The plant is the second to occupy the site. The older 3.6-megawatt (4,800 hp) plant, originally known as the Empire Geothermal Plant, which was sold by Empire Geothermal Power LLC to U.S. Geothermal Inc. in 2008,[4] was commissioned in 1987. Phase I of the reconstruction added an 8.6-megawatt (11,500 hp) generator.[2][3][5][6]
In January, 2020, the BLM initiated an environmental assessment concerning a possible new 40-megawatt (54,000 hp) power plant, substation, as many as 25 geothermal and injection wells, a 7.5 mile above ground pipeline and a 58 mile long power line terminating in Fernley, NV.[7] The powerline will parallel an existing 500kV line and use existing access roads.[7]
Future expansions
Phase II (Initially planned for 3Q 2013)[6] (2020)[7]
