New drilling started at Neal Hot Springs

In Oregon, U.S. Geothermal has started development drilling at the Neal Hot Springs Geothermal Project. Well NHS-5, the first well in this new program, is currently drilled to 300 ft and ultimately expected to reach about 2,800 ft. At that depth, the well is expected to tap a large aperture fracture containing geothermal fluid. Two drill pads and up to three large diameter wells are planned. Trinity Drilling of Gillette, Wyoming has been contracted to drill the wells. In addition, a temperature gradient program, made up of up to 9 small-diameter wells reaching about 500 feet was initiated the first week of September 7. This program will acquire field data in order to better understand the full geothermal resource potential at the sire.