The world’s first commercial geothermal-hydro hybrid power plant
The Cove Fort Hybrid Plant was a major milestone in the geothermal industry, being the world’s first utility-scale project to successfully combine geothermal with hydropower technology. Located in Beaver County, Utah, it is a medium-enthalpy geothermal plant that uses innovative binary cycle technology. The installed capacity is 25 MW and can generate up to 160 GWh of energy output each year while avoiding CO2 emissions of around 115,000 tons annually.
The technology has now been integrated across the company’s two other geothermal sites both located in Nevada: Stillwater and Salt Wells. Stillwater was awarded by the Geothermal Energy Association for its triple energy solution that combines solar photovoltaics, thermal solar and geothermal to improve efficiency and streamline operations.
Technology
Hybrid - Geothermal and Hydroelectric
Status
Operative
Capacity
25 MW
Energy production
160 GWh annually
CO2 emissions avoided
115,000 tons annually
Electricity equivalent
14,000+ US households annually
Milestones
Community Impact
Enel Green Power invests in the sustainability of its host communities and identifies areas to create shared value with local partners. As part of its local engagement around Cove Fort, Enel has invested in STEM education programs through organizations including Beaver County 4H and Utah State University.
Enel partners with Utah FORGE for geothermal-focused STEM education initiatives in Beaver County, using creative instructional methods like a song contest to engage students in the world of renewable energy. More initiatives as part of this partnership are in development.