Nevada Geothermal Power Inc. has received two cost share grants worth $3.4 million from the Department of Energy for two of its geothermal projects in Oregon and Nevada.

In July, the company submitted proposals under a funding opportunity announcement for cost sharing grants that are available for exploration and drilling under the geothermal technologies program of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.

Brian Fairbank, president and chief executive of Nevada Geothermal Power, said the grant, which they will match one for one, will be sufficient to undertake confirmation drilling to demonstrate both projects’ viability.

Nevada Geothermal Power received more than $1.8 million in funding for the Crump Geyser geothermal project, located in Warner Valley in Lake County, Oregon. The project has a minimum capacity of 40 megawatts and may likely reach up to 60 MW.

The company also received $1.6 million for its Black Warrior geothermal project in Washoe and Churchill Counties, Nevada. The project is estimated to produce up to 37 MW of renewable energy.

Aside from its Crump Geyser and Black Warrior projects, Nevada Geothermal Power also owns a 100 percent leasehold interest in the 49.5-MW Blue Mountain project and the 30-MW Pumpernickel project, both located in Nevada. All four geothermal projects are expected to generate a total of approximately 200 MW.

The company, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, said it will lay out plans for new geothermal projects in the coming months.

-   Natassia Y. Laforteza