Canada:

Alberta Town To Further Explore Geothermal Energy Proposal (The Hinton Voice)

Jonathan Banks, representing the University of Alberta and Alberta Innovates – Energy and Environment Solutions was on hand at the standing committee meeting of Hinton council on June 23 to discuss the potential project.

The project would consist of three stages for 10 geothermal reservoirs near the town in west-central Alberta, Canada. These reservoirs are used to produce energy by pumping hot water to the surface, extracting the heat from the water, and then converting the heat to electricity, or using it as-is.

First, a three-dimensional picture of the surface itself would be taken to determine the volume of energy available in the reservoir. Then a volumetric assessment of the total energy in megawatt hours would be conducted. Finally, the research team will complete a statistical measure of how much power can be produced out of the reservoir.

“The deepest units at the base are here in Hinton, with temperatures approaching 200 degrees [Celsius], which is hot – you can produce a lot of electricity,” said Banks.

Read More........

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo:

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo To Convene World’s Largest Annual Geothermal Industry Gathering

Reno, Nevada, USA: September 20-23

The international geothermal power market is booming and with a sustained growth rate of 4% to 5% and almost 700 projects currently under development in 76 countries, the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo is expected to be an exciting international gathering of geothermal companies, academics, financiers, policy leaders, students, and other individuals. The international geothermal community is marking their calendars to attend or exhibit at the event, to be held from September 20-23 at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno, Nevada, USA.

This is the premier gathering to learn about the latest developments in geothermal energy. Last year, the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Expo hosted more than 1,400 representatives from 39 countries. Participants from six continents were present. In 2015, an even broader attendance is anticipated.

USA:

Job Vacancy: Supervisory Management & Program Analyst (Operations Supervisor) - Department of Energy

Apply by Monday, July 13, 2015, $124,995.00 to $157,100.00 / Per Year

• Serve as Operation Supervisor advising and providing recommendations on broad policy, program and human resource matters affecting programs and operations.
• Oversees visioning, goal-setting, performance indicators, quality/efficiency, organizational performance management, and ensuring alignment with the vision, mission, values and goals of the EERE.
• Provide leadership, oversight, and policy direction to support human capital management interests, including personnel performance management to enhance staff morale and promote a positive and collaborative work environment, staff development and recognition, and determines appropriateness of outsourcing non-inherently governmental functions.
• Develops and approves actions to conduct the programs or projects, including procurement actions, financial management, technical direction, and resolution of technical, legal and management problems.
• Ensures consistent, timely, and accurate responses to information requests from internal and external sources.
• Ensures Program compliance with the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) process and builds collaboration with other elements of EERE
• Oversees information management including responses to IG/GAO reports, Executive and Congressional correspondence, and program status briefings.
• Coordinates information technology activities and data management initiatives.
• Supports Program supervisors in providing management and administrative guidance.

Read More and Apply.......

USA:

Job Vacancy: Supervisory Management & Program Analyst (Operations Supervisor) - Department of Energy, Washington, D.C.

Apply by Monday, July 13, 2015 - $107,325.00 to $139,523.00 / Per Year

• Serve as principal advisor to the Office Director on all aspects of planning/programming, budget/finance and administration. Advises and provides recommendations on broad policy, program and human resource matters affecting programs and operations.
• Develops and approves actions to conduct the programs or projects, including procurement actions, financial management, technical direction, and resolution of technical, legal and management problems.
• Ensures consistent, timely, and accurate responses to information requests from internal and external sources. Ensures Program compliance with the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) process and builds collaboration with other elements of EERE, including Procurement, NEPA, and the General Counsel.
• Oversees information management including responses to IG/GAO reports, Executive and Congressional correspondence, and program status briefings. Coordinates information technology activities and data management initiatives.
• Manages and directs the administrative services of the program office. Develops implements, evaluates, and monitors procedures and policies for process improvement and sound business practice with goals of timeliness, maximum customer service, and efficient use of resources.
• Manages and administers the laboratory Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process. Works with Program staff to develop efficient and effective laboratory management and coordination. Tracks all laboratory and project spend plans to ensure efficient use of funds.

Read More and Apply.........

Europe:

Geothermal Use in Agriculture (EGEC)

The agricultural sector is a heavy energy consumer and Green House Gas emitter which needs to be more sustainable, competitive, and to ensure food security. This gives it a specific and urgent energy challenge: it needs to find stable, low cost, and local renewable energy, and it needs to reduce its contribution to climate change.

Much of the energy used by the industry is for low and medium level heat (less than 200°C), which is required at many stages of both production and treatment. Traditionally fossil fuels have been used, but fluctuating energy prices also expose the agri-food industry to risk.

Geothermal is a solution for this fuel switch.

Geothermal is increasingly being used in the agri-food industry as it meets many of the sectors’ requirements. Low or medium temperature geothermal heat is available everywhere in the world, and the systems enabling its use are simple and easy to maintain. Geothermal projects are installed locally and provide heating and cooling at competitive prices. They create direct and indirect jobs across the value chain.

Read More.........

Philippines:

Job Vacancy - Site HSE Manager for Geothermal Power Plant in Asia (Jackson Global)

A leading Independent Power Producer/IPP is currently looking for an experienced HSE Manager/Safety Manager to oversee the construction of a Geothermal Power Plant in South East Asia.

The role will be reporting to the Site Project Manager and will be tasked with Ensuring conformance with global environment, social and safety policies and standards and identifying, developing and implementing new or additional programs for the site team to improve HSE performance.

Read More.......

Japan:

Short-Term Flow Test of Geothermal Exploratory Well Conducted in Hokkaido (Mitsubishi Materials - News Release)

Short-Term Flow Test of “Musadake SMMG－2D

(Shot on June 15th, 2015）

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Materials Corporation and Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc. have been conducting drilling investigation for geothermal power plant in Musadake area since 2013, with the financial support from Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC). In this investigation, we conducted the short-term flow test*1 on the Geothermal Exploratory Well "Musadake SMMG - 2D" drilled in 2014.

The short-term flow test of "Musadake SMMG - 2D" had been conducted for 14 days, from June 12th to June 25th. In this test, we have confirmed 26 tons of steam per hour and 16 tons of hot water per hour*2. We will continue reviewing of commercialization of geothermal power generation in Musadake area.

The companies had previously reported that if the location proves promising, they will build a 15 MW geothermal power plant, aiming to start its operations in or around 2023.

Read More........

USA, California:

Energy Commission Online Map Tracks Water and Energy Resources (CEC - News Release)

For the first time, the California Energy Commission has assembled statewide data on water and energy resources in an online map that identifies the key sources of water for the state's largest 100 thermal power plants. The map identifies the water-energy nexus at California power plants of 75 megawatts and larger.

"California has made significant progress toward reducing water consumption and increasing recycled water usage at the state's largest power plants," said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. "This map shows that 50 of the state's 100 largest plants use recycled water (including the geothermal power plants at The Geysers that are supplied with recycled waste-water from the city of Santa Rosa and other local communities), and our fleet of thermal power plants has become more efficient and more drought resilient."

The online map provides information about the potential impact on water sources for thermal power plant operations. Among the 100 power plants, half depend on recycled and degraded groundwater as their primary source of water, 30 plants use surface water and 20 plants use groundwater.

Read More........

USA:

Hawaii and Vermont Set High Renewable Portfolio Standard Targets (EIA)

Two U.S. states recently passed legislation that would require significant increases in renewable electricity generation. On June 8, Hawaii updated legislation setting a 100% renewable portfolio standard (RPS) by 2045. On June 11, Vermont passed a bill creating a 75% RPS by 2032. Both of these RPS target percentages are higher than any other RPS target in the United States.

Renewable portfolio standards are state- or local-level policies that mandate all or certain types of electricity producers to supply a minimum share of their electricity from designated renewable resources. Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have RPS policies, and an additional eight states have nonbinding renewable portfolio goals.

Hawaii's previous RPS required 40% renewable energy by the end of 2030. The new policy, H.B. 623, includes interim requirements of 30% by the end of 2020, 40% by 2030, and 70% by 2040, ultimately reaching 100% renewable electricity by 2045. The state has met its annual RPS obligations to date, which for 2014 was 10% renewable energy. Largely because of its isolation, the bulk of Hawaii's electricity generation continues to be from petroleum.

Read More.......

Japan:

Interview with Shigeto Yamada of Fuji Electric (ThinkGeoEnergy)

Video interview with long time GRC Board Member Shigeto Yamada of Fuji Electric, taken at the World Geothermal Congress 2015 in Melbourne, Australia in April 2015.

Science & Technology:

Rocket Powered Geothermal Exploration (inlander.com)

The projectile doesn't frack so much as it pulverizes. Both the rock and the projectile disintegrate on contact.

Rocket scientist Mark Russell sees a future where humans harness the earth's energy to travel the cosmos. "Human beings will eventually be a space-faring people," says Russell. "The energy required to go out of our planet and elsewhere is substantial. We will not be using oil and gas for that."

To get there, Russell is drilling deeper than ever before in pursuit of fossil fuels. That's because his company, HyperSciences, is funded through Shell's GameChanger program.

HyperSciences' product is a high-velocity projectile that Russell hopes will one day help access geothermal energy, a clean, renewable energy source that eventually could replace the oil and gas he's currently seeking. For geothermal energy to become an economically viable alternative to oil and gas, that drilling has to be done with minimal hassle and expense. Russell is confident that his projectile can do that.

Read More.......

New Zealand:

Geothermalist is Finalist for NZ Book Awards (stuff.co.nz)

Geothermal science and illustrating children's books are two interests you would not expect to go hand-in-hand. Fortunately scientist Brian Lovelock somehow finds the time to do both.

There is a fine line between doing too little and too much with pictures but Lovelock says illustrators need to "take risks". "With art you need to let yourself go," he says. "You often end up with some happy accidents."

It is no accident that Lovelock has been nominated as a finalist for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Construction, written by fellow Aucklander Sally Sutton, has been selected as a finalist in the picture book category. It is the third book Lovelock has illustrated for Sutton's Roadworks and Demolition series.

Lovelock, who lives in the Auckland suburb of Mt Eden, has illustrated seven children's books over the last 10 years while juggling his career as a geothermal scientist.

Read More.........

Climate Change:

Bill Gates to Invest $2bn in Breakthrough Renewable Energy Projects (The Guardian)

Bill Gates plans to double investment in green energy technology and research to combat climate change

Bill Gates has announced he will invest $2bn in renewable technologies initiatives, but rejected calls to divest from the fossil fuel companies that are burning carbon at a rate that ignores international agreements to limit global warming.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Gates said that he would double his current investments in renewables over the next five years in a bid to “bend the curve” on tackling climate change.

Read More.........

Turkey:

EBRD Co-Finances 170 MW Efeler Geothermal Power Plant (The Financial)

When completed later this year, the plant will reach 170 MW capacity, making it one of the ten largest geothermal plants in the world.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is helping Turkey establish renewable energy as a viable component of its energy mix with a comprehensive long-term financing package for the country’s largest geothermal power plant.

The Efeler geothermal plant is being built by a subsidiary of Güriş Holding, a leading Turkish renewable energy company. The plant’s five units – three of them already operational – are situated near the western town of Germencik, in the Buyuk Menderes Graben, the area in Turkey with the greatest potential for geothermal energy.

The EBRD has played a key role in securing 15-year financing for the project. The Bank is providing a US$ 200 million loan, alongside additional loans of US$ 325 million from Türkiye İş Bankası AŞ (İşbank), US$ 130 million from Turkiye Sınai Kalkınma Bankası A.S. (TSKB) and US$ 65 million from the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB).

Read More......

USA:

Presentations from the 2015 Geothermal Technologies Office Peer Review Now Live (EERE/GTO)

The Energy Department featured Play Fairway Analysis at the 2015
Geothermal Technologies Office Peer Review, with data visualizations like
this heat-flow map from the University of Utah.

The Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) took a week this May to conduct its Peer Review, a rigorous public evaluation of its geothermal project portfolio. Peer Review provides a forum for independent, expert evaluation of the technical progress and merit of GTO's technical portfolio.

This year, the four-day event in May brought together nearly 300 participants from eight countries —representing industry, national labs, government, and academia—to Westminster, CO, to review 110 GTO projects and an additional 21 posters on GTO-funded research. The event attracted a national and international audience in this sector, and opened a dialogue with other experts in geophysics, geochemistry, modeling, down-hole tools, and more. Presentations from the GTO 2015 Peer Review are now available here.

• Plenary Sessions
• Track 1 Systems Analysis
• Track 1 Low Temp
• Track 2 Hydrothermal
• Track 3 EGS
• Track 4 EGS
• Poster Session

Read More.......

USA, Washington D.C.:

18th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO + Policy Forum (Sustainable Energy Coalition)

Thursday July 9, Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

The 18th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO + Policy Forum will bring together nearly 50 businesses, trade associations, and government agencies to showcase renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

Attendance at the EXPO + Forum is free, open to the public, and no RSVPs are required. All are welcome!

Read More........

USA:

Republicans and Democrats Back Bill to Level the Playing Field for Renewable Energy (Renewable Energy World)

Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act would offer renewables investors the same tax breaks as fossil fuel investors.

U.S. Senators Chris Coons and Jerry Moran are leading a bipartisan effort to reintroduce tax code legislation aimed at leveling the playing field for renewable energy investment. The Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act would enable renewable energy investors to share in tax advantages presently available only to fossil fuel investors.

Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) are taxed as partnerships but also allow numerous investors to hold a small stake similar to stock ownership. As a qualification for MLP status, the IRS requires that partnerships generate a minimum of 90 percent of their income from specific “qualifying sources.” Where natural resources are concerned, these include oil, coal, natural gas and pipeline projects — but do not include renewables such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and biomass. The MLP Parity Act proposes to change this by expanding the definition of “qualified energy sources” to include these and other clean energy technologies.

Read More.......

Europe:

Half of Europe’s Electricity Set to be from Renewables by 2030 (The Guardian)

Leaked EU paper predicts fast renewables growth to around double current levels if countries meet climate objectives

Europe will likely get more than half of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the next decade if EU countries meet their climate pledges, according to a draft commission paper.

A planned overhaul of the continent’s electricity grids will now need to be sped up, says the leaked text, seen by the Guardian.

“Reaching the European Union 2030 energy and climate objectives means the share of renewables is likely to reach 50% of installed electricity capacity,” says the consultation paper, due to be published on 15 July. “This means that changes to the electricity system in favor of decarbonization will have to come even faster.”

Read More........

USA:

Wall Street Pumps Billions Into Renewable Energy (Wall Street Journal)

After years of lofty promises, Wall Street believes the renewable energy industry can produce a payoff.

In just a few years, investors have gone from zero to billions in the amount of money they’re pumping into renewable-energy companies and environmentally friendly projects.

Tax-equity funds and specialty financial tools like “green bonds” and yieldcos have become increasingly popular. And investments in the renewable-energy companies that benefit from these financial tools have far outperformed those in oil-and-gas drilling and coal mining since the start of 2013, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, a research arm of Bloomberg LP.

Read More........

Australia:

Renewable Energy Target: Senate Sits Late to Pass Bill Without Amendment (The Guardian)

Legislation to reduce the renewable energy target from 41,000 gigawatt hours to 33,000 gWh has passed both houses of parliament. The Senate sat late on Tuesday to pass the bill.

Labor and the Coalition struck a deal on the target in May after a months-long standoff that the renewables industry said undermined investment.

Read More.......

Europe:

The EGEC Newsletter June 2015 - The Voice of Geothermal in Europe

The new edition of the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) newsletter is out.

Editorial

• European Sustainable Energy week
• ReGeoCities

Policy

• 2020 renewables targets: EU Commission urges new measures for geothermal heat technologies'
• Towards an EU Strategy on Heating and Cooling: Key recommendations from the renewable heat industries
• Don’t cap renewables and efficiency: Call from renewable energy, energy efficiency and environmental associations.

News

• International Energy Information Portal Relaunched in USA
• US, Philippines, Indonesia top-3 in geothermal capacity 2014
• Calls for a Global Apollo programme to combat climate change
• EU to provide €15 million investment grant to the Geothermal Development Facility Latin America (GDF)
• Five heat projects in Scotland secure funding for feasibility studies.

Heat pumps and space cooling

• New method for measuring past temperatures in Rocks could be used in Geothermal industry.
• New European Risk financing for demonstration projects.
• St Gallen project receives 18.2 Million CHF in insurance payment
• New EGS activity in Switzerland.
• Development of 150 million EUR in funding for Geothermal projects in Germany.
• Public consultation for exclusive exploration permit in Auvergne, France
• Breakthrough Court decision requires Dutch government to further reduce its CO2 emissions
• US Funding for Feasibility study in Kuyucak, Turkey
• International consortium signed a contract for the construction of a geothermal power plant in Kenya

Projects

• ReGeoCities: Designing regulatory systems for shallow geothermal Energy in Cities
• The Heat Under Your Feet: New promotional material for Shallow Geothermal Energy 

Download the Newsletter.......

Technology:

Opportunities for geothermal energy: New method reveals past underground temperatures (Phys.org)

Rocks store information about the temperatures that they have experienced. Wageningen University researchers and international colleagues are the first to develop a method that reveals low-temperature information (from 35 °C and higher) on a relatively short timescale of thousands of years. The new method might find application in locating geothermal reservoirs and in maintaining underground tunnels.

The deeper you go into the Earth, the warmer it gets. But how warm exactly can differ from location to location, for example because of snowmelt infiltration or a warm aquifer amidst the rocks. Luminescence can retrieve the temperatures that the rocks have experienced over thousands of years. The technique is based on trapped electrons that build up in crystals under the competing influences of natural radioactivity and heat. It is a fine balance, and small changes in temperature cause large changes in the signal intensity. The signal can be extracted in the laboratory by light. Read More....

Rocks store information about the temperatures that they have experienced. Wageningen University researchers and international colleagues are the first to develop a method that reveals low-temperature information (from 35 °C and higher) on a relatively short timescale of thousands of years. The new method might find application in locating geothermal reservoirs and in maintaining underground tunnels.

Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2015-06-opportunities-geothermal-energy-method-reveals.html#jCp

India:

India's SECI plans geothermal, offshore wind, tidal debuts (SeeNews Renewables)

 State-owned Solar Energy Corp of India Ltd (SECI) plans to diversify its renewable energy operations by entering the geothermal, offshore wind and tidal among other green segments.

The firm will also become a “self-sustaining and self-generating organization”, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy said in a press release on Wednesday. SECI will continue to expand its core solar business, including both its upstream and downstream segments.

In line with the transition, the company plans to change its name to Renewable Energy Corporation of India (RECI). The move has already received the green light from prime minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Union Cabinet and will now apply to the country’s Registrar of Companies.

SECI booked its first profit of roughly INR 120 million (USD 1.9m/EUR 1.7m) during the last fiscal year. In 2015, its bottom line is expected to surge to some INR 3 billion.

Kenya:

 Kenya to add 350 MW of geothermal capacity at Olkaria (SeeNews Renewables)

The Kenya Electricity Generation Company (KenGen) said it has struck additional geothermal steam capable of supporting 375 MW of power generation capacity.

CEO Albert Mugo said KenGen is planning to put up new plants in Olkaria that will bring 350 MW of geothermal power capacity for the national grid. The three projects include the 140-MW Olkaria V, an additional 70-MW unit to the Olkaria I, and the Olkaria VI plant, which the company plans to develop in the next two-four years.

Olkaria V, KenGen’s next project, is set to kick off before the end of the year.

Mugo said KenGen wants to add at least 3,000 MW to the national grid by 2018, mostly from renewables such as geothermal and wind. Geothermal sources currently account for one-third of the national installed capacity, estimated at 2,150 MW, but provide more than half of the total output due to the high energy yield and stability against weather variations.

“Geothermal is poised to be the future dominant source of electricity,” Mugo said, adding that KenGen has exceeded required steam levels, which enhances guarantees towards financing for the projects.

KenGen has drilled 137 wells since 2007, way above the target of 100 wells. Eight rigs are in operation at the Olkaria steam fields.

Turkey:

USTDA Strengthens Support For Geothermal Energy Development in Turkey (USTDA)

This week, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded a grant to Turcas BM Kuyucak Jeotermal Elektrik Üretim A. Ş. (TBK), a Turkish joint venture owned primarily by BM Holding and Turcas Energy Holding.  The grant funds a feasibility study that will evaluate the technical and financial specifications for a geothermal energy project designed to supply 13.2 Megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to the Turkish electrical grid. 

The new facility will utilize modern and efficient technology for generating electricity from geothermal, a clean and renewable energy source that is becoming increasingly important in the composition of Turkey’s energy portfolio. 

“We are very proud to have supported, either directly or indirectly, a substantial amount of Turkey’s more than 300 MW of operational geothermal energy,” said USTDA Country Manager Heather Lanigan.  “This project in Kuyucak will expand on that success, and will also build upon USTDA’s continued efforts to support renewable energy deployment in Turkey.” 

Read More...

Argentina:

Argentine Neuquen gets 5 bids for Domuyo geothermal studies - report (SeeNews Renewables)

Argentina's Neuquen province has received five offers for studies in the Domuyo geothermal area, energy news site Energia Estrategica reported Friday.

Neuquen wants to develop the field as part of a hydro-geothermal complex of at least 100 MW, including the Colo Michico and Los Guiones hydropower projects in the upper Neuquen basin. For Domuyo, the province needs a conceptual model of the geothermal field and estimates for commercial-scale power generation.

The five bidders are the consortia Teranov-Hidrotec, Adage Geothermal-Quantec Geoscience Argentina, Geotermia Andina-DTP Laboratorios-Consultora Demison, ENAL-Proinsa, and Grupo Minero Aconcagua.

Local investment promotion agency ADI-NQN has set a budget of ARS 6 million (USD 661,000/EUR 592,000) and nine months for completion of the services.

Philippines:

Group to put up geothermal plant in Biliran (Inquirer)

Biliran Geothermal Inc. (BGI) is on track to develop the next major geothermal power project in the Philippines. BGI proposes to build a geothermal power plant in the island-province of Biliran in Eastern Visayas. The project, which may have up to 50 megawatts (MW) of capacity, will boost the renewable energy component of the Philippines’ energy mix as coal and other sources grow.

“They hope to start development within the year if possible,” DOE director for Renewable Energy Management Bureau Mario Marasigan said in a text message. Steam tests for the 20-MW Maibarara geothermal project in Batangas shows it is ready for a 10-MW expansion and the DOE hopes there will be other geothermal projects to boost clean energy use in the country.

“So far, we are looking at Biliran. It needs full confirmation so development has not started yet,” Marasigan said. BGI declared commerciality—indicating its intention to develop the project up to commercial operation—late last year. Its geothermal project is targeted to be in full operation by 2016, augmenting power supply in the Visayas. Read More....

GRC Workshop to Yellowstone:

Geothermal Resources Council Workshop to Yellowstone

June 22-26, 2015

A tour of the major geologic features of the Yellowstone National Park, the site of the greatest concentration of geothermal features in the world.

Friday, June 26

• West Thumb Geyser Basin.
• Drive to Salt lake City through Grand Teton National Park for geology of Tetons and Teton Fault, glacial history, etc.

See more photos from the adventure on the GRC Flicker page for the Yellowstone Workshop.

GRC Workshop to Yellowstone:

Geothermal Resources Council Workshop to Yellowstone

June 22-26, 2015

A tour of the major geologic features of the Yellowstone National Park, the site of the greatest concentration of geothermal features in the world.

Thursday, June 25

• Norris Geyser Basin - walk both Back Basin and Porcelain Basin boardwalks
• Mammoth Hot Springs - walk boardwalks in different geochemical system.
• Depending on time and interest, optional stops at Artists Paint Pots and/or Beryl Hot springs.

See more photos from the adventure on the GRC Flicker page for the Yellowstone Workshop.

USA, Salton Sea, CA:

Salton Sea State Hearing Shines Light on Geothermal Potential (Imperial Valley News)

Sacramento, California - Assembly member Eduardo Garcia held his first of two select committee hearings today in the State Capitol with the Assembly Select Committee on Renewable Energy Development and Restoration of the Salton Sea. During the hearing the committee reviewed the Salton Sea’s geothermal resource in the context of the state’s renewable energy and climate goals.

“California has ambitious goals to increase its renewable energy use to 50%, and decrease greenhouse gasses to improve air quality. Today’s hearing gave committee members an opportunity to listen in and examine the largely untapped geothermal resource that surrounds the Salton Sea which can play a role in helping the state meet its goal. Although challenges exist, developing the geothermal potential at the Sea can also help and kick start the much needed restorations efforts,” said Assembly member Garcia. Read More.....

GRC Workshop to Yellowstone:

Geothermal Resources Council Workshop to Yellowstone

June 22-26, 2015

A tour of the major geologic features of the Yellowstone National Park, the site of the greatest concentration of geothermal features in the world.

Wednesday, June 24

• Spend the day in Upper, Midway and Lower Geyser Basins. Plan to see several of the major geysers erupt. Field discussions of hydrothermal geochemistry and subterranean plumbing, geyser systematics, relations of thermal and cold groundwater systems, geyser chronology, silica deposition and diagenesis, etc.
• Group dinner at Old Faithful Inn.

See more photos from the adventure on the GRC Flicker page for the Yellowstone Workshop.

USA, New York:

Cuomo could make WNY a leader in geothermal energy (Buffalo News)

The New York State Legislature has passed a bill to support the “invisible” source of renewable energy. Unlike visible energy collection from solar panels and wind turbines, geothermal systems are installed underground, leaving no visual impact.

More greenhouse gases are generated in New York by the heating of buildings than in the generation of electricity. Geothermal systems heat (as well as cool) buildings without the need to burn fossil fuels. It works because the temperature of the earth remains around 50 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year at a minimum depth of six feet. And, geothermal is an on-demand energy source that will provide savings and comfort every minute of every day. Read More.....

Japan:

Geothermal power in parks: Pipe dream or reality? (Japan News)

From the lush primeval landscapes of Hokkaido to the breathtaking mountains of the Tohoku region, industry officials are calling for relaxed geothermal power restrictions in national and quasi-national parks amid a heated debate over the pros and cons.

On one hand, there’s the environmental damage to ecosystems and the depletion of hot spring reservoirs to consider. On the other, the government’s argument that geothermal power is an effective solution to global warming.

What’s the best way to move forward with geothermal power with an eye to environmental conservation? The Environment Ministry is aiming to work out a set of guidelines by July. Read more....

GRC Workshop to Yellowstone:

Geothermal Resources Council Workshop to Yellowstone

June 22-26, 2015

A tour of the major geologic features of the Yellowstone National Park, the site of the greatest concentration of geothermal features in the world.

Tuesday, June 23

• Introduction to Yellowstone - history and biology, with emphasis on Park Service regulations.
• Drive to Mt. Washburn for overview of canyon and caldera. Introduction to Yellowstone Caldera. Begin conversation about geology, seismicity, hydrothermal circulation systems and system preservation in a national park.
• Stops along the north and south rims of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.
• Stop at Mary Bay/Beach Springs for discussion of hydrothermal explosion craters.
• Stop at Steamboat Point for discussion of Yellowstone Lake (elevation 7,795 feet) and its raised and underwater shorelines, as a result of caldera unrest.
• Final stop will be at Mud Volcano area for a walk through a vapor dominated system.

See more photos from the adventure on the GRC Flicker page for the Yellowstone Workshop.

USA, Idaho:

BLM: Sagebrush Restoration and Geothermal Wells Progressing (Magic Valley)

On Thursday, members of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Twin Falls District Resource Advisory Council toured sites for the Walker Ranch Geothermal project and the Burley Landscape Sage-Grouse Habitat Restoration Project.

It was an opportunity for the Walker Ranch and BLM Burley Field Office to show the council the progress of their projects and take suggestions.

The ranch’s five land leases approved by the BLM for geothermal drilling are about 13 miles southwest of Malta. The council was shown two sites: a well constructed at the ranch, and another nearby that serves as a testing site for water temperature and pressure data. ]

Read more.......

GRC Workshop to Yellowstone:

Geothermal Resources Council Workshop to Yellowstone

June 22-26, 2015

A tour of the major geologic features of the Yellowstone National Park, the site of the greatest concentration of geothermal features in the world.

GRC Workshop attendees on the tower of the 

Raft River Geothermal Power Plant

Monday, June 22

• Meet in Salt Lake City, Utah (elevation 4,327 feet)
• Drive From Salt Lake City to the 13 MW net capacity U.S. Geothermal Raft River geothermal power plant in Idaho
• Visit the Raft River Enhanced Geothermal System site where stimulation activities are being conducted.
• Drive to West Yellowstone, Montana.
• Stop to discuss the geology of the Snake River Plain.
• Settle in at the Holiday Inn, West Yellowstone. (Elevation 6,667 feet)

See more photos from the adventure on the GRC Flicker page for the Yellowstone Workshop.

Global:

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Its Friday!

Geothermal Wins!

"Geothermal", a gray or roan colt born in 2009, son of "Unbridled Energy", won Race 7 at Churchill Downs today, June 19, 2015.

Greece, Russia:

JV Launched for Exploration for Geothermal Energy in Greece (Interfax Information Agency )

The CEO of Russian exploration company Rosgeo, Roman Panov and the president and managing director of Greece's Damco Energy, Dimitris Copelouzos signed an agreement on Thursday under which the companies will work together on exploration for hydrocarbons and solid mineral resources, as well as promote geothermal energy in Greece.

The five-year agreement was signed at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in the presence of Russian Natural Resources Minister Sergei Donskoi. Damco Energy is the generating subsidiary of Capelouzos Group.

Read More........

Global:

Deadline for Global Geothermal Awards is Today (News Release)

Nominations for the 34th annual GRC Awards to be submitted by midnight tonight

Last years GRC Award winners

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) would like to remind the global geothermal community to make their nominations for this year’s GRC Awards. The awards recognize distinguished colleagues in the geothermal community from around the world and have been a highlight of the geothermal calendar since the late 1970’s. The deadline for nominations is today, Friday June 19.

The winners will be honored at the GRC Awards Luncheon at the GRC Annual Meeting being held at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno, Nevada, USA from September 20-23. The theme for this year’s meeting is Geothermal: Always On.

Read More........

Science & Technology:

The Great Transition: Shifting from Fossil Fuels to Solar and Wind Energy - Chapter 7. Tapping the Earth’s Heat (Earth Policy Institute)

One of the strong selling points of geothermal power is that it is a steady, reliable source of electricity, able to run virtually non-stop. But perhaps an even better selling point, as the energy transition proceeds and as more wind and solar installations connect to the grid, is that geothermal plants can ramp up generation quickly as needed. This reduces the need for expensive fossil fuel generators to be on standby for when the wind stops blowing or night falls.

In places endowed with enough underground heat to develop geothermal power plants, the potential benefits are huge.

Read More.......

Mexico, New Zealand:

Kiwi Scientists Complete Mexican Geothermal Energy Feasibility Field Work (Scoop)

An eight week trip to Mexico was a once in a lifetime experience for Auckland scientists Peter Wameyo and Michael Cheng. They both work for International Earth Sciences (IESE), an Auckland based company which specializes in geothermal and micro-seismic analysis. Peter says while there are already a number of geothermal projects in the country the new schemes they have been working on are a direct result of a change in Mexico's energy policies.

Peter and Michael both went to Mexico to look at the feasibility of two new geothermal energy projects in Morelia in Michoacan State and the other in Queretaro.“We're now analyzing the data we collected and then we'll get back to them with the results,” Peter says. “We will then come up with a model of the results.”

“We will then do a feasibility study looking at whether the fields are suitable for geothermal energy projects and which areas should be developed.”

And he says by the end of the year they will know whether the projects are going to get the green light.

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Global:

REN21 Renewables 2015 Global Status Report Totals 12.8 GW of Geothermal Energy (News Release)

The geothermal industry continues to face significant project development risk

REN21’s Renewables 2015 Global Status Report is the 10th annual edition of the world’s most frequently-referenced report on the global renewable energy market, industry, and policy landscape.

Renewable energy targets and other support policies, now in place in 164 countries, powered the growth of solar, wind and other renewable technologies to a record-breaking energy generation capacity last year: about 135 GW of added renewable energy power increasing total installed capacity to 1,712 GW, up 8.5% from the year before.

About 640 MW of new geothermal power generating capacity came on line, for a total approaching 12.8 GW, producing an estimated 74 TWh in 2014.

The largest share of new geothermal power capacity came on line in Kenya, underscoring the growing emphasis on geothermal energy in East Africa.

Over the past five years, total geothermal power capacity has grown at an average annual rate of 3.6%, and heat capacity at an estimated 5.9%. The geothermal industry continues to face significant project development risk; various efforts are under way to ameliorate such risks in developed and developing countries.

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United Kingdom:

Scottish Developers to Investigate Geothermal Well Potential (Business Green)

A coalition of organisations hopes to open a new Deep Geothermal Single Well in Aberdeen within 12 months following award of Scottish government grant

Geothermal Engineering Ltd, consultancy firm Arup, and St. Andrews University are to embark on a joint venture to investigate the feasibility of implementing Deep Geothermal Single Well (DGSW) technology, after securing £45,000 of funding from the Scottish Government.

The money, granted from the Geothermal Energy Challenge Fund's £250,000 budget, will allow the group to undertake a techno-economic assessment of installing a DGSW system at the proposed Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

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USA, New York:

Cornell University Funds Geothermal Heating Project (Cornell Chronicle)

Cornell University’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future (ACSF) has given $1.2 million from its Academic Venture Fund to 11 new university projects selected from 37 proposals including a project to study how to tap heat from deep in the earth to use in heating systems in place of natural gas or other fossil fuels.

The Earth Source Heat project is a team of geologists, engineers and social scientists, including GRC Member Jefferson Tester, that will gather and analyze data, public attitudes and perceptions of geothermal energy.

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USA:

Heat Exchange Industry News (Geothermal Exchange Organization)

The latest GEO Industry News is now available from the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO).

The Geothermal Exchange Organization, a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association based in Springfield, Illinois, USA that advocates the environmental, energy efficiency and economic benefits of geothermal heat pump systems for heating and cooling applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in the USA.

GEO Industry News (PDF)

Global:

World Energy Outlook Special Report 2015: Energy and Climate Change (IEA)

Scenario calls for 42 GW of global geothermal energy by 2030 including 7 GW in the U.S.A.

The world is moving towards a crucial climate change meeting in Paris in December 2015 (COP21). The negotiations there will be based on national pledges, formally known as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, with the goal of setting the world on a sustainable path.

The International Energy Agency has long emphasized to its members and the world at large that energy production and use which is not compatible with international environmental requirements is not sustainable: it fails the test of energy security. The IEA, therefore, feels an obligation to make a contribution to COP21 – a contribution which reconciles climate and energy needs. That is the purpose of this special report in the World Energy Outlook series.

Read More........

Climate Change:

Pope's Climate Change Encyclical Tells Rich Nations: Pay Your Debt to the Poor (The Guardian)

Pontiff’s 180-page intervention in climate change debate casts blame for ‘ecological crisis’ on the indifference of the powerful

Pope Francis has called on the world’s rich nations to begin paying their “grave social debt” to the poor and take concrete steps on climate change, saying failure to do so presents an undeniable risk to a “common home” that is beginning to resemble a “pile of filth”.

The pope’s 180-page encyclical on the environment, released on Thursday, is at its core a moral call for action on phasing out the use of fossil fuels.

The encyclical, which can now be considered the church’s official position on the environment, includes practical guidance. Pope Francis rejects “simple solutions” to climate change such as cap and trade systems, which he says give rise to harmful speculation.

Read More.......

Global:

Deadline for Global Geothermal Awards is Friday (News Release)

Nominations for the 34th annual GRC Awards to be submitted by midnight Friday June 19

Last years GRC Award winners

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) would like to remind the global geothermal community to make their nominations for this year’s GRC Awards. The awards recognize distinguished colleagues in the geothermal community from around the world and have been a highlight of the geothermal calendar since the late 1970’s. The deadline for nominations is this Friday June 19.

The winners will be honored at the GRC Awards Luncheon at the GRC Annual Meeting being held at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno, Nevada, USA from September 20-23. The theme for this year’s meeting is Geothermal: Always On.

Read More........

United Kingdom:

UK Urged to Follow Scotland's Lead on Geothermal Exploration (edie.net)

The renewables industry has urged the U.K. Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to investigate the potential of geothermal energy, after the Scottish Government green-lit five feasibility studies north of the border.

Scotland's pioneering spirit was welcomed by the renewables industry and sparked calls for DECC to match Scotland’s ambition.

The U.K. Renewable Energy Association (REA) head of external affairs James Court said: “Geothermal technology offers large-scale renewable heat, and will make the most of the Scotland’s abundant sub-surface assets.  This ambition and far-sightedness on the part of the Scottish Government is therefore very much welcome.

“Our research estimates that with the right policy framework and support in place, deep geothermal could produce up to 100 GW of renewable heat – as much as the United Kingdom’s annual heat demand.  We are therefore hopeful that the ambition for geothermal being demonstrated in Scotland is replicated in DECC.”

Read More.........

USA:

Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) Briefing

After an introduction by Doug Hollett, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Power (U.S. Department of Energy) Idaho National Laboratory's Dr. Robert Podgorney briefs Congressional staffers and stakeholders on the INL's Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) geothermal energy program.

USA, California:

Remote Bay Area Geysers Important Source of California Green Energy (KCBS)

It’s the single largest power-generating operation of its kind on the planet and is an important part of California’s green energy portfolio. But hardly anyone in the Bay Area knows what it is or where it is.

The Geysers geothermal fields are about 75 miles north of San Francisco. A drive up a narrow road will lead you to the Mayacamas Mountains with Santa Rosa to the west and Clear Lake to the east. When you arrive, it’s 45 square miles of land, populated by 15 large geothermal power plants.

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Indonesia:

Using Private Finance to Accelerate Geothermal Deployment: Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant, Indonesia (Climate Policy Initiative)

This case study analyzes the Sarulla Geothermal Power Plant (GPP) which, if successful, will be the largest single contract geothermal power plant project in the world with a total capacity of 330 MW in 2018. 

The project has the highest private sector involvement of any geothermal project on a previously undeveloped field in Indonesia, thanks to substantial public support in the form of financing, guarantees and a feed-in tariff. This case study is part of a series of analysis carried out by Climate Policy Initiative on behalf of the Climate Investment Funds. The overall objective of the analysis is to help policymakers and donors understand which financing and policy support tools can help accelerate geothermal deployment effectively and efficiently.

Read More.......

Germany:

Dubai Investment Fund to Back Geothermal Energy Projects in Germany (Zawya)

New partnership aims to raise up to Euro 150 million to finance construction of four geothermal projects with a total of 25 MW capacity

Dubai based Greenstone Equity Partners, one of the largest independent fund placement firms in the Middle East, announced its collaboration with Deutsche ErdWärme, a Karlsruhe, Germany-based geothermal development company to raise up to Euro 150 million for the development of a portfolio of geothermal licenses in Germany. The geothermal energy market in Germany is experiencing rapid growth with attractive 20 year tariffs backed by the German Government. This provides investors with long-term high yield investment opportunities.

The new partnership aims to raise up to Euro 150 million in capital to partly-finance the construction of four geothermal projects which will generate a total of approximately 25 megawatts. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) investors will be invited to invest in a preferred equity structure, with a 10 per cent return, at low risk, as the tariff is backed by the German government. In addition, there is no pipeline risk as the project pipeline is secured and it exceeds the target capital raise.

Read More........

Switzerland:

Video: Geothermal Project with Smaller Seismic Risk (swissinfo)



The idea of using geothermal energy in Switzerland was abandoned after projects led to earthquakes. Now canton Jura is planning a new geothermal project, one that should avoid past mistakes.

Australia:

GeoDynamics Scraps Plans for New South Wales EGS Project (ABC Online)

GeoDynamics has spent more than a decade on preliminary work for its Hot Rocks project, with predictions its Hunter Valley operations in New South Wales could contain a resource equivalent to more than two billion barrels of oil.

The company reports on it's website that "in preparation for possible future exploration drilling in the Hunter Valley, an independent seismic risk assessment was completed in 2012. The study concluded that the risks of significant seismic events resulting from hydraulic stimulation are extremely low. However as Geodynamics is concentrating its activities on the development of its Pacific Island opportunities, Geodynamics has no plans for exploration drilling in the Hunter Valley permits in the near future."

GeoDynamics has tenements around Muswellbrook, Jerrys Plains and Bulga, and was developing its project with private funds, as well as government contributions. But current market conditions in the renewable sector are tough, and the project has been scrapped. The company said its remediated four of its 11 wells in the Hunter Valley.

The company said, once its obligations are met, it will hand back its licences to the New South Wales Department of Resources Energy and Mining.

Read More.......