BLM Authorizes Pearl Geothermal Energy Project in Southwestern Nevada
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BATTLE MOUNTAIN, Nev. — Using an accelerated 14-day environmental review process, the Bureau of Land Management has authorized the Pearl Geothermal Development Project on BLM-managed public lands in Esmerelda County. The project will generate approximately 60 megawatts of geothermal electricity which, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, is enough energy to power nearly 50,000 homes. Geothermal and other energy developed on BLM-managed public lands boosts Nevada’s economy by $2 billion annually.
With the environmental assessment now complete under emergency permitting procedures, the BLM is working with Ormat Nevada Inc. to finalize the authorizing permits for the project. Once issued, Ormat may begin construction of the authorized project consisting of two 30-megawatt air-cooled binary geothermal power plants, along with associated wells and facilities and a 29-mile, 120-kilovolt electrical transmission line. Maximum disturbance for the project will be 1,257 acres of public lands. Disturbed construction areas, when no longer needed, will be restored as close as practicable to pre-construction conditions.
Additional details about the project are available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, contact the BLM Battle Mountain District Office at 775-635-4000.
The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.