Due to concerns over increased seismic activity Federal regulators have halted an attempt to by AltaRock to conduct an experimental drilling technique at the Geysers in Sonoma.The Feds believe the type of drilling proposed may produce more seismic activity in an area already seismically active.
The experimental drilling involves drilling into bedrock and cracking the rock to release heat stored below. Upon release of the heat, water would be injected into the cracks and the heat would then superheat the water into steam. AltaRock Energy would then sell the steam to geothermal operators for the production of electricity.
In 2008 AltaRock was awarded a 6 million dollar grant for the expansion of renewable energy but at this time the Department of Energy is withholding funding. Upon the successful completion of further study funds will be released. Jim Turner, VP with AltaRock states the company anticipates no problems and the project is moving forward as planned.
The concerns about the drilling being performed at the Sonoma Geysers stems from a similar project conducted in Switzerland in 2006 which triggered a powerful earthquake. AltaRock’s permit to fracture further bedrock has been suspended by the Bureau of Land Management until the results of further studies are completed.
A spokesman for the BLM reports they are going to have to take a look at what happened in Switzerland and see if it could possibly happen here. When the results are complete we will proceed with AltaRock’s application.
All through the hoopla AltaRock continues with preliminary project details and foresees that the Geysers will be producing steam around 2010. Company spokesman stated they don’t anticipate any problems or delays with the project and all information requested by the various agencies has been provided.
With 22 electric plants in operation to date, the Geysers have been providing power to Sonoma and Lake county residents for over 50 years. The Geysers is the largest geothermal operation worldwide. Today the plants provide enough electricity to power over three-quarters of a million homes and businesses.
For more information about Sonoma county and its rich wine producing country visit our webpage; Sonoma Valley Wine Tours.
