Developer Structure
The land and subsurface rights around the resource are controlled by Ounalashka Corporation, (OC). OC is an Alaska Native Village Corporation formed in 1973 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). OC is a for profit real estate leasing and development company with approximately 500 shareholders.
Chena Power LLC, (CP) is a privately held Fairbanks based entity that installed the first geothermal power plant in the State of Alaska and serves as a demonstration of the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) technology for rural Alaska.
OC, and CP have formed a Partnership, Ounalashka Corp. and Chena Power, LLC (OCCP, LLC). The LLC is 51% owned by OC. OC has leased over 7,000 acres of land and its subsurface rights, surrounding well ST-1, to the LLC for 50 years.
Technology Partner
OCCP in conjunction with Power Engineers and others have arrived at a preferred power plant technology solution and power delivery method. Also, we have arrived at (1) a construction and logistic plant, (2) a Division of Responsibility matrix for all construction participants, (3) project Design criteria, and (4) Class 2/3 estimate for the entire project via competitive bidding.
With these tools we have now written RFP’s and selected contractors for all major scope of work items. Regarding the core technology, Ormat Technologies has won the best value evaluation from a field of four bidders. Final contract negotiations are under way.
Body of prior work substantial and relevant
Over the last 65 years, a significant body of knowledge has been accumulated concerning geotechnical understanding of Unalaska Island, Makushin Volcano and corresponding geothermal resources. The Makushin Geothermal Resource (MGR), scientific and technical literature is rich, rigorous and comprehensive, with almost 100 reports, published papers, documents and maps. The resource is established and no further field delineation is required.
There have been eleven development approaches, some very solid that contain detailed engineering scope and estimates, but they have all failed to put together a winning combination of technical and business acumen to succeed – even when, seemingly, all parties involved wanted the project to succeed.
Our team has developed white papers that condense and summarize past studies and development schemes. The purpose of those white papers is to provide the basis to solve the enigma by creating a scientific basis for development of a successful business approach.
The body of work associated with the Makushin Geothermal Project (MGP) is valuable and substantial and will eliminate cost and time from the project’s development.
