Geothermal companies, projects honored

Ram Power Inc. and Ormat Technologies Inc. of Reno were honored by the Geothermal Energy Association at its national summit in Sacramento last week.

In addition, Enel Gree Power North America was recognized for its work at a geothermal project near Fallon.

Ram Power was recognized for the economic development represented by its San Jacinto-Tizate Geothermal Project in Nicaragua. The plant will add 10 percent to the nation's electric generation capacity while providing employment to the nearby community.

Ormat won the association's Environmental Stewardship Award for its work at two geothermal projects in northern Nevada.

While it built the Tuscarora and McGinness Hills facilities, Ormat worked to preserve the habitat of the sage grouse and also worked to preserve the environmental integrity of the sites.

Enel was honored for technological achievement. Its Stillwater Project in Churchill County is the first to operate as a hybrid of solar and geothermal generation.

The National Geothermal Academy at the University of Nevada, Reno, received special recognition for its geothermal education programs.