Reno in Hot Water

Galena 3 will be dedicated next Monday, it is the newest geothermal plant at the Steamboat complex on the Mt. Rose highway. This is one of Ormat Technologies 7 geothermal plants that could power the needs of all of Reno's residential needs. Nevada has a vast amount of geothermal fields and the hot springs at Steamboat was tapped decades ago by competing interest but has been acquired in the last 5 years by Ormat technologies, a publicly traded independent power producer.

Galena 3 can produce 100 megawatts of power with one megawatt being able to supply 800 homes. The steam is sitting 1000 to 2000 ft. below the surface with the water currently at 300 degrees. Right now there is a good balance of using the water and returning it to the steam fields at 200 degrees which will ensure long term viability for the lucrative Sierra Pacific power contracts. Sierra Pacific power is the main customer for power generated by the geothermal fields which is mandated by the state to have at least 20% of its power by renewable sources by 2015.

This is great news for the Reno Real estate market and the future power needs of the residents here in Reno and Sparks. As a Realtor In Reno I applaud the efforts of the state to get away from fossil based sources of energy and move toward clean renewable steam as a viable alternative.

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