Renewable energy firm Ram Power has achieved mechanical completion for the phase I expansion of the San Jacinto-Tizate geothermal power project in Nicaragua.

Plant commissioning activities for phase I have commenced and the unit is expected to begin commercial operations in December 2011.

The plant commissioning includes the coordinated turnover of all plant subsystems between the phase I expansion contractor Dymel and the commissioning staff, including Fuji Electric, the turbine and generator manufacturer.

The phased expansion for the project is designed to increase production from the current 10MW to 36MW expected to occur in December 2012, and the 36MW capacity will be expanded to 72MW in the latter part of phase II at San Jacinto.