Tests seek to harness power of Oregon volcano
BEND, Ore. (AP) — Two companies have begun an experiment to see if they can create a geothermal electrical generating plant at the dormant Newberry Volcano in Central Oregon.
They're pumping cool water thousands of feet down to crack the rocks.
They hope to create fissures that will store millions of gallons of boiling water so it can eventually be drawn to the surface and create steam to turn power turbines.
The federal government and private investors have put up a total of more than $40 million for the experiment.
The rock-cracking work is expected to continue over the next month.
The Bend Bulletin reports the project supporters hope eventually to generate 50 megawatts of power, enough for 50,000 homes. But an operating power plant is years away.
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Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press
No risk is too great or price to high to pay if it MIGHT result in 'green' energy! Besides, it's only $40 million and some of it isn't tax dollar funded.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm having a bad feeling about this too.
Yeah, I see it all now:
Pumping cool water down into Mother Natures he** hole in order to âharnessâ energy, and control the forces of nature for our benefit. Uhm, does anyone else have a bad feeling about this??? Â Â ;-0
 @angelgabe steam plus magma equals bad