Benham Constructors, a Science Applications International Corporation subsidiary, will build a geothermal power plant for Gradient Resources’ Patua project in northern Nevada, US.

Under the engineering, procurement and construction contract, Benham will begin building the 60MW modular binary cycle power plant in the second quarter of 2011.

The Patua site is Gradient’s first geothermal power plant, where drilling recommenced in February 2010.

The plant is expected to begin commercial operations in the third quarter of 2012.

TAS Energy will be the technology partner to Benham.