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
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| Caption: Paulina Peak in Central Oregon. | |
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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.
[End of article]Generic ecologically-correct response:
"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."
Mary Jane Newton and Brian Boe worked hard to save Newberry Crater from development over several decades. I certainly hope this is very well considered before any more development is carried out. Yes, ask any geologist or better yet, volcanologist and he/she will tell you that geothermal energy puts out tons of CO2 emissions as well as sulphur, ammonia and many other noxious gases.
Comment By Justin, 5-29-08Although the sustainable option is to conserve energy by reducing demand, I think this is a good approach. And it is most responsible to exhaust other less intrusive options as well. Assuming this is done, residents of Oregon may need to sacrifice a little for a lot. Geothermal energy generally produces 5% of the emissions produced by fossil fuel plants and may be as little as .1%.
Me thinks this a classic example of NIMBY.
it is very good. i like it.
Comment By kiny, 6-12-08http://www.okayplayer.com/component/option,com_myblog/show,Lupe-Goes-Gold.html/Itemid,146/
Comment By vanessa, 7-21-08Our Gov, Ted K, along with the unfortunate majority of oregonians cant seem to use thier brains when it comes to energy! lets see here cut a hole in our mountain destroy that areah, run lines and eqp. and roads trough, all so we can i mean they can sell the energy to whoever they want and tell us what ever they want we wont see a one dollar advantage on our elect.,bills. Its always abought money period. they will make a killing on this project same as always and we wont be allowed on that side of the mountian courtesy of our government. I say no way leave it alone,12 volt solar systems are cheep,maybe tax insentive?
Comment By vanessa, 7-21-08why not introduce real solutions when it comes to energy we have awsome battery tec. solar could be utalized if we werent retarded and our gov. stops being gangsters. i mean google energy solutions theres alot out thier! If 1 outa every four people in oregon used a solar system and did it wright with motor home style lighting i think thats dc,anyway we would be 25% less dependent on energy period statewide. Note to Gov. buy back battery tec from oil comps,introduce solar system tax insentives,change building code for this purpose,think outside your money box ,and please leave our lands free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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