Construction Contract Agreement for Makushin Geothermal Project
Makushin Volcano.
Makushin Geothermal Project
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OCCP, the joint venture of Ounalashka Corporation and Chena Power, agreed with Ormat Technologies on terms to advance the 36 MW power plant drawing heat from Makushin Volcano. Ormat Technologies is a Nevada-based company that has built more than 190 power plants around the world, specializing in alternative and geothermal energy sources.
“The Ormat EPC contract is by far the largest and most technically complex part of the overall project,” says OCCP President Bernie Karl. “Having secured a fixed result contract in this important area of the project is indeed an important milestone.”
Karl adds that Ormat received OCCP’s intent to award the contract after an international competition.
Ormat previously explored geothermal leases purchased in 2008 at Mount Spurr, west of Anchorage, but a 4,000-foot well could not find the temperatures required to generate power.
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“We cannot be more pleased to have concluded our contract negotiations and have Ormat as an official team partner and key player,” says Ounalashka Chairman Vince Tutiakoff.
Ormat is recognized globally for developing state-of-the-art, environmentally sound power solutions. Among Ormat’s core competencies are design, manufacture, and supply of geothermal power generating equipment.
The Makushin Geothermal Project would tap heat from a volcano 14 miles west of the City of Unalaska. A power purchase agreement signed in August 2020 with the City of Unalaska guarantees payments for thirty years.
Karl’s Chena Power grew out of his efforts to develop geothermal energy at his Chena Hot Springs resort. His company teamed up with Ounalashka Corporation to form OCCP, giving the village corporation 51 percent of OCCP in exchange for a 7,000-acre land grant.
Karl had hoped to generate first power from Makushin by November 2023, but the announcement of the EPC does not include a target date.
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