to ascertain the potential for geothermal resources in the area. Ram Power will begin to drill several large diameter wells by the end of 2010 first quarter, which may be utilized for commercial production or injection.
The Geothermal Conditional Use Permit is the first step for the commencement of the project and it was passed unanimously by the Imperial County Planning Commission. The cost of the project is $226 million and is planned for completion by the first quarter of 2013. Southern California Edison and Ram Power have signed a power purchase agreement to buy up to 300 MW of clean power from its Orita geothermal leasehold.
Scott Emanuelli, a representative for landowners of the 3,500 acres associated with the project, said that they are pleased to be partnering with Ram Power in this project and are hoping it will be successful.
Christall Morris, Vice President, Land and Permitting for Ram Power, said that the permit was essential for project to start and acknowledged the support provided by the Imperial County Planning Commission, local community, and the state of California for the advancement of its Orita I Geothermal Project.
Source: http://www.ram-power.com/