Project Description                                               (page last updated August 17, 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

• 3x 50 to 100MW 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

• 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
• December 2009 - Ram Power announces receipt of a geothermal conditional use permit (CUP) for the Orita I Project
• July 2009 - Ram Power announces that it has signed an agreement with Southern California Edison for the supply of up to 300 MW of power

• 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.