California to benefit from Nevada's geothermal energy

California and Nevada are nation's leaders in geothermal energy development. California is, of course, more power hungry market as compared to Nevada and the Wild Rose geothermal power plant in Mineral County, Nevada which should become operational by the end of this year should provide power to neighboring California.

The total output of this geothermal power plant is expected to be around 16 MW, and the power produced from it is agreed to be sold to Southern California Public Power Authority under a 20-year agreement. The selling price is already agreed at a very competitive $99 per megawatt hour with no annual escalation.

There were also some reports which stated that in years to come geothermal power produced in this plant could serve as a replacement for coal power LADWP receives from the Intermountain Power Plant in Utah, thus giving a state more environmentally friendly energy option.

The transmission line on NV Energy’s transmission system, through which geothermal power will be transferred, is expected to become fully operational by the end of this year with the the construction of the new 500 kV One Nevada Transmission Line that will connect service areas in both northern and southern Nevada.

The adequate transmission system is one of the key factors in enabling incorporation of new renewable resources in state and nation's energy portfolio. More geothermal energy instead of coal and other fossil fuels is certainly a good news for our environment, especially in the wake of looming climate change threat.