Geothermal Power Production
The Gold Beneath Central Oregon
If Oregon is planning to garner 25 percent of its energy use from renewable sources by 2025, as is the plan created by Gov. Ted Kulongoski, then it needs to tap into areas such as Newberry Crater near Bend.By Joseph Friedrichs, 5-29-08
 |
|
 | |
| Paulina Peak in Central Oregon. | |
|
If the West is truly going to make a difference in America’s pursuit for renewable energy, those concerned with protecting every tree, every body of water and every parcel of land from Denver to Portland must step aside and allow certain methods of research and development to begin.
A perfect example of this lies below the Newberry Crater near Bend. Heralded as one of the best geothermal resources in the world, the fiery mother lode resting beneath the caldera could produce enough electricity to light up 80,000 homes in the West (okay, in California).
Geologists and modern-day miners have been researching the potential for renewable energy at Newberry Crater for more than 30 years. Outrageous financial costs to dig in the area and environmental concerns have always been a road block in tapping into Newberry.
Until now.
Davenport Power, a young renewable-energy company, began exploratory drilling on the volcano’s western flank in April, and by year’s end, executives should know whether there’s a sufficient brew of heat and water in deep underground fissures to justify full-on pursuit, the Oregonian reports today.
This is a good thing. Currently, Davenport Power has one drill rig at a 5-acre forest clearing. It has plumbed to 4,000 feet and should know soon if it is worth constructing a full-scale operation. As it stands now, Oregon does not have a large scale geothermal power plant. If the state is planning to garner 25 percent of its energy use from renewable sources by 2025, as is the plan created by Gov. Ted Kulongoski, then it needs to tap into areas such as Newberry.
It’s possible that such a project could release toxic fumes into the air and degrade wildlife and forests. And there’s no doubting that visitors to Paulina Peak, located near the current drill site, would see geothermal operations as well as transmission lines running from the operation.
The closest developed recreation site near the drill area is Paulina Lake Campground, located about two and a half miles away. Two of Central Oregon’s most popular lakes, Paulina and East, also rest in the caldera. The lakes are very popular for fishermen, hikers, boaters and campers. The most common debate regarding geothermal development in Newberry is that it’s “a very treasured place.” Even those in favor of renewable energy have said Newberry “isn’t the appropriate place” to tap.
If Oregon wants to follow through with its push for renewable energy it needs to start tapping into areas such as Newberry. You know that saying, “If you want to make an omelet you’ve got to break a few eggs,” it applies to this situation. There’s a whole ocean of energy beneath our feet here in Central Oregon, and it’s time to start making it a part of Kulongoski’s plan.
Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.
Comments
"Renewable energy is vital for our children. We must find and develop geothermal for a sustainable, just, diverse tomorrow. But not here. This place is too precious."
Even more generic:
"_____________" is vital for our children. We must find and develop "______________" for a sustainable, just, diverse tomorrow. But not "________________." _____________is too precious."
Me thinks this a classic example of NIMBY.