Cove Fort – Binary Power Plant

Abstract

Enel Green Power acquired the rights to the Cove Fort geothermal project in 2007. In the past, the project contained an both an operational flash power plant and Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) equipment, however, over time, the steam resource diminished. Through extensive work, Enel Green Power was able to convert the well field into a sustainable, liquid dominated geothermal resource. Additionally, the challenges of a changing power market and the approaching termination of the ITC cash grant provided a unique set of hurdles for the project to be economically attractive. These hurdles were overcome through a collaboration with Ormat Technologies; coordinating a disciplined power plant design and project execution which resulted in the project meeting its expected performance, deadlines and budget. Today, the Cove Fort geothermal power plant is operating above expectations and has proven, once again, that geothermal power is a sustainable and effective solution for today, and the future.