KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) — Oregon’s first geothermal power plant using a low-temperature turbine system has been dedicated in Klamath Falls.
The Oregon Institute of Technology, which has long tapped geothermal energy for heating and teaches courses in the technology, dedicated the plant on Tuesday.
The plant draws hot water from a well in the ground. While the water is below the boiling point, it is hot enough to make a refrigerant boil, and that powers a conventional turbine. The electricity goes to the campus.
The City of Klamath Falls plans to build a similar power plant with the help of federal stimulus money. The federal funding is supporting research to make geothermal energy a bigger part of the nation’s renewable energy mix.
