Feb 3 2010
Sierra Geothermal Power has undertaken a number of geothermal power projects. Some of the projects include the Silver Peak project, the Reese River project, the Tier 1 project and Barren Hills project.
The Silver Peak project, undertaken by Sierra Geothermal Power, covers a total area of about 32 square kilometers. The exact location of the project is in Esmeralda County in Nevada and is at a 240 kilometer distance from Las Vegas. Also included in the area leased by Sierra Geothermal Power is a substation and two 55 kV transmission lines. Geothermal activity and exploration first began in the Silver Peak project in the 1980s. In 2005, Sierra Geothermal Power resumed exploration by drilling two gradient holes in the area. Some of the evident and visible geothermal properties of this area include fossilized algae mats, vents and coplex faulting.
Wells in depths less than 21 meters with a maximum temperature of 75 degree Celsius are also found at the Silver Peak project undertaken by Sierra Geothermal Power. The geothermometers utilized in the area provide evidence that temperatures may go up to 200 or 230 degree Celsius. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in 2008, presented Sierra Geothermal Power with a positive environmental assessment decision on the basis of the exploration and drilling work carried out by them.