ABOUT US
Headquartered in Southern California, the company was formed in 2006 as an independent power producer to develop geothermal projects in the Salton Sea resource area, one of the largest and highest temperature geothermal resources in North America. Its projects are being advanced by a team with extensive experience in every stage of renewable energy development: project origination, permitting, well field development, resource acquisition, plant engineering, construction, project financing and operations.
In early 2012, EnergySource successfully completed the construction and commenced operations of its first major power plant, the 55 megawatt John L. Featherstone plant at Hudson Ranch I, the first stand-alone geothermal plant built in the Salton Sea resource in 20 years. The plant design integrates advanced technological innovations, sophisticated alloy materials and environmentally-friendly processes for extracting strategic minerals. Operating availability has been greater than 95 percent since it began selling its power in March 2012 under a 30-year power purchase agreement with Salt River Project, a power and irrigation district in Tempe, Arizona. The plant’s clean energy serves some 50,000 homes in the SRP service area.
EnergySource has a pipeline of geothermal projects in development, which over the coming decade will help California and Southwestern utilities meet their state-mandated renewable energy requirements while contributing to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the region.
© Mickey Strider
THE TEAM
The company’s leadership team has extensive experience and successful management of energy projects, both globally and specific to geothermal power in the Salton Sea resource. Members of the team previously held senior management and operating positions with major energy companies, including Unocal, Morrison-Knudsen, General Atomic Company, Dow Chemical, CalEnergy and San Diego Gas & Electric. Team members have been involved in financing several billion dollars in energy and other infrastructure projects on five continents and managed projects in every phase – from concept through permitting to daily operation. EnergySource professionals cover all facets of project origination and development, geology, resource, construction and financing in the areas of energy development and geothermal power.
ERIC SPOMER
President & CEO
33 years experience in energy industry project development, project finance and management. 15 years leading renewable energy project development teams.
DANA KRZYSTON
Chief Financial Officer
CPA who joined the Company in 2013. Previously worked in the biotech industry with several early stage companies developing business and accounting functions through acquisition or IPO.
JOHN L. FEATHERSTONE
Chief Technical Officer
Over 42 years of geothermal experience as production engineer, production superintendent, general manager, zinc project manager, chief technical officer and senior vice president of engineering and operations.
VINCE SIGNOROTTI
Vice President, Resource & Real Estate Assets
35 years experience in the geothermal and renewable energy industry. Leased and managed over 600,000 acres of minerals rights in California, Nevada, Oregon, New Mexico, and Utah. Directly involved in exploration and development of geothermal, wind, and natural gas projects totaling more than 2,000 megawatts.
DOUGLAS R. POWELL PE
Vice President, Engineering & Construction
46 years experience in power generation, including 32 years in geothermal design and development. Assumed the lead role in managing all construction activities for the Featherstone Plant.
JURG HEUBERGER
Senior Vice President,
Permitting & Compliance
Dedicated 36 years to the Imperial County Planning & Development Services Department. He currently holds various contractor licenses through the California State Contractors License Board, and holds professional certificates under the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
DEREK BENSON
Chief Operating Officer
Over 20 years of experience in power generation and renewable energy project development. Currently oversees geothermal power operations and project development team. Formerly renewable project lead for Reliant Energy and Catalyst Renewables.
EDDIE ZUNIGA
Plant Manager
28 years of experience in geothermal energy operations in the Salton Sea area. He is responsible for the overall management of maintenance and operations of the John L. Featherstone Plant.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
The John L. Featherstone Plant created more than 200 jobs during construction and today has a team of more than 45 employed full time, 35 to support plant operations and another 10 originating and developing new power projects. During its construction, EnergySource served as general contractor to the Featherstone Plant, with support from AMEC, its engineering contractor, and PMC, its construction contractor. The Imperial Irrigation District provides electrical interconnection, transmission and water supply to the Featherstone Plant. The agreements between EnergySource and the District provide an additional boost to the local economy.
© Bill Gates
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Protection of the environment and biological resources is a first-order EnergySource priority. EnergySource was awarded the Geothermal Energy Association's Environmental Stewardship Award for fostering outstanding environmental stewardship through the use of geothermal systems. The award nominations were evaluated by and presented in conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI). EnergySource designed and implemented the best available control technology to minimize air emissions and protect native wildlife during construction of its projects.