The MOU establishes the framework for a PPA that includes a 15-year term for up to 50 megawatts of power generation each year. The MOU includes a project power price that is competitive with the prevailing energy prices in the region. As published by Guatemala"s wholesale market administrator, this year"s average monthly spot power price through September is more than 145.00 per megawatt-hour. Several conditions precedent must be met before the PPA becomes effective including confirming the geothermal reservoir by an independent reservoir engineer, obtaining all required permits and authorizations, and securing a project finance commitment.
Daniel Kunz, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Geothermal Inc., said, "This MOU is the framework for a PPA that will provide the necessary conditions to secure long term project finance and create attractive project economics. El Ceibillo is an important energy project that will expand Guatemala"s use of renewable energy and lessen its dependence on imported fossil fuels."
El Ceibillo is an advanced stage geothermal prospect located within a 24,710 acre (100 square kilometers) energy rights concession area, and is located near a major transmission line in an industrial area approximately 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) southwest of Guatemala City, the largest city in Central America. Nine wells were drilled at El Ceibillo during the l990"s, to depths ranging from 560 to 2,000 feet (170-610 meters). Six of the wells have measured temperatures of 365^0F to 400^0F (185^0C to 204^0C). These six wells have high conductive thermal gradients that indicate rapidly increasing temperatures with depth.
By re-entering and deepening several existing wells, and drilling new ones, the Company"s planned exploration program targets a deeper, higher-permeability reservoir with an expected production temperature between 410^0F to 446^0F (210^0C to 230^0C). An initial 25-megawatt power plant utilizing double flash steam technology is planned. The project is currently expected to achieve production in late 2015, subject to successful drilling and financing."
