Geothermal in Nevada
Recent Geothermal Activity in Nevada—
Spring 2012
by Lisa Shevenell1 and Richard Zehner 2
Introduction
This essay is a unique catalog of geothermal
projects in Nevada. It was first printed in the
2011 Transactions published by the Geothermal
Resources Council (Shevenell and Zehner, 2011).
Since that time, the essay has been updated to
include important industry changes in Nevada
through early 2012 (see table 1).
Nevada has seen a boom in geothermal
exploration and development within the past
five years. There are more projects under various
stages of development in Nevada than in any
other state in the U.S.—nearly as many as in all
of the other states combined. There are currently
70 geothermal exploration projects in Nevada,
in various stages of development and work
activity, and others that have plans but no current
activity. Each will be briefly described here when
information is available.
Figure 1 shows the locations of the various
projects described. The numbers refer to the
related project descriptions in the text. Most
projects are located in northwestern Nevada, but
projects are distributed throughout the state, with
the exception of southern Nevada, which has a
lower geothermal potential than the rest of
the state. The information has been compiled
from various company websites, press releases,
personal discussions, and Geothermal Energy
Association (GEA) reports. The GEA reports
were used to note the estimated resource
size when that information was available
(Jennejohn, 2010; and Jennejohn et al., 2011).
This paper provides a brief description
of currently active geothermal explorationand-development projects in Nevada. The
projects were selected on the basis of having
had a Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
lease or known land position, together
with information gleaned from other nonconfidential sources. Several changes in
ownership and holdings occurred between the
spring of 2011 and April 2012, including the
1
Figure 1. Active exploration projects in Nevada, March 2011. (See
Table 1 for updated information.)
President, ATLAS Geosciences Inc. &
Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, UNR Reno, NV
[email protected]
2
Geothermal Development Associates,
3740 Barron Way, Reno, NV
[email protected]
May/June 2012
29
Geothermal
in Nevada
formation of Alterra Power Corporation through
the merger of Magma Energy Corporation and
Plutonic Power Corporation in 2011.
Active Exploration Projects
The GEA reports projects in four stages of
exploration by state on an annual, or more
frequent, basis. Figure 2 shows an adaptation of a
plot with the results of the projects reported to
the GEA by various companies, by state for 2011.
A short description follows of each exploration
project.
1. Alkali, NV: Ram Power
Alkali is one of Ram Power’s projects projected
to produce 40 MWe. It is listed on Ram Power’s
website as part of its Clayton Valley project area
(see Figure 3); however, this project is actually
located in Big Smoky Valley.
2. Alligator Ridge, NV:
Oski Energy
This property, adjacent
to the Alligator Ridge gold
mine, is in the initial stages
of geothermal exploration.
Barrick Gold is considering
re-opening this mine, and
Oski is in discussions with
them. No known work has
been completed recently
on the property, but Oski
reports an estimated 20
to 40 MWe resource
(Jennejohn, 2010; Jennejohn
et al., 2011; GEA 2012).
3. Alum (aka Weepah), NV:
Ram Power
The 7,198-acre Alum
project was drilled in
the 1970s and 1980s by
AMAX Exploration,
Phillips Petroleum, and
O’Brien Resources (46 TG
holes). Geothermometer
temperatures indicate a
30
reservoir temperature up to 225 °C. The maximum
bottom-hole temperature from prior drilling was
118 °C at 454 meters, but geothermometers suggest
higher temperatures at depth (GeothermEx, 2004).
In November 2009, Sierra Geothermal Power (SGP)
completed ground-based MT, airborne ZTEM
surveys, and drilling well 25-29, which reached
126 °C at 620 m. The former SGP was awarded
a $5 million, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
grant with funds to be used at Alum for day/night
thermal-infrared imagery, 3-D resistivity, shallowtemperature surveys, and drilling. Ram Power lists
this project as part of its greater Clayton Valley
project, but like Ram’s Alkali property, it is located
in Big Smoky Valley (figure 3). SGP reported an
estimated 33-68 MWe resource at Alum (Jennejohn,
2010), but Ram Power reported 64 MWe to the
GEA in 2011 (Jennejohn et al., 2011; GEA 2012).
4. Aurora, NV: Gradient Resources (formerly
Vulcan Power)
The Aurora prospect consists of 29,000 acres
in an area of Quaternary basaltic volcanism.
Seventeen temperature-gradient wells indicate
Table 1. Figure 1 data updated to spring 2012. Data from the Annual Power Production and
Development Report, GEA 2012.
Project
Developer
Capacity (MWe)
Res*
PCA*
Phase 1
Lee Hot SpringsEarth Power Resources
32NA
LovelockEarth Power Resources
32NA
Harmon LakeEnel NANA
15-20
Sou HillsMontara EnergyNANA
Naval Air Station-FallonNavy Geothermal Program
5-15NA
Blue Mountain 2Nevada Geothermal PowerNANA
ArgentaOrmat TechnologiesNANA
Brady EGSOrmat TechnologiesNANA
HycroftOrmat TechnologiesNANA
MustangOrmat TechnologiesNANA
QuietaOrmat TechnologiesNANA
Smith CreekOrmat TechnologiesNANA
Pilot PeakOski Energy
20-40NA
Granite CreekU.S. GeothermalNANA
Phase 2
FireballEarth Power Resources
32NA
Fallon-MainNavy Geothermal Program
30NA
Wild RoseOrmat TechnologiesNA
15-20
Florida Canyon Mine**ElectraThermNA
0.05
Coyote CanyonTerra-Gen
80
67
* Res – Resource; PCA – Planned Capacity Addition
** Florida Canyon Mine is planned to be a coproduction facility.
GRC Bulletin l www.geothermal.org
Geothermal
in Nevada
a large geothermal anomaly. A
GeoVision technology survey
identifying thermal anomalies
was completed recently on the
property. Gradient reported an
estimated 132 MWe resource at
Aurora in 2010 (Jennejohn, 2010),
but increased the estimate to 190
MWe in 2011 (Jennejohn et al.,
2011).
Figure 2. Exploration and development projects reported to the GEA by individual
companies (modified from Jennejohn et al., 2011).
5. Baltazor Hot Springs, NV:
Magma Energy
A former KGRA, Baltazor has
the existing 16.7 MWe dual-flash plant. Terrabeen explored in the past by Phillips Petroleum
Gen added a 2.5 MWe (205 °F, bottoming cycle)
and Earth Power Resources. Chemical analyses
facility to its existing power plant in 2012 (GEA
from this boiling spring and adjacent well yield
newsletter).
geothermometer temperatures on the order
of 150 °C-160 °C. No known work has been
Black Warrior, NV: Nevada Geothermal Power
completed recently on the property.
See “North Valley.”
6. Barren Hills, NV: Ram Power
9. Buffalo Valley, NV: Magma Energy
The Barren Hills project spans 5,154 acres
This unexplored prospect on the western
in an area previously explored by Chevron Oil
side of Buffalo Valley has a warm spring and
Company, which drilled 44 TG holes in the late
Quaternary faulting. No known work has been
1970s and early 1980s and conducted various
completed recently on the property.
geological and geophysical studies. The former
Sierra Geothermal Power (SGP) completed
10. Caliente, NV: Gregory Barlow
gravity and airborne ZTEM surveys on the
Geothermal test wells drilled in the area in
property. SGP was acquired by Ram Power in
1983 had reported temperatures of 80 °C in a
2010. Ram considers the project to be unexplored.
pumped well and 97 °C in a nearby monitoring
SGP reported an estimated 46-99 MWe resource
well, both at depths of less than 30 m (Flynn and
at Barren Hills in 2010 (Jennejohn, 2010). Ram
Larson, 1983). A permit has been issued to drill a
Power, who acquired this property, reported a
production hole on the northern end of the town
downgraded-resource estimate of 32 MWe to the
of Caliente.
GEA in 2011 (Jennejohn et al., 2011).
11. Carson Lake, NV: Ormat
7. Beowawe, NV: Magma Energy
A 20 MWe project has been proposed by
Magma’s 1,735 acres are contiguous
Ormat and an EIS is currently in progress
with Terra-Gen Power’s 16.6 MWe dual(Jennejohn, 2010). Exploration drilling is being
flash plant. The Beowawe property reservoir
performed. NV Energy signed a JV agreement
temperature is estimated at 226 °C- 238 °C, from
with Ormat to jointly develop this property
geothermometry. The existing power plant is
adjacent to the Fallon Naval Air Station—if Ormat
producing 205 °C water. The project is in the early
can demonstrate >30 MWe production. The
phases of development.
project is waiting for several EIS’s for continued
development and transmission. As of 2012, Ormat
8. Beowawe, NV: Terra-Gen
reports a planned capacity addition of 20 MWe
Aided by a DOE grant of about $2 M,
(GEA 2012).
Terra-Gen is installing a bottoming cycle to
May/June 2012
31
Geothermal
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Clayton Valley Project, NV: Ram
Power
The Clayton Valley project
encompasses several Ram properties,
with adjacent properties belonging
to the former Sierra Geothermal,
which Ram acquired in 2010. The area
includes Alkali Hot Springs, Pearl Hot
Springs, Weepah (see Alum entry), and
the Montezuma and Silver Peak project
areas. All project areas are located in
Esmeralda County, but not all of them
are located in Clayton Valley (see figure
3). Shallow wells with temperatures
of up to 88 °C have geothermometry
indicating reservoir temperatures up
to 227 °C. Ram estimated up to 160
MWe (GEA 2012) of geothermal power
from the first four combined properties
Figure 3. Ram Power’s “Clayton Valley” project area (in 2011) showing the locations
(minus Silver Peak); however, it
of the five sites that are being developed.
reported 80 MWe to the GEA in 2011
(Jennejohn et al., 2011). Geophysical
revised estimate of 350 MWe to the GEA (GEA
surveys are currently being completed.
2012).
A 32 MWe power plant is expected to be on the
13. Columbus Marsh, NV: Magma Energy
property by 2013. Ram holds a PPA with NV
The 2,560-acre Columbus Marsh Property
Energy and is permitting exploratory drilling for
is
within
the northwest-trending Walker Lane,
2011-12.
which exhibits active dextral oblique-slip of
12. Colado, NV: Gradient Resources (formerly
about four to six millimeters per year. A survey
Vulcan Power)
of playas in the area by the Great Basin Center in
The approximately 13,000-acre Colado project
2010 found evidence of borate crusts, which was
is located 7 miles northeast of Lovelock, Nevada.
interpreted as evidence for a hidden-geothermal
Mariner and others (1983) reported a surface
system. Fluids from the nearby Columbus
temperature of 61 °C and estimated a reservoir
well 2/36 yielded a Na-K-Ca geothermometertemperature of 128 °C and 169 °C using silica and
reservoir estimate of 210 °C. No known work has
Na-K-Ca geothermometers, respectively. This
been completed recently on the property. TGP
blind geothermal system was discovered from
Development Company (an affiliate of Terra-Gen
drilling water wells and mine shafts in the area.
Power) has acquired three lease blocks on the
Vulcan received and returned a $3.8 M DOE grant
southern and eastern sides of Columbus Marsh.
for remotely sensed radiation detection together
14. Contact, NV: Caldera Geothermal
with aerial photography and shallow-temperature
As of early 2012, Caldera is dropping this
surveys. A GeoVision airborne survey identifying
1,920-acre site located in northeastern Nevada.
thermal anomalies, a 50-station MT survey, and
15. Dead Horse NV: Ormat
a 2-D seismic reflection survey were all recently
Ormat completed drilling the first well and
completed on the property. Gradient reported
drilling activity continues for a proposed 20-30
an estimated 121-232 MWe resource at Colado
MWe project.
(Jennejohn, 2010). In 2011, Gradient reported a
32
GRC Bulletin l www.geothermal.org
Geothermal
in Nevada
16. Delcer Buttes, NV: Ram Power
Delcer Buttes was explored by Phillips
Petroleum. Here Ram Power has identified
a thermal-anomaly target using shallowtemperature probes. Ram considers Delcer Buttes
to be an unexplored project, with an estimated
capacity of 32 MWe (Jennejohn et al., 2011).
17. Desert Peak, NV: Ormat
The DOE awarded Ormat about $3.8 M in late
2009 to increase power at its Desert Peak power
plant by attempting EGS stimulation of a noncommercial well (well 15-12). It was drilled as a
production well but was non-commercial based
on poor permeability. Hopes are that favorable
geologic units can be stimulated to increase
permeability.
18. Desert Queen, NV: Magma Energy
The property consists of 10,935 acres of
both BLM and private land. Phillips Petroleum
drilled 12 TG and eight stratigraphic holes in the
Desert Queen area. One of the holes reached a
temperature of 101 °C at a bottom depth of 425 m.
The property got back on the exploration radar
in 2007 when the Great Basin Center ran a pilot
study for the shallow (2 m) temperature-survey
method, which delineated an interesting surfacethermal anomaly. Magma estimates a 36 MWe
inferred resource at the property (Jennejohn et
al., 2011) and in 2010 applied for permits to drill
10 temperature-gradient holes. As of April 2012,
Alterra Power Corporation was noted as the
developer but with no estimated resource capacity
(GEA 2012).
19. Dixie Meadows Comstock, NV: Terra-Gen
Numerous hot springs (called Dixie Hot
Springs) have a reported temperature of 72 °C. A
permit was issued in 2010 to drill two production
wells (8,500' and 10,000') on the property. TerraGen estimates the resource could produce 62
MWe. No update was provided in 2012 for
Terra-Gen, but Ormat reports a planned capacity
addition of 30 MWe (GEA 2012), with the BLM
approving the project in January 2012 (GEA
newsletter).
20. Dixie Valley, NV: Ram Power
A former Sierra Geothermal Power property,
the property reverted to Ram Power during SGP’s
acquisition by Ram in 2010. No information is
available on this 4,478-acre project.
21. Dixie Valley, NV: Magma Energy
The property is located along the range front,
southwest of Terra-Gen’s operating geothermal
power plant. A deep, hot-but-dry production well
exists on the property. No known work has been
completed recently on the property.
22. Dixie Valley, NV: Terra-Gen
Terra-Gen received a $2 M DOE contract to
develop and put on-line the first commercial
use of a supercritical bottoming cycle at its Dixie
Valley power plant using inlet temperatures of
less than ~150 °C. This may augment the 62 MWe
current capacity of the plant. In addition, in 2010
Terra-Gen acquired permits to drill six 10,000
foot deep “observation wells” on the property. A
5.1 MWe expansion is reported by Terra-Gen in
2012 (GEA 2012).
23. Dixie Valley North, NV: Ram Power
A former Sierra Geothermal Power property,
this 14,170-acre property reverted to Ram Power
during SGP’s acquisition by Ram in 2010. No
current information is available for the project.
24. Edna Mountain, NV: Nevada Geothermal
Power (NGP)
This 12-square mile property, just northeast
of NGP’s Pumpernickel Valley property, is a
blind target without associated hot springs. A hot
well on the property has geothermometer values
suggesting a 200 °C resource.
25. Edwards Creek SW, NV: Ormat
The Edwards Creek project encompasses
7,617 acres covering 13 kilometers of the Clan
Alpine Mountains range-front fault. This prospect
is located southwest of Tungsten Mountain
(see no. 68). A gravity survey conducted by
the Standard Steam Trust (SST) during 2008
identified the location of the Clan Alpine fault as
well as a sub-parallel fault that lies basin-ward
of the range-front fault. This sub-parallel fault
may be the more significant of the two faults,
and is believed to be the fault associated with
high-temperature groundwater encountered by
shallow exploration drilling at Edwards Creek
in 2005 and 2006. Six TG core holes are currently
being permitted with the BLM.
May/June 2012
33
Geothermal
in Nevada
26. Fallon, NV: Vista Verde LLC
A permit was issued in 2010 to drill one
production well and one injection well on this
property immediately south of Magma’s Soda
Lake property.
27. Fish Lake Valley, NV: University of Kansas
The University of Kansas received a $2.4 M
DOE grant to complete innovative 2-D and 3-D
seismic studies around the Emigrant, Playa, and
Hot Box geothermal prospects. Esmeralda Energy
reported an estimated resource of 25 MWe for
Fish Lake Valley (Jennejohn, 2010).
28. Gabbs Valley, NV: GeoGlobal Energy LLC
This 18,500-acre property hosts a blind
geothermal system discovered and delineated
in the 1970s. Various geophysical surveys
were performed, including gravity, magnetic,
magnetotelluric, time-domain electromagnetic
(TDEM), Schlumberger soundings, and microseismic surveys, plus TG drilling. GeoGlobal
plans—or has performed—geochemistry, LIDAR,
and structural mapping. A rough heat-in-place
estimate of 20 MWe has been calculated for
the property. GeoGlobal revised the estimate
given to the GEA in 2011 to a large possible
range of 5 to 60 MWe (Jennejohn et al., 2011). No
information was provided by the GEA in 2012 for
this property, suggesting but not confirming the
property may have been dropped.
29. Gerlach, NV: Ram Power
Once a Sierra Geothermal Power property,
this 1,662-acre property reverted to Ram Power
during SGP’s acquisition by Ram in 2010. The
GEA (Jennejohn, 2010) reported the project
is in the early stages of development, with an
anticipated production capacity of between
7 MWe and 15 MWe. In the 2011 report, the
property was listed as a prospect with no MWe
estimate (Jennejohn et al., 2011). Gerlach Power is
listed as a phase 3 project at 25-35 MWe with U.S.
Geothermal; and Kodali, Inc. reports a separate
Gerlach project with a 60 MWe resource capacity
in 2012 (GEA 2012).
30. Granite Springs, NV: Magma Energy
Past geochemical groundwater sampling
34
GRC Bulletin l www.geothermal.org
suggests reservoir temperatures in the 162 °C to
191 °C range. Ormat had investigated this area
but dropped the project.
31. Hawthorne, NV (aka Whiskey Flat):
Oski Energy
AMAX drilled an encouraging well on the
property. Oski has completed soil geochemistry
and a magnetic survey on the property and
has compiled data. Oski reported 25-50 MWe
is anticipated for the project (Jennejohn et al.,
2011) (GEA 2012). Work will commence pending
additional funding.
32. Hawthorne, NV: U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy, along with researchers from
the University of Nevada, Reno, has conducted
shallow-temperature surveys, structural
mapping, geophysics, and drilling over portions
of the U.S. Army Depot lands at Hawthorne.
Work has identified two previously unknown
thermal anomalies, which appear to be blind
geothermal systems. The Navy GPO reported an
estimated resource of 12-25 MWe for the project
area (Jennejohn, 2010). The 2011 GEA report
downgraded the resource estimate to 5-15 MWe
(Jennejohn et al., 2011; GEA 2012).
33. Hazen (Patua), NV: Gradient Resources
(formerly Vulcan Power)
Several production drill rigs were observed
on the ground controlled by Vulcan Power
Company in 2009 and on into 2010. A GeoVision
airborne survey identifying thermal anomalies, a
50-station MT survey, and a 2-D seismic reflection
survey were all completed in 2009-2010 on the
property. Applications were completed to drill
four observation and six production holes on
the property. Gradient held a groundbreaking
ceremony in August 2011 for a 60 MWe power
plant. Gradient reported to the GEA a possible
120 MWe resource at Patua (Jennejohn et al., 2011;
GEA 2012).
34. Hot Pot, NV: Oski Energy
Oski received a DOE innovative exploration
grant of $4.2 M to perform “2.5-D” seismic for
depths usually below that considered amenable
for the process. The company has completed
soil geochemical, gravity, and gravity surveys,
conducted surface mapping, and drilled six
500'-deep temperature-gradient wells. A 3-D
geologic model has been constructed. Two
2,500'-deep slim holes are scheduled to be drilled
Geothermal
in Nevada
when funding is secured. Oski reported and
estimated 30-50 MWe from this partly-ARRA
funded project (Jennejohn et al., 2011; GEA 2012).
35. Hot Sulphur Springs, NV (Tuscarora): Ormat
Ormat reported on Feb. 10, 2010, that it had
signed an agreement to acquire 100% of HSS II
LLC’s interest in Hot Sulphur Springs and to
construct a power plant scheduled to come into
operation in 2012. In 2010, three production
holes were permitted for the property. Field
development is now completed and powerplant equipment is on its way to the site. Ormat
reported an estimated resource of 16-40 MWe
(Jennejohn, 2010). The Tuscarora 32 MWe power
plant was completed in early 2012. Ormat notes
an expansion called Tuscarora 2, yet no capacity is
noted (GEA 2012).
36. Jersey Valley, NV: Ormat
As of February 3, 2011, Ormat’s 15 MWe
Jersey Valley power plant is built and in the
commissioning stage.
37. Lee Allen Hot Springs, NV: Gradient Resources
(formerly Vulcan Power)
The Lee Hot Springs have surface
temperatures of about 88 °C. A shallow well
encountered temperatures of 125 °C. Cation and
silica geothermometer temperatures suggest a
165 °C reservoir. During the late 1970s, the Navy
Geothermal Program Office drilled five,
500-foot geothermal-gradient wells south of Lee
Hot Springs. Gradient Resources reported that the
property may produce 48-115 MWe (Jennejohn,
2010). Gradient upgraded its resource estimate
in 2011 to 145 MWe (Jennejohn et al., 2011; GEA
2012).
38. Mary’s River, NV: Standard Steam Trust (SST)
The Mary’s River project encompasses
34,138 acres of privately and federally owned
land. Geothermal indicators include active hot
springs at the “Devil’s Punchbowl,” tufa mounds,
fossil hot spring terraces, and high bottom-hole
temperatures (173 °C) in deep oil wells in the
basin to the east. Geothermometer (Na-K-Ca)
temperatures range to 200 °C at Cress Ranch and
215 °C at the Devil’s Punchbowl. In 2010, SST
permitted 54 thermal-gradient wells. No estimate
of resource capacity was reported as of April 2012
(GEA 2012).
39. Mary’s River SW, NV: Standard Steam Trust
(SST)
This 10,310-acre project is located southwest of
SST’s Mary’s River project in Elko County, Nevada
(see above). Detailed gravity and seismic data
reveal strong faulting along which hot springs
and warm springs occur. A temperature-gradient
drilling program was completed by AMAX in the
late 1970s and two deep wells have bottom-hole
temperatures of 173 °C at 2,734 m and 148 °C at
2,990 m. No estimate of resource capacity was
reported as of April 2012 (GEA 2012).
40. McCoy, NV: Magma Energy
AMAX performed geophysical, geochemical,
and geological surveys in the area of Magma’s
advanced-stage 11,418-acre McCoy Property in
the late 1970s, and drilled 52 shallow temperaturegradient holes. Well temperatures reached 102 °C
at 500 m and temperature gradients ranged from
28 °C up to 522 °C per kilometer in shallow holes
(Alterra website, May 2012), with the larger
values being unreliable in resource evaluation.
AMAX estimated the area within the 200 °C
isotherm to be more than 30,000 acres. Magma
is the recipient of a $5 M DOE grant at McCoy
to include geophysics, soil gas, and angled TG
holes. Magma reported an estimated resource
of 80 MWe. However no resource estimate was
provided by Alterra Power Corporation in 2012
(GEA 2012).
41. McGee Mountain, NV: Caldera Geothermal
Intermittent fumarolic activity and
hydrothermal alteration led Phillips Petroleum
and Earth Power Resources to examine the
McGee Mountain property in the 1970s and
1980s. Subsequent drilling reached about 120 °C
at 120 m depths, and springs and wells down
the hydrologic gradient have geothermometer
temperatures reaching 200 °C. Caldera received
a $1.6 M DOE grant to perform work on the
property. In 2010, Caldera completed gravity
and hydroprobe surveys of the area. The project
is currently on hold as of early 2012, pending
additional funding.
42. McGinness Hills, NV: Ormat
Surface sinter is exposed in this former goldexploration property in Lander County. Drilling
May/June 2012
35
Geothermal
in Nevada
encountered hot water with high geothermometer
temperatures. Subsequent work by Ormat led to
a November 2009 announcement of a 30 MWe
PPA to furnish power to NV Energy from the
McGinness Hills Geothermal Project. Drilling is
ongoing and the project is in an advanced stage
of equipment manufacturing, as of early 2011.
Ormat reported an estimated resource of 30 MWe
(Jennejohn, 2010; GEA 2012).
43. Montezuma, NV: Ram Power
Part of the Clayton Valley project, Montezuma
is estimated to be a 40 MWe power plant when
completed. Ram Power has a 20-year PPA with
NV Energy to supply power from the collective
Clayton Valley Project properties.
44. Mopung Hills, NV: Magma Energy
No information is available on this project,
which was no longer mentioned on Magma’s
website as of 2011 and has likely been dropped by
2012 with the merger to Alterra.
45. New York Canyon, NV: Gradient Resources
(formerly Vulcan Power)
At least three companies conducted
geothermal-exploratory activities in the area
during the late 1970s and early 1980s, possibly
drawn by a steaming 140' well drilled in 1963.
At New York Canyon, areas of intense alteration
and leaching are associated with the deposition
of silica and other minerals, and soil-geochemical
surveys identified strong structurally controlled
anomalies. Gradient Resources reported an
estimated resource of 27-54 MWe (Jennejohn,
2010).
46. New York Canyon, NV: TGP Development Co.
(affiliate of Terra-Gen Power)
TGP Development Company received a
$14 M DOE grant to demonstrate commercial
EGS techniques. No news on this property. TerraGen reported an estimated resource of 62 MWe
(Jennejohn, 2010). The resource estimate was
increased to 100 MWe in 2011 (Jennejohn et al.,
2011), with a planned resource addition of 80
MWe in 2012 (GEA 2012). The BLM listed New
York Canyon as a priority project in late 2011.
36
GRC Bulletin l www.geothermal.org
47. North Valley, NV (aka Black Warrior):
Nevada Geothermal Power
Formerly called the Black Warrior property,
North Valley is located in T23N, R25E, Section 8
(BLM) plus seven square miles of private land.
Previous drilling has indicated a high-geothermal
gradient and a 128 °C temperature at 552 m depth.
A heat-in-place estimate by GeothermEx (2004)
indicates a 126 MWe/55 MWe, P50/P90 resource.
NGP received a $1.6 M DOE grant to undertake
subsoil and down-hole, gas-geochemical surveys
at Black Warrior. No known work has been
completed recently on the property. NGP reported
and estimated a resource size of 120 MWe in 2011
(Jennejohn et al., 2011), with a planned capacity
addition of 55 MWe (GEA 2012).
48. Panther Canyon, NV: Magma Energy (NGP)
The Panther Canyon Property consists of
11,156 acres of BLM land in Grass Valley in
Pershing County, NV. Exploration by the USGS,
Lawrence Berkeley Labs, Aminoil USA, and Sun
Oil Company included TG drilling, geophysical,
geochemical, and geological surveys. Geophysical
data included gravity, ground magnetics,
magnetotelluric, standard resistivity, bipole­
dipole, dipole-dipole resistivity, P-wave delay,
microearthquake behavior, seismic ground noise,
and active seismic refraction and reflection.
Fifty-eight TG holes were drilled in the vicinity
of Panther Canyon; bottom-hole temperatures
reached 94 °C (http://www.magmaenergycorp.
com/Theme/Magma/files/assets/_pdf/USA%20
Assets/Panther%20Canyon%20ESA%20-%20
Nevada. pdf). No geochemical data on fluids are
available. Magma reported a 34 MWe inferred
resource on the property (Jennejohn et al., 2011).
Patua (see Hazen, no. 33)
49. Pearl Hot Springs, NV: Ram Power
(See Ram Power’s “Clayton Valley” project.)
Sierra Geothermal Power reported an estimated
resource capable of producing 22-45 MWe before
Ram Power took over the project (Jennejohn,
2010). Ram estimates the power plant yet to be
constructed will have a capacity of 40 MWe;
however, Jennejohn et al. (2011) reported it as a
prospect with no estimated resource size.
50. Pumpernickel Valley, NV: Nevada Geothermal
Power (NGP)
Previously drilled wells on NGP’s property
along the western edge of the Pumpernickel
Geothermal
in Nevada
Valley have a maximum measured temperature
of 135 °C, with geothermometer estimates of
150 °C to 218 °C (http://www.nevadageothermal.
com/s/PumpernickelValley.asp). Gravity, seismic,
and thermal gradient surveys have led NGP to
conclude a 15-33 MWe estimate of the property.
In 2010, NGP acquired permits to drill three
observation wells, seven production wells,
and eight injection wells. Nevada Geothermal
estimated a resource capable of producing
15-33 MWe. In April 2012, the resource capacity
estimate was revised to 33 MWe, with a planned
capacity addition of 15 MWe (GEA 2012).
51. Pyramid Lake, NV: Pyramid Paiute Tribe
The Pyramid Lake energy project received
an $8.5 M DOE grant to perform regional stress
analysis, geophysical surveys, and shallow
temperature surveys on the Pyramid Lake
Reservation. Two slim holes were drilled at Astor
Pass in the winter of 2010 -­2011; drilling results
were not available at the time of this writing.
52. Quartz Mountain, NV: Magma Energy
The Quartz Mountain Property is located in
west-central Nevada on the boundary of Nye and
Mineral Counties. The site is about 20 km north
of the town of Gabbs and 5 km east of Nevada
Highway 361. The property hosts two abandoned,
precious-metal mines with underground
workings and abandoned surface equipment and
structures. There is reported extensive alteration
and chalcedonic spring sinter in talus in the area,
though this could be middle Miocene in nature.
No information is available on the project, which
no longer appears on the Magma website.
53. Reese River, NV: Ram Power
Exploration to date at the 6,145-acre Reese
River project includes a total of 57 wells ranging
in depth from 100 to 1,524 meters with recorded
temperatures up to 150 °C. Temperature data
indicate a large thermal anomaly about 10 km
long by about 3 km wide. Five exploration
slim wells were drilled in 2007 between 1,600
feet (488 meters) and 5,400 feet (1,646 meters),
with temperatures near 298 °F (148 °C) (Ram
Power website, May 2012). Geophysical surveys
completed to date include seismic, gravity,
magnetotelluric, and radiometric surveys.
Geological and structural mapping have been
completed and geochemical analyses were
undertaken on soil, water, rock, and vegetation.
In November 2009, Sierra Geothermal Power
completed a program of 10 shallow-exploration
holes totaling 2,140 meters, suggesting the size of
the thermal anomaly is greater than previously
understood. The property reverted to Ram Power
during SGP’s acquisition by Ram in 2010. Before
the acquisition, SGP reported a resource that could
produce between 26 and 58 MWe (Jennejohn,
2010). This property is downgraded to a prospect
in Jennejohn et al. (2011), with no estimate of
resource size. However in 2012, the area was
upgraded to a phase 2 project with a resource
capacity of 40 MWe and planned capacity addition
of 24 MWe (GEA 2012).
54. Rhodes Marsh, NV: Caldera Geothermal
A thermal target was identified through borate
exploration and shallow-temperature surveys
conducted at the site in 2006 by the Great Basin
Center for Geothermal Energy. Caldera currently
(2012) controls 2,730 acres in two geothermal lease
blocks with TGP Development Company (an
affiliate of Terra-Gen Power) controlling a lease
block to the south. TGP’s Sodaville property lies to
the north.
55. Rye Patch, NV: Presco Energy
Presco Energy provides images of the
Rye Patch project on its web page, but no text
describing the project or plans. Presco is the
recipient of a DOE, ARRA award in the amount of
$2.27 M to “… improve technologies used to image
geothermal reservoirs.” Presco will test the new
technology at this project area.
56. Salt Wells, NV: Gradient Resources (formerly
Vulcan Power)
During 2010, Gradient applied to acquire
permits to drill two observation wells and one
production well on the 8,304-acre property. Vulcan
Power completed a Schlumberger/EScan electrical
resistivity survey on this ~15,000-acre property in
2009 and drilled several intermediate- and deepexploration wells. During 2010, Gradient applied
to acquire permits to drill two observation wells
and one production well on the property. No
other information is available about the prospect.
Gradient estimates the resource size to be 60 MWe
(Jennejohn et al., 2011; GEA 2012).
May/June 2012
37
resource size of 24 MWe (Jennejohn et al., 2011).
Geothermal
in Nevada
57. San Emidio, NV: U.S. Geothermal (USG)
USG received a DOE grant for $3.8 M to
explore for large-diameter fractures in and
around San Emidio using a 3-component seismic
survey, PSInSAR, and kinematic structural
modeling. In August 2010, USG received a Special
Use Permit to construct its 8.6 MWe, net, phase 1
plant that will eventually replace the four aging
1.2 MWe converters now generating electricity.
USG reported an estimated total-resource size of
20-25 MWe (Jennejohn, 2010). USG upgraded the
resource size to 44 MWe in 2011 (Jennejohn et al.,
2011) to include both San Emidio 2 and San
Emidio 3 (GEA 2012). San Emidio South (2) is a
power plant module similar to the original unit
and will produce 8.6 MWe by the end of 2012. The
San Emidio North project (3 & 4) is expected to
add 17.2 MWe. The Nevada PUC approved a 19.9
MWe PPA with USG Nevada LLC in January 2012
(GEA Newsletter).
58. Silver Peak, NV: Ram Power
Now part of Ram Power’s Clayton Valley
project, Silver Peak reverted to Ram Power
during Sierra Geothermal Power’s acquisition
by Ram in 2010. Silver Peak was first explored
in the 1970s by Phillips Petroleum Company,
who drilled six temperature-gradient wells in
the area (www.nbmg.unr.edu/Geothermal/site.
php?sid=Silver Peak Hot Springs). Exploration
resumed in 2005 with two more gradient holes
drilled by the property vendor and 10 shallow
TG holes drilled by Sierra Geothermal Power in
November 2009. Geothermal features visible on
the property include geothermal vents, travertinemanganese silica-sinter deposits, fossilized-algae
mats, and complex faulting. Shallow wells with
temperatures of up to 88 °C have geothermometry
indicating reservoir temperatures up to 227 °C.
SGP also completed detailed MT and airborne
Z-tipper Electromagnetic (ZTEM) surveys at
Silver Peak. SGP was awarded a $5 M DOE grant.
Funds are to be used for drilling and exploration
activities on the project, on a 50:50 cost share
basis. SGP reported the project is expected to
produce between 15 and 42 MWe (Jennejohn,
2010), whereas Ram Power reported an estimated
38
GRC Bulletin l www.geothermal.org
59. Silver State, NV: Oski Energy
Oski’s Silver State project is located near
Darroughs Hot Springs in northern Nye County,
Nevada. The springs at Darroughs come out at
or near boiling, and samples from them yield
geothermometer temperatures on the order of
145 °C. Oski has conducted a seismic survey
on the property, but no other information is
available on this project. Oski reported the project
is expected to produce between 25 and 50 MWe
(Jennejohn et al., 2011; GEA 2012).
60. Smoky Valley, NV: Raser Technologies
No information is available on this project.
61. Soda Lake, NV: Ram Power
A former Sierra Geothermal Power property,
this property reverted to Ram Power during
SGP’s acquisition by Ram in 2010. No information
is available on this 924-acre project, and it was no
longer listed by the GEA in 2012.
62. Soda Lake, NV: Magma Energy
Magma received a $5 M DOE grant to
perform sophisticated 3-D seismic surveys on the
property. A production hole, well 45A-33 drilled
in 2009, has been stimulated to produce 3 MWe,
net, of geothermal power. In 2010, Magma
applied for permits to drill seven temperaturegradient wells and three production wells on
the property. Magma reported this upgrade and
expansion project is expected to produce 12 MWe
(Jennejohn, 2010). Alterra Power did not report
any activity in April 2012 (GEA 2012), but notes it
plans to increase plant-generation capacity from
23 to 37 MWe (www.alterrapower.ca/properties/
Operation/default.aspx).
63. Soda Lake East, NV: Magma Energy
This unexplored property lies about 8 km east
of Magma’s producing Soda Lake geothermal
plant. No information is available on the project
and it is listed as an Alterra prospect by the GEA
(2012).
64. Sodaville, NV: Oski Energy
Oski acquired the property during the 2010
BLM lease auction. No work has been performed
here.
65. Sodaville, NV: Terra-Gen
No information is available on this site.
Geothermal
in Nevada
66. Sulphur, NV: Caldera Geothermal
Caldera acquired this 2,560-acre property in
2009. No information is available on this project.
67. Teels Marsh, NV: Caldera Geothermal
In 2008, the Great Basin Center for Geothermal
Energy identified a “blind target” at Teels Marsh
as a likely spot for a geothermal system. A
shallow (2 m) temperature survey uncovered two
thermal anomalies along an active range-front
fault. In 2010, Caldera performed a hydroprobe
survey that found 97 °C and 78 °C water at about
30 m deep under the northern and southern
anomalies, respectively. Cation and silica
geothermometer estimates from water samples
are in the 155 °C to 170 °C range. As of early 2012,
Caldera plans additional work on the property
when funding becomes available.
68. Tungsten Mountain, NV (aka Edwards Creek):
Ormat
The Edwards Creek project encompasses
4,160 acres alongside 9.6 km of the Clan
Alpine Mountains range-front fault. Areas of
hydrothermal alteration occur along the fault,
and boiling water was encountered at shallow
depths in 23 exploration holes drilled by previous
operators. Cation and silica geothermometer
temperatures from well water suggest an
approximate 175 °C reservoir. In 2007, the Great
Basin Center identified a shallow (2m) thermal
anomaly coincident with the location of the hot
wells. Standard Steam Trust (SST) sold its leases
to Ormat, who had completed a detailed gravity
survey showing ~60° southeast dip to the rangefront fault, which would place the reservoir at
feasible depths beneath the leases. In March 2012,
Ormat received approval from the BLM to drill
five intermediate-depth TG holes and a 7,000 foot
exploration well.
Tuscarora (see Hot Sulphur Springs, no. 35)
Tuscarora is the historic name given to this
area by AMAX, although the actual town of
Tuscarora is 17.8 km south (and slightly west) of
Hot Sulphur Springs.
69. Upsal Hogback, NV: Magma Energy
The property lies just north of Magma’s
producing Soda Lake geothermal plant. In 2010
Magma applied to drill two temperature-gradient
holes on the property. No additional information
is available on the project, although it was
transferred to Alterra Power during the merger
with Plutonic Power.
70. Whitehorse, NV: Magma Energy
The Whitehorse Property (1,544 acres in
Pershing and Humboldt Counties, Nevada)
has several surface manifestations indicating
geothermal potential, including siliceous sinter,
hematite/argillic alteration, and warm springs
aligning on probably NNE-striking structures.
Two gas-discharging springs (Little and Big
Alkali Springs) have anomalously high measured
temperatures, varying between 20 °C and 28.3 °C.
In 1981, Phillips Petroleum Company drilled
two temperature-gradient wells (91 m and 166 m
deep) in the southern portion of the currently
leased area. They yielded maximum recorded
temperatures of 57.8 °C and 34.5 °C. Magma
had proposed magnetic, gravity, resistivity,
and seismic surveys, and shallow-temperature
gradient drilling in 2009. However no current
information is available on this project, which no
longer appears on the company website.
References
Flynn, T., and Larson, M.K., 1983, Drilling, Completion, and
Testing of Geothermal Wells CD-1 and CD-2, Caliente,
Nevada. Geothermal Resources Council Transactions, v. 7,
p. 595-600.
Geothermal Energy Association, April 2012. Annual U.S.
Geothermal Power Production and Development Report,
35 p.
GeothermEx, 2004. New Geothermal Site Identification and
Qualification: Report Prepared by GeothermEx, Inc.,
Richmond, CA, for the California Energy Commission
under the Public Interest Energy Research (PIER)
Program. Database and report are at http://www.
geothermex.com/ CEC-PIER_Reports.htm.
Jennejohn, D., April 2011. Annual U.S. Geothermal Power
Production and Development Report, Geothermal Energy
Association, 59 p.
Jennejohn, D., Holm, A. and Gawell, K., 2011. Geothermal
Industry Interim U.S. Market Update, October 22, 2010.
Geothermal Energy Association, 15 p.
Mariner, R.H., Brook, C.A., Reed, M.J., Bliss, J.D., Rapport,
A.L., and Lieb, R.J., 1983. Low-Temperature Geothermal
Resources in the Western United States, in Reed, M.J.,
(Editor), Assessment of Low-Temperature Geothermal
Resources of the United States—1982, USGS Circular 892,
p. 31-50.
Shevenell, L. and Zehner, R., 2011. Recent Exploration
Activity in Nevada—Spring 2011. Geothermal Resources
Council Transactions, v. 35, p. 1009-1016. n
May/June 2012
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