Sand problem slowing Ormat’s North Brawley project

In Nevada, a recent conference call on Ormat Technologies’ third quarter earnings report also revealed that a solution may be at hand that will put the company’s North Brawley, California project back on track. The project, which was to have begun operation by the end of 2008, has been plagued by the presence of large quantities of sand at the site, which blocks the wells. However, a successful test was carried out three months ago designed to remove the sand from the water at the site. If successfully implemented, the power station will be operational by the first half of 2010. Ormat’s East Brawley – stalled by a dispute over water – site is said to have similar geology.