PUMPERNICKEL, Nev., Jan. 8 Sierra Geothermal Power Corp. announced three new thermal gradient wells at its site in Nevada's Pumpernickel Valley.A temperature survey and seismic survey are planned for the Pumpernickel, Nev., geothermal power project. As soon as the proper permits are received, work is expected to begin. The surveys are the last stages of exploration required prior to drilling a deep production assessment well.Sierra, the renewable energy company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, hopes the drilling and geophysical survey will enhance their understanding of the characteristics of the Pumpernickel geothermal reservoir.Widespread geothermal fluids are being brought to the surface at the hot spring sites, demonstrating the potential for an electricity-grade geothermal resource. Combined data from the previously drilled wells define the outline of the field. The geothermal gradients increased near the bottom of the holes, a company release said.According to David Blackwell, a geothermal heat flow expert, the Pumpernickel site is one of the top geothermal prospects in Nevada. The exploration program is operated by Nevada Geothermal Power Inc. and Sierra has an option to acquire a 50 percent interest in the Pumpernickel Geothermal Project from Nevada Geothermal Power.Sierra Geothermal has 15 projects in its a portfolio, all in various stages of development.Geothermal is considered the least polluting of energy sources, though it is still too expensive to be commercially viable.Copyright 2007 by UPI
