Green energy projects can still face obstacles

BOISE – Companies looking to tap into the state’s alternative energy sources should consider the possible obstacles, the director of Idaho’s Office of Energy Resources says.

“There are real issues out there that can thwart any project,” Paul Kjellender said. “If we wait until after there’s been millions of dollars of project money spent, it makes it difficult to take a corrective step.”

One example of an alternative energy plan running into a problem is a proposed geothermal development in western Idaho in an area where state officials want to build a dam.

A Colorado-based company called Agua Caliente drilled wells 12 miles west of Weiser as part of a plan to produce up to 179 megawatts by tapping into the underground hot water.

The company paid nearly $1.5 million in 2007 to lease an area the U.S. Department of Energy identified as one of the most promising places in Idaho to tap into geothermal energy.

But then the Idaho Water Resource Board renewed a plan to build a dam on the Weiser River, which would flood the site.

The company asked the board to scrap the plan. But David Tuthill, director of the state Department of Water Resources, said he doubts flooding the area would harm the underground resource, and that the geothermal project could benefit with access roads and transmission lines.

Tuthill said he has met with officials from Agua Caliente, the Bureau of Land Management and Kjellender. “We are moving forward with the idea of a mutually beneficial project,” he said.

Trying to tap wind energy has also become problematic for companies in southern Idaho.

Renewable Energy Systems America Developments has proposed a 185-turbine wind farm, called China Mountain, on 9,000 acres between Twin Falls and Jackpot, Nev.

Dave Parrish, a regional supervisor with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, was demoted after state lawmakers complained about a letter he wrote in the Times-News of Twin Falls, in which he said the project would harm sage grouse, mule deer, antelope and other species.

Another wind farm has been proposed in eastern Idaho by Ridgeline Energy, which wants to put up 150 turbines on 20,000 acres along a popular recreation area called Wolverine Canyon.

Neighbors are fighting the project amid concerns the turbines could mar scenic views.

Developers of alternative energy say obstacles can be overcome by avoiding wildlife habitat and making sure opponents don’t have grounds to stop projects.

“Responsible developers are anticipating those conflicts so they avoid them,” said Rich Rayhill, Ridgeline Energy vice president. “That’s just good business. If you don’t do that, they’ll stop you in court.”