Project Description                                          (page last updated November 15, 2010)

The Orita Project is located in California's Imperial Valley.  The Imperial Valley is situated within an area that marks the transition between two major geologic provinces, with the San Andreas fault system to the north and sea floor spreading to the south, producing local areas of thin crust which provide enhanced permeability for development of geothermal systems.  It is estimated that the region has a potential geothermal capacity of 22,000 MW.

In July of 2009, Ram Power announced an agreement with Southern California Edison Company for the supply of up to 300 MW of clean, geothermal power.  Geologic modeling, gravity, magneto-telluric and seismic testing have been completed and drilling is currently underway. 

Project Highlights

• 3 x 50 to 100 MW power plants in development in the Imperial Valley of Southern California
• 20 year PPA in place with a major California utility with 10 year renewal options
• Potential for Federal Investment Tax Credit Cash Grant
• Access to Imperial Irrigation District power grid

• April 2011 Orita #4 well was drilled to a depth of 14,325 feet and initial flow testing shows fluid entries at 10,100 feet and 11,500 feet with 555°F measured at 12,430 feet under flowing conditions. Typically wells with similar flowing temperature and flow rate are considered viable for commercial power generation. Management estimates the capacity of the well to be approximately 4 MW.
• November 2010 - Orita #2 is currently being re-drilled to a depth of up to 14,000 ft. to test known zones of high permeability
• September 2010 - Orita #3 is completed to the targeted depth, however, the perforated liner was damaged during installation and testing could not be successfully completed.  The impact of the damage is currently being assessed
• August 2010 - Orita #3 is expected to be completed and tested in the later part of August 2010
• July 2010 - Drilling commences on Orita Well #3
• July 2010 - Drilling of Orita #2, intended to test potential production zones to 10,400 feet, is suspended at 9,267 feet, lined, cleaned and tested.  Although desired temperature and chemistry is achieved, the well will be re-drilled in September 2010 to the intended 10,400 foot zone to enhance permeability
• April 2010 - Ram Power commences the Orita drilling program starting with Orita Well #2

• Heber
  • 65 Commercial Wells, no dry holes
  • 1 well lost during drilling
• East Mesa
  
  • 94 Commercial Wells 
  • 6 wells abandoned for various mechanical issues
• Salton Sea (post 1988)
  • 48 Commercial wells, one dry hole 
  • 3 wells abandoned for various mechanical issues
• Conclusion:
  • With quality well construction, 95% of wells are successful and remain as useful assets in excess of 20 year useful life.