A geothermal experiment deep in Newberry Volcano south of Bend won’t start until next week, not this week, as was planned.
AltaRock Energy of Seattle intended to start cracking hot rock thousands of feet within the volcano this week, but the project is delayed while the company waits for a replacement part for temperature sensing equipment, company spokesman Dave Stowe said Wednesday. The experiment northeast of La Pine on the Deschutes National Forest is now set to start early next week.
The company intends to open up tiny cracks within the volcanic rock by pumping cold water down a 10,000-foot well, possibly creating a geothermal source, company officials have said. Water will come from a nearby groundwater well.
— From staff reports