The latest round of geothermal energy leases in Nevada has attracted US$4.83mn in bids, according to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
Successful developers in the round included Ormat, and Invenergy, which secured the highest number of land parcels with 10 in total.
In all, the BLM auction saw bids accepted on 59 parcels in the US state, covering some 186,641 acres of land.
The parcels are located Lyon, Churchill, Mineral, Humboldt, Esmerelda, Lander, Nye, Eureka, Lincoln and White Pine counties.
Ormat Nevada was named high bidder on eight parcels, followed by Desert Valley Land Company, Glovate, Navram Resources and Dudley Land Company.
Other successful bidders included United Minerals and Mining, Skyladder Capital, Castor Renewables, Hexagon Development, Thomas E. Jennings, TLS Geothermics Corp, Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals Inc, Contralto Energy, MRP Development and Christopher L Martin.
“Geothermal lease sales support domestic energy production and American energy independence, while contributing to the nation’s economic and military security,” a BLM statement read after confirmed the results.
Leasing is the first step in the process to develop these geothermal resources.
“Expanding reliable domestic energy production is essential to strengthening America’s energy dominance, driving economic development and making life more affordable for American families,” said BLM Nevada Acting State Director Justin Abernathy.
He said the auction demonstrates continued strong interest in developing the nation’s natural resources to support energy security, create economic opportunities and generate revenue for local communities.
“Through collaborative resource development and continued innovation, we continue to unlock America’s full energy potential and maintain our leadership in the global energy landscape.”