Geothermal

In 2010, Enbridge made an investment in geothermal energy, which derives heat from beneath the earth's surface and uses it for power generation. This expansion of our renewable portfolio contributes to the North American shift to a green energy production mix.

Enbridge Inc. owns a 20 percent interest in the Neal Hot Springs Geothermal Project, currently under construction in eastern Oregon. Once it is completed in late 2012, it will produce 35 megawatts (MW) of emissions-free power (23 MW net).

The project is being developed by U.S. Geothermal Inc., which will also construct and operate the facility. The project will inject water below the earth's surface, pushing hot water up through a production well and converting it into steam through a turbine to generate electricity. The water then will then be re-injected back into the ground.

Once it begins commercial operation, Neal Hot Springs will deliver electricity to the Idaho power grid under a 25-year power purchase agreement. The annual yield for the project will be about 191,000 megawatt-hours, enough to power about 17,500 homes.