A Falta De Agua, Bueno Es El CO2, Chile - No Water, Use CO2 Instead (Piensa en Geotermia)
Juvenal Letelier, estudiante de doctorado en Ciencias de la Ingeniería, está realizando una investigación multidisciplinaria donde confluye la experimentación física, la geotermia y la modelación matemática. Su objetivo es estudiar cómo podría aplicarse el CO2 como futura alternativa para la geotermia de mediana y alta entalpía en el norte de Chile.
Juvenal Letelier, a doctoral student in Engineering Sciences, is conducting multidisciplinary research which merges physical experimentation, geothermal and mathematical modeling. Its aim is to explore how to apply CO2 as an alternative future for geothermal medium and high enthalpy in northern Chile.
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Global Geothermal News
Friday, May 17, 2013
Slovakia:
Great Geothermal Potential and Prospects in Slovakia (ThinkGeoEnergy)
Following an earlier article on geothermal potential and activities in the Czech Republic, there are even better conditions for the use of geothermal energy in neighboring Slovakia.
According to the journal Energo the geothermal potential between the Danube and the Tatra Mountains is about 6,200 MW.
In Slovakia, about 25 areas seen as economically feasible sites for geothermal development, mostly in the southeast and southwest of the country.
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| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
According to the journal Energo the geothermal potential between the Danube and the Tatra Mountains is about 6,200 MW.
In Slovakia, about 25 areas seen as economically feasible sites for geothermal development, mostly in the southeast and southwest of the country.
Read More.....
USA, California:
New Entity to Market Salton Sea Geothermal Energy (4-traders - Press Release)
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company and TransAlta Corporation announced today the formation of CalEnergy, LLC, a new special purpose entity that will allow CalEnergy to market reliable green power in a new way.
The 340 MWe contract capacity available for this remarketing initiative is one of the largest single geothermal remarketing exercises to be pursued in North America, which will extend the operating life of all 10 facilities in the Imperial Valley region of California for another 25 years.
MidAmerican Renewables oversees MidAmerican Geothermal, which is based in Imperial Valley, Calif., and owns and operates 10 geothermal facilities with TransAlta.
Over the next three to seven years, eight of 10 geothermal generating facilities operated by CalEnergy Operating Corporation in the Known Salton Sea Geothermal Resource Area field will reach their original design life of 30 years.
The owners, 50-50 partners that are indirect subsidiaries of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company and TransAlta Corporation, have developed CalEnergy, LLC, which is in discussions with a number of California and Arizona-based utilities interested in contracting for the energy output of the facilities.
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The 340 MWe contract capacity available for this remarketing initiative is one of the largest single geothermal remarketing exercises to be pursued in North America, which will extend the operating life of all 10 facilities in the Imperial Valley region of California for another 25 years.
MidAmerican Renewables oversees MidAmerican Geothermal, which is based in Imperial Valley, Calif., and owns and operates 10 geothermal facilities with TransAlta.
Over the next three to seven years, eight of 10 geothermal generating facilities operated by CalEnergy Operating Corporation in the Known Salton Sea Geothermal Resource Area field will reach their original design life of 30 years.
The owners, 50-50 partners that are indirect subsidiaries of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company and TransAlta Corporation, have developed CalEnergy, LLC, which is in discussions with a number of California and Arizona-based utilities interested in contracting for the energy output of the facilities.
Read More......
New Zealand:
Geothermal Cooked Food Adds to Tourism Menu in Rotorua (Rotorua Daily Post)
Iconic Rotorua tourist attraction Te Puia, the New Zealand Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, has cooked up a unique new experience that is giving visitors a real taste of the past.
The Steambox experience utilizes a favorite ngawha (steam vent) Puapua, which is in Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.
Visitors choose what they want for lunch which is then cooked in the steam vent, while they have a guided tour of Te Puia and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
After an interactive weaving session and a tour of the carving and weaving schools, visitors then head down into the geothermal valley to the Kiwi house, mud pools and hot springs, and finally, to watch their lunch being lifted from the ngawha. The guests then enjoy their picnic lunch on the geyser terrace.
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| Te Puia guide (left) Huia Clayton and chef Tamati Wiringi lift the Steambox lunch out of the Puapua steam vent. (Courtesy Rotorua Daily Post) |
The Steambox experience utilizes a favorite ngawha (steam vent) Puapua, which is in Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.
Visitors choose what they want for lunch which is then cooked in the steam vent, while they have a guided tour of Te Puia and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
After an interactive weaving session and a tour of the carving and weaving schools, visitors then head down into the geothermal valley to the Kiwi house, mud pools and hot springs, and finally, to watch their lunch being lifted from the ngawha. The guests then enjoy their picnic lunch on the geyser terrace.
Read More.....
Kenya:
Kenya Wildlife Service Says Power Plant in Hellsgate Park Has No Effect on Environment, Wildlife (Standard Digital)
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has moved in to allay fears that the ongoing construction of the 280 MWe power plant inside Hellsgate National Park was affecting wildlife and the environment.
With new roads and buildings being constructed inside the park, environmentalists have raised concern over the biggest project in the world that will end in September 2014.
KWS assistant director Jonathan Kirui said that an impact assessment study had been done and the geothermal project had been certified as safe.
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| Hellsgate National Park (Courtesy Kenya Wildlife Service) |
With new roads and buildings being constructed inside the park, environmentalists have raised concern over the biggest project in the world that will end in September 2014.
KWS assistant director Jonathan Kirui said that an impact assessment study had been done and the geothermal project had been certified as safe.
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USA:
U.S. Senate Committee Passes Geothermal Leasing Measure (Renewable Energy World.com)
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources met Thursday, May 16th, to vote on a series of measures that included S. 363, The Geothermal Expansion and Production Act. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Wyden (D-OR), and co-sponsored by Senators Murkowski (R-AK), Begich (D-AK), Crapo (R-ID), Risch (R-ID) and Merkley (D-OR).
The legislation would allow the Secretary of the Interior to issue one additional non-competitive lease of no more than 640 acres to a federal lessee that makes a discovery on an existing lease. Given the uncertainties of locating geothermal resources precisely without drilling, the bill is intended to provide some flexibility for companies taking the risk of finding a new geothermal reservoir to obtain additional lands should the thermal feature extend into an adjacent area. The legislation includes provisions to ensure fair market value is paid for the small additional lease that could be offered.
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The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources met Thursday, May 16th, to vote on a series of measures that included S. 363, The Geothermal Expansion and Production Act. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Wyden (D-OR), and co-sponsored by Senators Murkowski (R-AK), Begich (D-AK), Crapo (R-ID), Risch (R-ID) and Merkley (D-OR).
The legislation would allow the Secretary of the Interior to issue one additional non-competitive lease of no more than 640 acres to a federal lessee that makes a discovery on an existing lease. Given the uncertainties of locating geothermal resources precisely without drilling, the bill is intended to provide some flexibility for companies taking the risk of finding a new geothermal reservoir to obtain additional lands should the thermal feature extend into an adjacent area. The legislation includes provisions to ensure fair market value is paid for the small additional lease that could be offered.
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Montserrat:
Montserrat Completes First Geothermal Well, Readies To Drill Second (Caribbean Journal)
Drilling has reached the “desired depth” for completion on Montserrat’s first geothermal well, the government announced this week.
In four weeks, the drilling team will test to determine the capacity of the well to generate geothermal energy.
The bottom of the well is located 2,298 meters below ground.
“The well is now fully secured,” said Ron Beardsley, director of Montserrat’s Public Works Department. “All the time that drilling was taking place we have been pumping cold water down the well to keep things cool and stable.”
While initial signs were “encouraging,” he said, it will take four weeks for temperatures to stabilize.
“It will be on completion of these flow tests when we can estimate the capacity of the well to generate geothermal energy,” he said.
Iceland Drilling Company has been performing the drilling work since February. Work on the second will is set to begin soon.
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| The geothermal drilling rig in Montserrat (Courtesy Caribbean Journal) |
Drilling has reached the “desired depth” for completion on Montserrat’s first geothermal well, the government announced this week.
In four weeks, the drilling team will test to determine the capacity of the well to generate geothermal energy.
The bottom of the well is located 2,298 meters below ground.
“The well is now fully secured,” said Ron Beardsley, director of Montserrat’s Public Works Department. “All the time that drilling was taking place we have been pumping cold water down the well to keep things cool and stable.”
While initial signs were “encouraging,” he said, it will take four weeks for temperatures to stabilize.
“It will be on completion of these flow tests when we can estimate the capacity of the well to generate geothermal energy,” he said.
Iceland Drilling Company has been performing the drilling work since February. Work on the second will is set to begin soon.
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USA, California:
Resource Assessment & Optimization Workshop and Tour to The Geysers Geothermal Field
Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront - Sacramento, California
June 10-12, 2013
ROOM BLOCK EXPIRES MAY 28th!
This GRC workshop will describe how to assess the suitability of geothermal
resources for development and expansion once initial exploration has been done. Presentations will focus on insights to be gleaned from well testing, reservoir simulation, geochemistry, and ongoing resource monitoring.
Experienced practitioners in these areas will discuss the techniques, and several geothermal operators will present case studies illustrating how the techniques have been applied to their projects. This workshop will provide practical information to anyone interested in geothermal energy, including developers, financiers, utilities, regulators, public-interest organizations, and members of the academic community. The workshop will comprise two days of presentations in Sacramento, California, followed by an optional, one-day field trip to The Geysers.
Price per person:
GRC has secured a discounted room rate of $139 (plus room tax and fees) for workshop attendees at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront. Hotel stay includes full breakfast buffet from 6:30 - 9:30am and "Manager's Reception" from 5:30 - 7:30pm everyday. Reserve your hotel room using the group code: GRC or call (800) 498-5237 and ask for the GRC/Geothermal Resources Council discount rate. Don't delay, discounted room rate expires May 28, 2013.
Hotel Room Reservation
Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront - Sacramento, California
June 10-12, 2013
ROOM BLOCK EXPIRES MAY 28th!
resources for development and expansion once initial exploration has been done. Presentations will focus on insights to be gleaned from well testing, reservoir simulation, geochemistry, and ongoing resource monitoring.
Experienced practitioners in these areas will discuss the techniques, and several geothermal operators will present case studies illustrating how the techniques have been applied to their projects. This workshop will provide practical information to anyone interested in geothermal energy, including developers, financiers, utilities, regulators, public-interest organizations, and members of the academic community. The workshop will comprise two days of presentations in Sacramento, California, followed by an optional, one-day field trip to The Geysers.
Price per person:
- GRC Member: $375
- Non-member: $425
- Students (academic identification required): $50
- Optional Field Trip to The Geysers: $75 (Limited seating available for field trip)
GRC has secured a discounted room rate of $139 (plus room tax and fees) for workshop attendees at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront. Hotel stay includes full breakfast buffet from 6:30 - 9:30am and "Manager's Reception" from 5:30 - 7:30pm everyday. Reserve your hotel room using the group code: GRC or call (800) 498-5237 and ask for the GRC/Geothermal Resources Council discount rate. Don't delay, discounted room rate expires May 28, 2013.
Hotel Room Reservation
Thursday, May 16, 2013
USA:
U.S. Senate Confirms Ernest Moniz as Energy Secretary (The Hill)
The Senate on Thursday voted 97-0 to approve President Obama’s nominee to head the U.S. Department of Energy.
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and ranking member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) hailed the fact that Ernest Moniz had broad bipartisan support.
“I think it is good when we are able to stand as the chairman and ranking member and really come to terms of agreement and support for an individual,” Murkowski said ahead of the confirmation vote.
Moniz, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicist who served as undersecretary of Energy in the Clinton administration, replaces former Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
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| The new U.S. Energy Secretary, Ernest Moniz (Courtesy MIT) |
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and ranking member Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) hailed the fact that Ernest Moniz had broad bipartisan support.
“I think it is good when we are able to stand as the chairman and ranking member and really come to terms of agreement and support for an individual,” Murkowski said ahead of the confirmation vote.
Moniz, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicist who served as undersecretary of Energy in the Clinton administration, replaces former Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
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Kenya:
Kengen Plan to Resettle Olkaria Maasai Begins (AllAfrica)
Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited (Kengen) has started a census ahead of the planned Sh5 billion resettlement of Maasais from Olkaria in Naivasha. The validation exercise is meant to establish the number of families in the geothermal rich area before they are moved out.
The power producer is planning to put up a 140 MWe geothermal plant which is expected to negatively affect the community living in the area through noise and emissions.
Kengen's assistant manager resource development Cyrus Karingithi said the last census was done in 2009 and the number of people could have risen.
"It will cost around Sh5 billion. This is one of the outstanding issues in the planned resettlement," he said. A consultant has been hired to conduct the census in conjunction with chiefs.
Naivasha DC Mohammed Abass said the resettlement is part of efforts towards achieving Vision 2030. He said the move will verify the current number of families living in Olkaria.
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The power producer is planning to put up a 140 MWe geothermal plant which is expected to negatively affect the community living in the area through noise and emissions.
Kengen's assistant manager resource development Cyrus Karingithi said the last census was done in 2009 and the number of people could have risen.
"It will cost around Sh5 billion. This is one of the outstanding issues in the planned resettlement," he said. A consultant has been hired to conduct the census in conjunction with chiefs.
Naivasha DC Mohammed Abass said the resettlement is part of efforts towards achieving Vision 2030. He said the move will verify the current number of families living in Olkaria.
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New Zealand:
Ngawha's Geothermal Power Plant Expansion Promises Economic Boost (northernadvocate.co.nz)
An expansion of Ngawha's geothermal power station would turn the Far North of New Zealand's north island into an electricity exporter and create new jobs in an area where employment is badly needed.
Lines company and generator Top Energy already owns and operates a 25 MWe geothermal plant east of Kaikohe but has been buying up land for a possible expansion to 100 MWe.
If it goes ahead that would be more than enough to power the Far North and meet more than half of Northland's total 180 MWe needs. Far North consumption ranges from 22 MWe to a peak of 85 MWe.
Chief executive Russell Shaw said the company had been studying the Ngawha geothermal field - the country's biggest outside the Volcanic Plateau - since 2007 to work out how much electricity or heat could be produced.
''Although we won't know exactly what we have until we explore through test drilling, we believe there could be enough resource for an additional 100 MWe of energy.''
The expansion would see four more Israeli-built 25 MWe Ormat power plants added to the existing one built in 2008.
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An expansion of Ngawha's geothermal power station would turn the Far North of New Zealand's north island into an electricity exporter and create new jobs in an area where employment is badly needed.
Lines company and generator Top Energy already owns and operates a 25 MWe geothermal plant east of Kaikohe but has been buying up land for a possible expansion to 100 MWe.
If it goes ahead that would be more than enough to power the Far North and meet more than half of Northland's total 180 MWe needs. Far North consumption ranges from 22 MWe to a peak of 85 MWe.
Chief executive Russell Shaw said the company had been studying the Ngawha geothermal field - the country's biggest outside the Volcanic Plateau - since 2007 to work out how much electricity or heat could be produced.
''Although we won't know exactly what we have until we explore through test drilling, we believe there could be enough resource for an additional 100 MWe of energy.''
The expansion would see four more Israeli-built 25 MWe Ormat power plants added to the existing one built in 2008.
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Kenya:
Kenya Electricity Generating Company Raises Olkaria Geothermal Plant's Potential to 350 MWe (standardmedia.co.ke)
Kenya Electricity Generating Company ( KenGen) said that its new geothermal plant under construction in the Rift Valley is expected to generate more power than previous estimates.
Eddy Njoroge, GRC member and chief executive of KenGen, the country's main electricity producer, said that the 280 MWe Olkaria IV plant was on track for completion by September 2014, with the first 70 MWe coming online in December this year.
Tests for underground steam reservoirs had beaten expectations, he said.
"Power production from Olkaria (IV) could rise to 350 MWe, from the projected 280 MWe," Njoroge told reporters late on Wednesday in Naivasha.
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Kenya Electricity Generating Company ( KenGen) said that its new geothermal plant under construction in the Rift Valley is expected to generate more power than previous estimates.
Eddy Njoroge, GRC member and chief executive of KenGen, the country's main electricity producer, said that the 280 MWe Olkaria IV plant was on track for completion by September 2014, with the first 70 MWe coming online in December this year.
Tests for underground steam reservoirs had beaten expectations, he said.
"Power production from Olkaria (IV) could rise to 350 MWe, from the projected 280 MWe," Njoroge told reporters late on Wednesday in Naivasha.
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New Zealand:
Mighty River Power to Explore for Geothermal Near Rotorua (The Daily Post)
Mighty River Power has applied for resource consent to investigate and develop the use of geothermal power generation on the Taheke field, near Okere Falls.
Rotorua District Council resource consents team leader Portia McKenzie said they had just received the resource consent application from Mighty River Power for the temporary use of a drilling rig and temporary accommodation for up to 50 staff on a site off State Highway 33.
Mrs McKenzie said the company wanted to put up a drilling rig and put in portable cabins for staff to stay there while working on the project, which was expected to take up to six weeks.
The application said the purpose of the proposed work was to explore, test and monitor the Taheke geothermal system to determine the lateral extent, size and development potential of the resource.
The Taheke resource was thought to be of medium temperature, spanning an area potentially comparable to the Rotokawa field, where the company completed its most recent development, Nga Awa Purua geothermal plant.
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Mighty River Power has applied for resource consent to investigate and develop the use of geothermal power generation on the Taheke field, near Okere Falls.
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| Okere Falls is north-east of Lake Rotorua on the north island |
Mrs McKenzie said the company wanted to put up a drilling rig and put in portable cabins for staff to stay there while working on the project, which was expected to take up to six weeks.
The application said the purpose of the proposed work was to explore, test and monitor the Taheke geothermal system to determine the lateral extent, size and development potential of the resource.
The Taheke resource was thought to be of medium temperature, spanning an area potentially comparable to the Rotokawa field, where the company completed its most recent development, Nga Awa Purua geothermal plant.
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USA, Nevada:
Ram Power Announces 2013 First Quarter Results (News Release)
Ram Power, Corp. announced its operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013.
The achievement of commercial operation of the Phase II expansion at San Jacinto in December 2012 generated strong year-over-year revenue growth for the company of $11.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $6.3 million for the same period in 2012, an 88% increase. Adjusted EBITDA, as defined below, increased 191% to $7.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.
Significant accomplishments in the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 included:
Ram Power, Corp. announced its operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013.
Significant accomplishments in the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 included:
- Completion of performance certification tests on the San Jacinto phase II facility to verify that the plant meets its minimum generation capacity;
- Successful close of a Cdn.$50.9 million Senior Debenture Private Placement maturing March 27, 2018 which immediately provided increased cash flow through reduced annual interest rate and fee expenses from 16% to 8.5% compared to the Company's previously existing $50 million corporate credit facility; and
- Completion of the reorganization of the administrative offices in Reno, Nevada during the first quarter of 2013, which is expected to result in savings of $3 million in 2013 and $4 million annually thereafter.
Germany:
Drilling at Geretsried Geothermal Project in Bavaria Progresses to 4,200 Meters (Think Geoenergy)
The geothermal project at Geretsried, located in Bavaria, south Germany, has reached a depth of 4,200 meters in its drilling campaign, with a target depth of 4,680 meters or 15,300 feet.
The project has drilled the third part of its well from 2,900 to 4,200 meters and has already piped and cemented it. Currently the drilling company is preparing the fourth part of the drilling process, which is expected to start next week.
The first part of the well was drilled vertically to a depth of 3,000 meters then changed to directional drilling with the goal to reach promising parts of the subsurface reservoir expected at a depth of 4,680 meters (15,300 feet). The developer hopes to achieve an expected flow rate of 100 kg/ second.
The project has drilled the third part of its well from 2,900 to 4,200 meters and has already piped and cemented it. Currently the drilling company is preparing the fourth part of the drilling process, which is expected to start next week.
The first part of the well was drilled vertically to a depth of 3,000 meters then changed to directional drilling with the goal to reach promising parts of the subsurface reservoir expected at a depth of 4,680 meters (15,300 feet). The developer hopes to achieve an expected flow rate of 100 kg/ second.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
USA:
Geothermal Technologies Office Annual Peer Review Meeting (Geothermal Technologies Office)
On April 22-25, 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Geothermal Technologies Office held its annual Peer Review Meeting at the Renaissance Denver Hotel in Denver, Colorado.
The Geothermal Technologies Office funds 154 research and development projects leveraging nearly $500 million in total combined investment, and 95 of the those projects presented at the annual Peer Review event. Each project represents a growing technology sector in conventional hydrothermal, low-temperature and co-produced, or Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) technologies, as well as technical and non-technical research and analysis.
Each year, DOE requires a rigorous review of investments by independent, qualified peers to assess key achievements in geothermal development and to meet strategic DOE guidelines. Peer Review offers geothermal stakeholders an opportunity to learn about the projects funded by DOE across a wide spectrum of technical complexity and funding magnitude, from research and development to demonstration and analysis. The event also opens a dialogue with other respected researchers in geophysics, geochemistry, modeling, tools, and more.
Visit our 2013 Peer Review Presentations page to view all presentation files. To learn more about geothermal technologies, check out our program areas.
On April 22-25, 2013, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)'s Geothermal Technologies Office held its annual Peer Review Meeting at the Renaissance Denver Hotel in Denver, Colorado.
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| The Peer Review opened on April 22, with a plenary session. Pictured onstage are, from left: Kate Baker, Peer Review Chairwoman; Douglas Hollett, Director, Geothermal Technologies Office; and Bobi Garrett, Deputy Laboratory Director, National Renewable Energy Laboratory. |
Each year, DOE requires a rigorous review of investments by independent, qualified peers to assess key achievements in geothermal development and to meet strategic DOE guidelines. Peer Review offers geothermal stakeholders an opportunity to learn about the projects funded by DOE across a wide spectrum of technical complexity and funding magnitude, from research and development to demonstration and analysis. The event also opens a dialogue with other respected researchers in geophysics, geochemistry, modeling, tools, and more.
Visit our 2013 Peer Review Presentations page to view all presentation files. To learn more about geothermal technologies, check out our program areas.
Technology:
Deep Canadian Mine Yields Ancient Water (BBC News)
Water drilled from rock in a North American mine is among the oldest yet found on Earth, say scientists.
Novel dating techniques used by the Canadian and UK team suggest the fluid is at least 1.5 billion years old.
The water was probably once on the surface and then percolated through the ground where it became trapped at a depth of 2.4km. The fluid emerged at 40-50C.
The discovery, made under Timmins, Ontario, is reported in this week's edition of the journal Nature.
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Water drilled from rock in a North American mine is among the oldest yet found on Earth, say scientists.
Novel dating techniques used by the Canadian and UK team suggest the fluid is at least 1.5 billion years old.
The water was probably once on the surface and then percolated through the ground where it became trapped at a depth of 2.4km. The fluid emerged at 40-50C.
The discovery, made under Timmins, Ontario, is reported in this week's edition of the journal Nature.
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USA, California:
Imperial Irrigation District, County agree on terms for Salton Sea (Imperial Valley Press)
The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) and the County of Imperial have agreed on a list of terms that would radically transform the Salton Sea if implemented.
Some of these terms include the development of the Salton Sea’s geothermal resources through public-private partnerships.
Highlights of the plan include:
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Some of these terms include the development of the Salton Sea’s geothermal resources through public-private partnerships.
Highlights of the plan include:
- Joint pursuit of the State’s commitment to build transmission interconnecting to the district’s electric system for the export of up to 1,400 megawatts of renewable energy from the Salton Sea resource area to load centers throughout the state.
- - IID’s pledge of its extensive land and mineral assets in the Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area to establish a renewable energy development area in order to create public/private partnerships that would contribute to Salton Sea restoration.
- - Joint request to the federal government to pledge its own land and mineral assets within the Salton Sea KGRA and the decommissioned Naval Test Site for the development of renewable energy generation.
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013
USA, Idaho:
U.S. Geothermal Inc. Reports First Quarter 2013 Results, Provides 2013 Guidance (Yahoo! Finance - News Release)
U.S. Geothermal Inc. today reported first quarter 2013 EBITDA of $4.38 million, compared to ($1.72) million in the prior year period. Net Income for the first quarter was $2.24 million compared to a Net Loss of $(2.42) million in the prior year period. Net Income (Loss) attributable to US Geothermal for the first quarter of 2013 was $1.39 million, or $0.01 per share, compared to $(1.64) million, or $(0.02) per share, in the prior year period. Cash & cash equivalents for the first quarter 2013 increased $3.56 million compared to a decrease in cash & cash equivalents of $(2.10) million in the prior year period.
"Our first quarter results were in line with our expectations, driven by improved operations at our San Emidio power plant and the successful startup and commissioning of the Neal Hot Springs power plant in the fourth quarter of 2012," said Dennis Gilles, U.S. Geothermal's Chief Executive Officer and GRC Board member."
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"Our first quarter results were in line with our expectations, driven by improved operations at our San Emidio power plant and the successful startup and commissioning of the Neal Hot Springs power plant in the fourth quarter of 2012," said Dennis Gilles, U.S. Geothermal's Chief Executive Officer and GRC Board member."
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Global:
Geothermal Fights Back (Environmental Finance)
The geothermal sector suffered a big fall in financing last year, but a host of initiatives spearheaded by development banks are aiming to open investors' eyes to the technology's potential, especially in emerging markets.
Many renewables investors have shied away from the geothermal sector because of the risk of their investments going south if the wells come up empty.
But development banks and US government agencies that are bullish about the potential of geothermal – both as a source of clean energy and an economic development tool – are attempting to ease the financing crunch that has so far prevented the sector from reaching its potential.
“I’m bullish on geothermal,” said Sid Sinha, senior vice-president for investment bank Marathon Capital, which has served as financial advisor for several major geothermal transactions. “I think it’s a great resource when it’s understood correctly. The sector is ripe for investment.”
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| (Courtesy Environmental Finance) |
Many renewables investors have shied away from the geothermal sector because of the risk of their investments going south if the wells come up empty.
But development banks and US government agencies that are bullish about the potential of geothermal – both as a source of clean energy and an economic development tool – are attempting to ease the financing crunch that has so far prevented the sector from reaching its potential.
“I’m bullish on geothermal,” said Sid Sinha, senior vice-president for investment bank Marathon Capital, which has served as financial advisor for several major geothermal transactions. “I think it’s a great resource when it’s understood correctly. The sector is ripe for investment.”
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Philippines:
Geothermal Power Project in Batangas gets UN ‘Green’ Okay (Business Mirror)
Maibarara Geothermal Inc.’s (MGI) 20 MWe geothermal power project in Batangas has obtained a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) approval from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
MGI is 65-percent owned by PetroGreen Energy Corp., a 100-percent subsidiary of publicly listed PetroEnergy Resources Corp., while Trans-Asia Oil & Energy Development Corp. and PNOC-Renewables Corp. each own 25 percent of the company.
The power plant is expected to be ready for initial tests by the first week of July and for full commissioning tests by September. Commercial operation is expected to start by late 2013.
Renewable Energy Management (REMB) Bureau Director Mario C. Marasigan said the operation of the project’s first 20 MWe unit is expected to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions between 71,000 and 76,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, thus contributing to the global efforts of mitigating man-induced global warming and climate change.
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MGI is 65-percent owned by PetroGreen Energy Corp., a 100-percent subsidiary of publicly listed PetroEnergy Resources Corp., while Trans-Asia Oil & Energy Development Corp. and PNOC-Renewables Corp. each own 25 percent of the company.
The power plant is expected to be ready for initial tests by the first week of July and for full commissioning tests by September. Commercial operation is expected to start by late 2013.
Renewable Energy Management (REMB) Bureau Director Mario C. Marasigan said the operation of the project’s first 20 MWe unit is expected to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions between 71,000 and 76,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, thus contributing to the global efforts of mitigating man-induced global warming and climate change.
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Monday, May 13, 2013
Global:
GRC Annual Meeting 2013 Annual Charity Golf Tournament - Registration Now Open!
Sunday, September 29, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Information and Registration Form (PDF)
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Sunday, September 29, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Information and Registration Form (PDF)
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Iceland:
Volcano Tour in a Super Jeep - Geothermal Power and Exotic Bathing (News of Iceland)
Extreme Iceland offers a tailor-made tour that takes you close to Hengill central volcano. Get in a super-jeep and experience geothermal natural bathing. Learn about energy on a special energy tour, visit a geothermal power plant, cross the volcanic active rift zone and cross rivers in a super-jeep.
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| Hellisheidi geothermal power plant (Courtesy Extreme Iceland) |
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USA, Alaska:
Ormat says Spurr Geothermal Project Still in the Works (Anchorage Daily News)
It has been a year or two since much has been heard about Ormat Technologies' project to explore for geothermal resources on the flanks of Alaska's Mount Spurr, the active volcano about 80 miles west of the city of Anchorage. But the project is continuing to progress, Alison Payne, a consultant working for Ormat on the project, assured the Alaska Rural Energy Conference on April 29.
"This project is still alive and well," Payne said. "We're in a bit of a hiatus, looking into options for a power plant to be built in the future. We're planning on drilling again in 2014."
Ormat anticipates doing some fieldwork this year, locating well sites for that next phase of drilling, she said.
With the volcano just 40 miles west of a natural gas-fired power station at Beluga on the west side of Cook Inlet, Ormat's concept has been to build a utility-scale geothermal power plant, using heat from the volcano, and to connect that power plant via a new transmission line to Beluga. The Beluga power station is connected into the Alaska Railbelt electricity grid.
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"This project is still alive and well," Payne said. "We're in a bit of a hiatus, looking into options for a power plant to be built in the future. We're planning on drilling again in 2014."
Ormat anticipates doing some fieldwork this year, locating well sites for that next phase of drilling, she said.
With the volcano just 40 miles west of a natural gas-fired power station at Beluga on the west side of Cook Inlet, Ormat's concept has been to build a utility-scale geothermal power plant, using heat from the volcano, and to connect that power plant via a new transmission line to Beluga. The Beluga power station is connected into the Alaska Railbelt electricity grid.
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USA, Colorado:
Drilling Crews to Start Over on Geothermal Well in Aspen (Denver Post)
Aspen city leaders say contractors will begin drilling a new geothermal test well Monday after the previous attempt failed.
Jeff Rice, the city's utility efficiency manager, told the Aspen Daily News that alluvial soil was crumbling and filling the previous well, so crews plan to start a new hole 20 feet away. He said the move will not affect the city's $273,260 budget for the project.
The drilling project near Herron Park is part of a city initiative begun in 2008 that aims at tapping geothermal energy to heat or cool buildings. Rice says crews will install casing as they drill the new well to prevent it from caving in on itself.
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Aspen city leaders say contractors will begin drilling a new geothermal test well Monday after the previous attempt failed.
Jeff Rice, the city's utility efficiency manager, told the Aspen Daily News that alluvial soil was crumbling and filling the previous well, so crews plan to start a new hole 20 feet away. He said the move will not affect the city's $273,260 budget for the project.
The drilling project near Herron Park is part of a city initiative begun in 2008 that aims at tapping geothermal energy to heat or cool buildings. Rice says crews will install casing as they drill the new well to prevent it from caving in on itself.
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Philippines:
EDC to Generate Yearly Revenue of P1B from Geothermal Plant (Inquirer.net)
Energy Development Corp., expects to generate as much as P1 billion in yearly revenue once a 20 MWe geothermal facility in Southern Negros starts commercial operations next year.
The units to be used for the Nasulo geothermal facility—which will be built within the existing Southern Negros geothermal site in Valencia, Negros Oriental—will be coming from the 49 MWe Northern Negros geothermal plant (NNGP) in Negros Occidental being dismantled this year.
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The units to be used for the Nasulo geothermal facility—which will be built within the existing Southern Negros geothermal site in Valencia, Negros Oriental—will be coming from the 49 MWe Northern Negros geothermal plant (NNGP) in Negros Occidental being dismantled this year.
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Global:
Webinar: Opportunities for the Geothermal Industry (Green Power Conferences)
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM BST
Register For The Webinar Here
This complimentary hour long webinar will discuss some of the key topics affecting geothermal power development.
Geothermal is booming: but where?
650 geothermal projects are in development across 64 different countries with a total estimated capacity of 18 GWe. Indonesia, Kenya, Chile and East Africa are gaining much press attention as is Turkey with up to 4 GWe possible. We are also seeing some great innovations, with EGS being tipped as the next step. So what are the opportunities for the industry, which are the hottest locations and where will the smart money go?
Completely free, this webinar will explore the role that international companies can play in the growth of the industry, as well as overcoming the barriers to entry to the market.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM BST
Register For The Webinar Here
This complimentary hour long webinar will discuss some of the key topics affecting geothermal power development.
Geothermal is booming: but where?
650 geothermal projects are in development across 64 different countries with a total estimated capacity of 18 GWe. Indonesia, Kenya, Chile and East Africa are gaining much press attention as is Turkey with up to 4 GWe possible. We are also seeing some great innovations, with EGS being tipped as the next step. So what are the opportunities for the industry, which are the hottest locations and where will the smart money go?
Completely free, this webinar will explore the role that international companies can play in the growth of the industry, as well as overcoming the barriers to entry to the market.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Climate Change:
Carbon Dioxide Passes Symbolic Mark (BBC News)
Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have broken through a symbolic mark.
Daily measurements of CO2 at a US government agency lab on Hawaii have topped 400 parts per million for the first time.
The station, which sits on the Mauna Loa volcano, feeds its numbers into a continuous record of the concentration of the gas stretching back to 1958.
The last time CO2 was regularly above 400ppm was three to five million years ago - before modern humans existed.
Carbon dioxide is regarded as the most important of the manmade greenhouse gases blamed for raising the temperature on the planet over recent decades.
Human sources come principally from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
Geothermal plants emit about 5% of the carbon dioxide emitted by a coal-fired plant of equal size.
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| (Courtesy NOAA/ESRL) |
Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have broken through a symbolic mark.
Daily measurements of CO2 at a US government agency lab on Hawaii have topped 400 parts per million for the first time.
The station, which sits on the Mauna Loa volcano, feeds its numbers into a continuous record of the concentration of the gas stretching back to 1958.
The last time CO2 was regularly above 400ppm was three to five million years ago - before modern humans existed.
Carbon dioxide is regarded as the most important of the manmade greenhouse gases blamed for raising the temperature on the planet over recent decades.
Human sources come principally from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
Geothermal plants emit about 5% of the carbon dioxide emitted by a coal-fired plant of equal size.
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Philippines:
Philippines Powerhouse to Control More of EDC (manilastandardtoday.com)
First Gen Corp. is looking at increasing its stake in Energy Development Corp. to more than 50 percent to ride on the financial gains of the country’s largest geothermal and renewable energy producer.
“They [EDC] started developing the [Burgos] wind project this year and the transfer of Northern Negros geothermal power plant next year. We see them contributing to the earnings of First Gen [and] increasing over the years,” First Gen president Francis Giles Puno said.
First Gen currently has a 49.66-percent stake in EDC while the International Finance Corp., the private sector arm of the World Bank holds 2.5 percent. The Singapore government has 4.16 percent while the investing public has 43.93 percent.
“Our current stake is almost 50 percent, before we were thinking of [acquiring] more than 50 percent,” Puno said.
EDC is bullish about its power portfolio over the next 10 years and is looking to produce 500 megawatts of capacity in its international operations and additional 500 MW to 600 MW in its domestic operations.
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“They [EDC] started developing the [Burgos] wind project this year and the transfer of Northern Negros geothermal power plant next year. We see them contributing to the earnings of First Gen [and] increasing over the years,” First Gen president Francis Giles Puno said.
First Gen currently has a 49.66-percent stake in EDC while the International Finance Corp., the private sector arm of the World Bank holds 2.5 percent. The Singapore government has 4.16 percent while the investing public has 43.93 percent.
“Our current stake is almost 50 percent, before we were thinking of [acquiring] more than 50 percent,” Puno said.
EDC is bullish about its power portfolio over the next 10 years and is looking to produce 500 megawatts of capacity in its international operations and additional 500 MW to 600 MW in its domestic operations.
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USA:
Enel Green Power North America Among 5 Geothermal Operators Selected As Preferred Bidder By The U.S Army (News Release)
Enel Green Power North America is among the five companies awarded with the right to bid for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) using geothermal technology aimed at supplying the U.S. Army. Only those five pre-selected companies will be invited to take part to future bids.
The decision has been taken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering and Support Center in Huntsville, AL, working with the Army Energy Initiatives Task Force (EITF), that awarded the first of its kind Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOC).
The MATOC will be used to procure reliable, locally generated, renewable energy through PPAs over a period of approximately 30 years from renewable energy plants that are designed, financed, constructed, operated and maintained by private companies. A list of preferred bidders will expedite the acquisition process for future projects and will speed up overall development timelines to ensure the best value to both the Army and the private sector.
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The decision has been taken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineering and Support Center in Huntsville, AL, working with the Army Energy Initiatives Task Force (EITF), that awarded the first of its kind Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOC).
The MATOC will be used to procure reliable, locally generated, renewable energy through PPAs over a period of approximately 30 years from renewable energy plants that are designed, financed, constructed, operated and maintained by private companies. A list of preferred bidders will expedite the acquisition process for future projects and will speed up overall development timelines to ensure the best value to both the Army and the private sector.
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Canada:
Borealis Geothermal Project in North-West Territories Not Going Forward (Northern News Services)
A project to build a geothermal plant in Fort Liard has come to an unsuccessful end. Borealis GeoPower, a Calgary-based corporation, has been working with Acho Dene Koe First Nation for approximately five years on a project to build a geothermal plant in the community that would create enough electricity to meet all of the hamlet's needs.
Borealis and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC), which was approached by Borealis to purchase the electricity from the plant, have differing views on why the project has ended.
It has been apparent since the end of December that the project wouldn't be moving forward, said Tim Thompson, the company's chief executive officer.
"We were pretty disappointed," he said.
Thompson said the primary reason the project couldn't be completed is because Borealis couldn't reach a Power Purchase Agreement with the power corporation. Among other things, the agreement would have guaranteed that the corporation would purchase the electricity generated by the geothermal plant, and the price the corporation would pay for that electricity.
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Borealis and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC), which was approached by Borealis to purchase the electricity from the plant, have differing views on why the project has ended.
It has been apparent since the end of December that the project wouldn't be moving forward, said Tim Thompson, the company's chief executive officer.
"We were pretty disappointed," he said.
Thompson said the primary reason the project couldn't be completed is because Borealis couldn't reach a Power Purchase Agreement with the power corporation. Among other things, the agreement would have guaranteed that the corporation would purchase the electricity generated by the geothermal plant, and the price the corporation would pay for that electricity.
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Thursday, May 9, 2013
Colombia:
Exploratory Drilling for Geothermal Resource to Start This Year In Villamaría, Caldas, Colombia (Piensa en Geotermia)
Isagen Podría Comenzar Este Año Las Perforaciones Exploratorias En Villamaría, Caldas, Colombia
The Colombian company Isagen, if successful in obtaining an environmental permit, could be ready this year to perform exploratory drilling to confirm the viability of a geothermal resource in the municipality of Villamaría, Department of Caldas, Colombia.
La empresa colombiana Isagen, a falta del permiso ambiental, estaría a punto de realizar las perforaciones exploratorias de cara a confirmar la viabilidad del recurso geotérmico en el municipio de Villamaría, departamento de Caldas, Colombia.
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Isagen Podría Comenzar Este Año Las Perforaciones Exploratorias En Villamaría, Caldas, Colombia
La empresa colombiana Isagen, a falta del permiso ambiental, estaría a punto de realizar las perforaciones exploratorias de cara a confirmar la viabilidad del recurso geotérmico en el municipio de Villamaría, departamento de Caldas, Colombia.
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USA, Nevada:
Ormat Technologies Management Discusses Q1 2013 Results - Earnings Call Transcript (Seeking Alpha)
Yehudit Bronicki - Ormat Chief Executive Officer, Director, listed some of the "major milestones achieved since the beginning of the year [that] have a positive impact on our near and longer term future:
Replacement of 2 our Standard Offer #4 contract with higher rate fixed-price RDAs contract and new PPA provide those projects favorable returns, the signature of the joint operating contract and the energy sales contract in Sarulla. The commercial operation of Olkaria Plant 2, which increased our generating capacity to 611 MWe and the continued flow of new orders in our product segment, which brought our backlog to $224 million as of May 7, 2013".
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Yehudit Bronicki - Ormat Chief Executive Officer, Director, listed some of the "major milestones achieved since the beginning of the year [that] have a positive impact on our near and longer term future:
Replacement of 2 our Standard Offer #4 contract with higher rate fixed-price RDAs contract and new PPA provide those projects favorable returns, the signature of the joint operating contract and the energy sales contract in Sarulla. The commercial operation of Olkaria Plant 2, which increased our generating capacity to 611 MWe and the continued flow of new orders in our product segment, which brought our backlog to $224 million as of May 7, 2013".
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USA, Utah:
Securities Fraud Action Against Raser Technologies, Inc. Executives Dismissed (JD Supra - press release)
The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware dismissed a class action for securities fraud against former officers and directors of Raser Technologies, Inc. , in which the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants had misrepresented the capacity of the Thermo 1 Geothermal Project in southern Utah and their ability to construct more plants.
The court dismissed the complaint for failure to plead scienter and loss causation, rejecting the argument that the energy company had committed securities fraud by waiting too long to record or report the loss incurred after learning of problems at the plant. The court also refused to adopt the “materialization of risk” test for loss causation, which would allow a plaintiff to plead loss causation by showing that the defendant exposed investors to an undisclosed risk which subsequently materialized. Instead, the court held that the absence of any allegation of a corrective disclosure automatically warranted dismissal.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware dismissed a class action for securities fraud against former officers and directors of Raser Technologies, Inc. , in which the plaintiffs alleged that the defendants had misrepresented the capacity of the Thermo 1 Geothermal Project in southern Utah and their ability to construct more plants.
The court dismissed the complaint for failure to plead scienter and loss causation, rejecting the argument that the energy company had committed securities fraud by waiting too long to record or report the loss incurred after learning of problems at the plant. The court also refused to adopt the “materialization of risk” test for loss causation, which would allow a plaintiff to plead loss causation by showing that the defendant exposed investors to an undisclosed risk which subsequently materialized. Instead, the court held that the absence of any allegation of a corrective disclosure automatically warranted dismissal.
California:
Geothermal Supplies Over One-Third of Renewable Energy in California
Geothermal energy provided over a third of renewable energy in California last year according to the 2012 Annual Report on Market Issues and Performance (PDF) from the California Independent System Operator (ISO).
Geothermal provided approximately 34 percent of renewable energy in 2012, or about 4 percent of overall system energy. However, for the first time, generation from wind resources directly connected to the ISO grid exceeded that from geothermal, becoming the largest source of renewable generation inside California.
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| (Courtesy California Independent System Operator) |
Geothermal provided approximately 34 percent of renewable energy in 2012, or about 4 percent of overall system energy. However, for the first time, generation from wind resources directly connected to the ISO grid exceeded that from geothermal, becoming the largest source of renewable generation inside California.
Alaska:
Little Interest in Geothermal Lease Sale in Alaska (Alaska Dispatch)
In Alaska's Division of Oil and Gas annual lease sale only one bid was submitted for a geothermal lease.
The bid is for a geothermal lease on Augustine Island in southwestern Cook Inlet in the Kenai Peninsula Borough of south-central coastal Alaska, 280 kilometers southwest of Anchorage.
Bill Barron, director of Alaska's Division of Oil and Gas, said given the state's history with geothermal leases -- this was the third, with a previous sale for Mount Spurr in 2008 and another in the 1980s -- he wasn't sure what to expect.
“Even by having one bid, I'm kind of pleased,” he said.
Despite increasing interest in renewable energy, geothermal has struggled to find a footing in Alaska. There are only a handful of geothermal projects in the state, according to the Alaska Energy Authority. According to the AEA, despite “significant geothermal potential, the attributes of Alaska’s geothermal resources remain poorly defined.”
Nicholas Van Wyck bid $1.02 per acre, or $2,544.90 for the geothermal tract. It covers 2,495 acres on the northwest corner of Augustine Island.
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The bid is for a geothermal lease on Augustine Island in southwestern Cook Inlet in the Kenai Peninsula Borough of south-central coastal Alaska, 280 kilometers southwest of Anchorage.
Bill Barron, director of Alaska's Division of Oil and Gas, said given the state's history with geothermal leases -- this was the third, with a previous sale for Mount Spurr in 2008 and another in the 1980s -- he wasn't sure what to expect.
“Even by having one bid, I'm kind of pleased,” he said.
Despite increasing interest in renewable energy, geothermal has struggled to find a footing in Alaska. There are only a handful of geothermal projects in the state, according to the Alaska Energy Authority. According to the AEA, despite “significant geothermal potential, the attributes of Alaska’s geothermal resources remain poorly defined.”
Nicholas Van Wyck bid $1.02 per acre, or $2,544.90 for the geothermal tract. It covers 2,495 acres on the northwest corner of Augustine Island.
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Canada:
British Columbia's Geothermal Potential (CBC News)
Green Party Leader Jane Sterk wants British Columbia (B.C.) to be an energy powerhouse but instead of pinning her hopes on LNG exports as B.C. Liberal leader Christy Clark has done, the Greens want to dig into the earth's surface for geothermal energy.
"The Green Party believes we can be a clean tech powerhouse. In terms of our renewable energy strategies, we have geothermal potential," says Sterk. "We are the only jurisdiction in the Ring of Fire that doesn't have geothermal power in place."
The Ring of Fire has given B.C. an abundance of geothermal energy and many hot springs. It's a huge energy source underneath the surface that B.C. hasn't harnessed yet to its full potential, say federal scientists and the lobby group for the industry.
In reality-checking the Green Party's claims that we have huge potential and remain the only jurisdiction not tapping into geothermal power, we did our own digging and found the claims are true.
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"The Green Party believes we can be a clean tech powerhouse. In terms of our renewable energy strategies, we have geothermal potential," says Sterk. "We are the only jurisdiction in the Ring of Fire that doesn't have geothermal power in place."
The Ring of Fire has given B.C. an abundance of geothermal energy and many hot springs. It's a huge energy source underneath the surface that B.C. hasn't harnessed yet to its full potential, say federal scientists and the lobby group for the industry.
In reality-checking the Green Party's claims that we have huge potential and remain the only jurisdiction not tapping into geothermal power, we did our own digging and found the claims are true.
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Indonesia:
West Sumatra Develops Geothermal (Tempo.co)
The government of West Sumatra will accelerate the development of new and renewable energy. West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno said that the acceleration is aimed at optimizing the province's energy potential.
"We can see there is a large geothermal potential in West Sumatra. The province has 16 geothermal points with a potential of 1,685 MWe. Yesterday, Supreme Energy in Muaralaboh announced they had obtained 50 MWe just from drilling one well," Irwan said during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Acceleration of New and Renewable Energy Development with the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry in Jakarta, Tuesday, May 7.
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"We can see there is a large geothermal potential in West Sumatra. The province has 16 geothermal points with a potential of 1,685 MWe. Yesterday, Supreme Energy in Muaralaboh announced they had obtained 50 MWe just from drilling one well," Irwan said during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Acceleration of New and Renewable Energy Development with the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry in Jakarta, Tuesday, May 7.
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USA, California:
Resource Assessment & Optimization Workshop and Tour to The Geysers Geothermal Field
Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront - Sacramento, California
June 10-12, 2013
ROOM BLOCK EXPIRES MAY 19th!
This GRC workshop will describe how to assess the suitability of geothermal
resources for development and expansion once initial exploration has been done. Presentations will focus on insights to be gleaned from well testing, reservoir simulation, geochemistry, and ongoing resource monitoring.
Experienced practitioners in these areas will discuss the techniques, and several geothermal operators will present case studies illustrating how the techniques have been applied to their projects. This workshop will provide practical information to anyone interested in geothermal energy, including developers, financiers, utilities, regulators, public-interest organizations, and members of the academic community. The workshop will comprise two days of presentations in Sacramento, California, followed by an optional, one-day field trip to The Geysers.
Price per person:
GRC has secured a discounted room rate of $139 (plus room tax and fees) for workshop attendees at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront. Hotel stay includes full breakfast buffet from 6:30 - 9:30am and "Manager's Reception" from 5:30 - 7:30pm everyday. Reserve your hotel room using the group code: GRC or call (800) 498-5237 and ask for the GRC/Geothermal Resources Council discount rate. Don't delay, discounted room rate expires May 19, 2013.
Hotel Room Reservation
Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront - Sacramento, California
June 10-12, 2013
ROOM BLOCK EXPIRES MAY 19th!
resources for development and expansion once initial exploration has been done. Presentations will focus on insights to be gleaned from well testing, reservoir simulation, geochemistry, and ongoing resource monitoring.
Experienced practitioners in these areas will discuss the techniques, and several geothermal operators will present case studies illustrating how the techniques have been applied to their projects. This workshop will provide practical information to anyone interested in geothermal energy, including developers, financiers, utilities, regulators, public-interest organizations, and members of the academic community. The workshop will comprise two days of presentations in Sacramento, California, followed by an optional, one-day field trip to The Geysers.
Price per person:
- GRC Member: $375
- Non-member: $425
- Students (academic identification required): $50
- Optional Field Trip to The Geysers: $75 (Limited seating available for field trip)
GRC has secured a discounted room rate of $139 (plus room tax and fees) for workshop attendees at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront. Hotel stay includes full breakfast buffet from 6:30 - 9:30am and "Manager's Reception" from 5:30 - 7:30pm everyday. Reserve your hotel room using the group code: GRC or call (800) 498-5237 and ask for the GRC/Geothermal Resources Council discount rate. Don't delay, discounted room rate expires May 19, 2013.
Hotel Room Reservation
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
USA, Nevada:
Phase 2 of Patua Geothermal Project Gets Green Light (RGJ.com)
With recommendations for approval from staff and the city planning commission, the Fernley City Council, has approved a special use permit for development of additional facilities for the Gradient Resources Patua Geothermal Project at the east end of Fernley.
The request was for four parcels on the border with Churchill County in the Resource Drive area. The facilities include geothermal well pads and wells, and geothermal fluid pipelines, to support existing and future phases.
Jason Hefner, an engineer with Patua, said wells would be drilled in the first or
second quarter of 2014.
The Patua Project is proceeding in phases, the first being 30 MWe, under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). Gradient’s Patua plant will become operational and is set to deliver power to the grid in September of 2013.
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The request was for four parcels on the border with Churchill County in the Resource Drive area. The facilities include geothermal well pads and wells, and geothermal fluid pipelines, to support existing and future phases.
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| Patua construction 1/7/13 (Courtesy Gradient Resources) |
Jason Hefner, an engineer with Patua, said wells would be drilled in the first or
second quarter of 2014.
The Patua Project is proceeding in phases, the first being 30 MWe, under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD). Gradient’s Patua plant will become operational and is set to deliver power to the grid in September of 2013.
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New Zealand:
Mighty River IPO Raises Record $1.4 Billion (Reuters)
The New Zealand government raised a record NZ$1.7 billion ($1.4 billion) from the sale of a minority stake in power company Mighty River Power Ltd on Wednesday, kicking off a major state asset sale program with Asia's third-largest initial public offering this year.
The final price of NZ$2.50 per share was set after a book building process with institutional investors. An initial price range of NZ$2.35 to NZ$2.80 had been indicated when the offer was opened.
The New Zealand government sold 686 million shares in Mighty River, a 49 percent stake, to retail and institutional investors. The company will debut on the New Zealand Stock Exchange on May 10.
Mighty River, which has nine hydro, five geothermal, and one gas-fired station, produces just under a fifth of the country's power and has 390,000 retail customers.
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The final price of NZ$2.50 per share was set after a book building process with institutional investors. An initial price range of NZ$2.35 to NZ$2.80 had been indicated when the offer was opened.
The New Zealand government sold 686 million shares in Mighty River, a 49 percent stake, to retail and institutional investors. The company will debut on the New Zealand Stock Exchange on May 10.
Mighty River, which has nine hydro, five geothermal, and one gas-fired station, produces just under a fifth of the country's power and has 390,000 retail customers.
Read More.....
Chile:
Chile Looks to Volcanoes and Geysers for Energy (Thomson Reuters Foundation)
Chile is one of the countries with the greatest potential for geothermal energy development in Latin America, but a lack of incentives for investment in the sector has kept it from moving past the exploratory phase. A strategic partnership with New Zealand aims to change that situation.
Chile is one of the countries with the greatest potential for geothermal energy development in Latin America, but a lack of incentives for investment in the sector has kept it from moving past the exploratory phase. A strategic partnership with New Zealand aims to change that situation.
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| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
This long, narrow South American country stretches 4,270 kilometres along the slopes of the Andes Mountains, the world's longest volcanic chain, according to the Andean Geothermal Center of Excellence at the University of Chile.
Ten percent of all of the world's volcanoes are found in Chile, "which represents significant potential in geological terms," Gonzalo Salgado of the Chilean Geothermal Energy Association (ACHEGEO) told Tierramérica.
Chile forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a belt of volcanoes and earthquake epicentres that in the Americas also encompasses Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Central America, Mexico and parts of Argentina, Bolivia, the United States and Canada. This belt contains numerous virgin territories for thermal energy exploration, said Salgado.
Geothermal energy offers a means of achieving greater energy self-sufficiency in Chile, which currently depends on imports for 70 percent of its energy needs.
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Ten percent of all of the world's volcanoes are found in Chile, "which represents significant potential in geological terms," Gonzalo Salgado of the Chilean Geothermal Energy Association (ACHEGEO) told Tierramérica.
Chile forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a belt of volcanoes and earthquake epicentres that in the Americas also encompasses Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Central America, Mexico and parts of Argentina, Bolivia, the United States and Canada. This belt contains numerous virgin territories for thermal energy exploration, said Salgado.
Geothermal energy offers a means of achieving greater energy self-sufficiency in Chile, which currently depends on imports for 70 percent of its energy needs.
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USA:
U.S. DoE, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE), FY 2014 Budget Request
Presentation from April 30 Webinar (PDF)
Presentation from April 30 Webinar (PDF)
The Geothermal Technologies Program budget is presented on pages 16 to 19.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
USA, Nevada:
Ormat Technologies Reports 2013 First Quarter Results (News Release)
Ormat Technologies, Inc. today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2013.
Commenting on the results, Dita Bronicki, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat, stated: "Since the beginning of the year, we have achieved significant milestones that will further improve both segments performance. Our 2013 organic growth plan to reach 637 MWe is on schedule. The 36 MWe Plant 2 in the Olkaria III complex in Kenya reached commercial operation bringing the total capacity of our portfolio to 611 MWe, and we are progressing with the construction of Heber Solar and Wild Rose projects that we expect to complete by the end of 2013. In 2014, we plan to bring on line plant 3 at the Olkaria III complex increasing its capacity to approximately 100 MWe."
Read More......
Ormat Technologies, Inc. today announced financial results for the first quarter of 2013.
Commenting on the results, Dita Bronicki, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat, stated: "Since the beginning of the year, we have achieved significant milestones that will further improve both segments performance. Our 2013 organic growth plan to reach 637 MWe is on schedule. The 36 MWe Plant 2 in the Olkaria III complex in Kenya reached commercial operation bringing the total capacity of our portfolio to 611 MWe, and we are progressing with the construction of Heber Solar and Wild Rose projects that we expect to complete by the end of 2013. In 2014, we plan to bring on line plant 3 at the Olkaria III complex increasing its capacity to approximately 100 MWe."
Read More......
Philippines:
Erupting Philippine Volcano Kills 5 (The Washington Post)
Mayon Volcano is about 15 kms south-east of the Tiwi geothermal field on the northeast flank of Mt. Malinao, another nearby volcano.
One of the Philippines’ most active volcanoes, Mt. Mayon, rumbled to life Tuesday, spewing room-sized rocks toward nearly 30 surprised climbers, killing five and injuring others that had to be fetched with rescue helicopters and rope.
Tuesday’s eruption was normal for the restive Mayon, said Renato Solidum, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
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Mayon Volcano is about 15 kms south-east of the Tiwi geothermal field on the northeast flank of Mt. Malinao, another nearby volcano.
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| (Courtesy AFP) |
Tuesday’s eruption was normal for the restive Mayon, said Renato Solidum, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
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Philippines:
EDC Allots $40M for Offshore Ventures (Malaya Business Insight)
Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is allotting $40 million (about P1.67 billion) for its international geothermal ventures in Chile, Peru and Indonesia for next year.
Richard Tantoco, EDC president and chief operating officer, said that EDC is looking for opportunities in developing geothermal energy in other countries, but Chile, Peru and Indonesia are those which are likely to have results by next year.
“We’re pursuing it now, we have teams exploring the sites. We hope to drill in Chile by next year,” Tantoco said.
For this year, the the company will be spending around $2.5 million (about P100 million) for exploration funding.
“Next year, we’re budgeting about $40 million for drilling. Most likely based on the projects today, we’re going to be drilling in Chile first, initially three wells,” Tantoco said.
Besides countries Chile, Peru, and Indonesia, EDC is eyeing possible projects in Kenya.
“We’re looking at Kenya but with a lot of caution. We have a team going there this June but nothing firm yet,” Tantoco noted.
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| Richard Tantoco, EDC president and COO (Courtesy EDC) |
Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is allotting $40 million (about P1.67 billion) for its international geothermal ventures in Chile, Peru and Indonesia for next year.
Richard Tantoco, EDC president and chief operating officer, said that EDC is looking for opportunities in developing geothermal energy in other countries, but Chile, Peru and Indonesia are those which are likely to have results by next year.
“We’re pursuing it now, we have teams exploring the sites. We hope to drill in Chile by next year,” Tantoco said.
For this year, the the company will be spending around $2.5 million (about P100 million) for exploration funding.
“Next year, we’re budgeting about $40 million for drilling. Most likely based on the projects today, we’re going to be drilling in Chile first, initially three wells,” Tantoco said.
Besides countries Chile, Peru, and Indonesia, EDC is eyeing possible projects in Kenya.
“We’re looking at Kenya but with a lot of caution. We have a team going there this June but nothing firm yet,” Tantoco noted.
Read More....
USA:
U.S. Army Starts with Geothermal Energy in Making First MATOC Awards (Electric Light & Power)
The U.S. Army announced the first awards Friday under its $7 billion procurement to obtain renewable energy through private sector financing, awarding contracts to five firms for potential geothermal energy projects.
The contracts — which provide a three-year base with seven one-year options — allow the firms to compete for Power Purchase Agreements lasting up to 30 years at DOD installations. Individual awards under the Multiple-Award, Task Order Contract (MATOC) are being staggered by technology, the Army Corps of Engineers said. Awards for the remaining technologies, solar, wind and biomass, are anticipated to be made through the end of the calendar year.
The five companies awarded contracts to compete for task orders to design, finance, build, operate and maintain energy plants relying on geothermal technology are:
The contracts — which provide a three-year base with seven one-year options — allow the firms to compete for Power Purchase Agreements lasting up to 30 years at DOD installations. Individual awards under the Multiple-Award, Task Order Contract (MATOC) are being staggered by technology, the Army Corps of Engineers said. Awards for the remaining technologies, solar, wind and biomass, are anticipated to be made through the end of the calendar year.
The five companies awarded contracts to compete for task orders to design, finance, build, operate and maintain energy plants relying on geothermal technology are:
- Constellation NewEnergy, Baltimore, Md.
- ECC Renewables LLC, Burlingame, Calif.
- Enel Green Power North America, Andover, Mass.
- LTC Federal LLC, Detroit, Mich.
- Siemens Government Technologies, Arlington, Va.
USA, Hawai'i:
Solar, Wind, & Geothermal Help Hawaii Reach Renewable Goals Ahead Of Schedule (CleanTechnica)
America’s most fossil fuel dependent state has made great strides since laying out a statewide sustainability plan known as Hawaii 2050.
The state acknowledged its challenges: 90% of food imported, greater than 90% of energy derived from burning imported oil in large scale generators, and a solid waste challenge highlighted by extremely limited landfill space and a tourism-based economy that thrives on throwaway goods.
Signs of progress are clear: Hawaii has increased its geothermal capacity to 38 MWe, and new wind power developments on Maui have brought that island’s total wind capacity to 72 MW. Oahu has a new wind farm on the north shore at Kawailoa (69 MW), and despite a bit of a stumble, the nearby 30 MW Kahuku wind farm is on schedule to be back at full capacity by year’s end.
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America’s most fossil fuel dependent state has made great strides since laying out a statewide sustainability plan known as Hawaii 2050.
The state acknowledged its challenges: 90% of food imported, greater than 90% of energy derived from burning imported oil in large scale generators, and a solid waste challenge highlighted by extremely limited landfill space and a tourism-based economy that thrives on throwaway goods.
Signs of progress are clear: Hawaii has increased its geothermal capacity to 38 MWe, and new wind power developments on Maui have brought that island’s total wind capacity to 72 MW. Oahu has a new wind farm on the north shore at Kawailoa (69 MW), and despite a bit of a stumble, the nearby 30 MW Kahuku wind farm is on schedule to be back at full capacity by year’s end.
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Switzerland:
Swiss University Gets Grant to Research Into Deep Geothermal Energy (Nanowerk LLC)
ETH Zürich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich), one of the leading international universities for technology and the natural sciences, is to receive ten million Swiss francs from the Werner Siemens Foundation to establish a chair in deep geothermal energy. This will enable ETH Zurich to fulfill its aim of launching an initiative in this promising energy technology without delay.
Deep geothermal energy is regarded as a very promising technology, as it would allow previously unused heat energy from the ground to be tapped. ETH Zurich had decided some time ago to create two chairs in deep geothermal energy underlining its desire to play an active part in shaping Switzerland’s future energy landscape. With a donation of ten million Swiss francs to the ETH Zurich Foundation from the Werner Siemens Foundation, ETH Zurich can take firm steps to press ahead with its geothermal energy strategy by appointing its first chair.
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| ETH Zürich (Courtety ETH) |
Deep geothermal energy is regarded as a very promising technology, as it would allow previously unused heat energy from the ground to be tapped. ETH Zurich had decided some time ago to create two chairs in deep geothermal energy underlining its desire to play an active part in shaping Switzerland’s future energy landscape. With a donation of ten million Swiss francs to the ETH Zurich Foundation from the Werner Siemens Foundation, ETH Zurich can take firm steps to press ahead with its geothermal energy strategy by appointing its first chair.
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Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands:
Consultant: Geothermal Energy Best Option for Northern Mariana Islands (Marianas Variety)
The best chance to significantly lower utility costs in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is through geothermal power. Economists.com managing director Robert Young said, “It is very expensive initially but it has fairly low operating costs.”
He said there is a significant amount of research involved and much preparation for drilling test wells. Until the Northern Marianas makes these preparatory moves, it will have to rely on diesel-powered plants and other available alternatives.
Asked how soon the CNMI could realize having a geothermal power plant, Young said in his opinion it would take less than five years. But he said the CNMI must first do the drills that may cost up to $5 million.
He said the CNMI can look into federal grants from the Department of the Interior, among other federal agencies, for such a project.
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| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
He said there is a significant amount of research involved and much preparation for drilling test wells. Until the Northern Marianas makes these preparatory moves, it will have to rely on diesel-powered plants and other available alternatives.
Asked how soon the CNMI could realize having a geothermal power plant, Young said in his opinion it would take less than five years. But he said the CNMI must first do the drills that may cost up to $5 million.
He said the CNMI can look into federal grants from the Department of the Interior, among other federal agencies, for such a project.
Read More......
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