Heber Binary Project Binary Cycle Geothermal Demonstration Power Plant

Abstract

Recognizing the desirability of demonstrating the operation of a commercial scale, binary cycle, geothermal power plant, San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) has formed a consortium consisting of three California utilities, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), and the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out the Heber Binary Project. The overall goal of the Project is to establish the economics and proved the operational viability of the binary cycle geothermal power plant. The Project has progressed through the conceptual and preliminary engineering phases, and completed such major milestones as receipt of major state and local regulatory approvals, execution of a contract for purchase of geothermal heat, and award of the turbine generator contract. System design has been finalized, and the assembly of the plant design into construction packages is underway. In addition to the progress of engineering, and estimate encompassing the engineering, equipment, construction, startup and Project management costs, as well as the cost for geothermal heat and plant O&M for a two year plant demonstration period has been prepared for the DOE.