A joint venture between Paris-based investor Meridiam and Reykjavik Geothermal has just launched a tender for the world’s fourth largest geothermal energy scheme.
Tulu Moye Geothermal is looking for contractors and engineers to build the 50MW first phase of a $2bn, 520MW plant near a volcano in the Ethiopian Rift Valley that has been studied by the Reykjavik Geothermal’s team and Ethiopian scientists.
The aim is to find an engineer to drill about 10 production wells, as well as two injection wells. It will then build a steam collection and injection system as well as a water-cooled condensing steam plant. Finally, it is planned to build an electricity substation and a 230kV transmission line to connect the plant to the grid.
Reykjavik Geothermal engineer Thor Leifur in Tulu Moye (RG)
The company selected for the first phase of the Tulu Moye geothermal project will also have the opportunity to negotiate a contract for the maintenance and operation of the future plant.
The largest geothermal energy producer in the world is the Geysers Complex near San Francisco, which produces 1.5GW, followed by the 770MW Lardarello Complex in Italy and the 720MW Cerro Prieto Station in Mexico.
Top image: The Ethiopian Rift Valley (Dreamstime)
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