Where does Geothermal exist?
Geothermal systems, particularly hydrothermal resources, are a regional resource more commonly found in the western United States, and other regions of the world where tectonic activity exists. This activity is often revealed through young mountain ranges and volcanic activity. In the USA, the western states of California, Oregon, Nevada, Washington and Utah have the greatest geothermal potential.

Why is geothermal important to the US?
With our reliance on fossil fuels and rising oil and gas prices, the US faces increasing energy supply challenges. Geothermal is one of the few renewable energy sources to deliver highly reliable baseload electricity with availabilities of 90%-98%, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Geothermal power generation is independent of weather influences, like drought or heat waves.

Why is a volcano often a good resource for geothermal energy production?
A volcano is formed due to movement of underground magma and plate tectonics. The magma heats rocks and the water naturally present in the surrounding geologic formations. Some of this water is pressurized in the rock layers below the volcano and its flanks. Worldwide, caldera-hosted geothermal systems are often productive from permeable flank fault zones and from central sub-volcanic features. .

Why does Davenport Newberry believe its leases are in a good location?
Combined results from geophysical data and deep exploratory drilling show that the west flank of Newberry Volcano may overlay a commercial-temperature resource. Based on extensive geophysical surveys, scientists from US government agencies have identified areas within the caldera containing steam. They expect that areas of the Davenport Newberry leases on the west flank also contain commercial quantities of steam that could fuel a geothermal power plant.

What is the environmental status of Newberry Volcano?
The area within Newberry Crater is the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. The monument scope covers the territory inside the caldera and additional lands to the northwest. Outside the caldera, geothermal exploration and production is permitted in defined areas.

How is a geothermal plant environmentally responsible?
It has almost zero emissions, occupies comparatively little land and is water friendly. It has low visibility compared to other power plants and it is truly renewable because most of the water is re-injected into the ground. It offsets millions of tons of CO2 per year.

How much electricity can be produced from the leases?
Based on other geothermal production fields, the geothermal leases at Newberry may be capable of producing several hundred megawatts of power.

What economic benefits does the Newberry Project bring to the local community?
During exploration, development and construction activity at Newberry, the project will provide jobs for a number of companies and individuals. For the operating phase of geothermal power plants, the project will employ at least 30-60 individuals. In addition, once plants are operational, they will bring significant revenue to Deschutes County and Oregon through royalty payments and taxes

Pictures made possible by the Geothermal Education Office, Tiburon, CA