Friday, June 30, 2017

Geothermal Energy News from Around the World

Global Geothermal News - Weekly Update


A Round-up of this week's geothermal energy news....... 

Click on the links to view the whole story and other news stories on Global Geothermal News.

Canada: Direct Use of Abandoned Mine for Geothermal Heating

Canadian innovations continue to shape the future of energy (National Energy Board)

To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary as a nation, here are a few innovative ways that Canadians have shaped, and continue to shape, the energy industry.


Springhill Mine Water Geothermal

In the mid-1980s, the town of Springhill, Nova Scotia began exploring the potential of nearby mines as a source of geothermal heating. After many years of abandonment, the mines had filled with water, which was heated naturally by the earth to about 18 degrees Celsius.

By 1994, eight local users, including a large plastics manufacturing facility, were drawing on the mine water to feed their heat pumps for space heating. 

The Springhill project was among the first industrial sites in the world to demonstrate the viability of mine water geothermal energy, and this technology is now also being used in countries around the world, including the U.S., the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

USA, California: Direct Use Geothermal Project in Modoc County

The Cedarville Rancheria Direct Use Geothermal Project (The Bureau of Indian Affairs)

The Cedarville Rancheria in northeast California is exploring techniques for using nearby natural hot springs as a geothermal resource to provide heat for the residents of the Rancheria and the surrounding town. Given the hot spring’s close proximity and underutilized potential, the Cedarville Rancheria applied for an Energy and Mineral Development Program grant to fund the drilling of a geothermal well on the Rancheria.

The first of two local geothermal systems in the region provides heat at a local high school from a well drilled several miles west of the community. This successful effort resulted from a partnership coordinated by the Division of Energy and Mineral Development (DEMD) between the high school and the Tribe. The project’s outcomes inspired the Tribe to drill a closer geothermal well on the Rancheria and to request recommendations for the best uses of the new geothermal well.

Read More........

USA: Six Research Teams Chosen for Geothermal Deep Direct-Use Feasibility Studies

Energy Department Announces up to $4 Million for Geothermal Deep Direct-Use Feasibility Studies (News Release)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today up to $4 million in funding for six geothermal Deep Direct-Use (DDU) research projects to conduct feasibility studies of large scale, low-temperature deep-well geothermal systems and cascaded surface technologies. These projects will extend the reach of geothermal energy into previously untapped regions of the country: the Appalachian Basin, the Illinois Basin, the Wassuk Range, the Columbia River Basalt Group, the Walker Lake Valley, and the Gulf Coast region of Texas.

The research teams selected represent a range of partners who will share the cost of performing the feasibility analysis with DOE. The organizations receiving awards today include:

  • Cornell University: Ithaca, New York
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Golden, Colorado
  • Portland State University: Portland, Oregon
  • Sandia National Laboratories: Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • University of Illinois: Champagne, Illinois
  • West Virginia University Energy Institute: Morgantown, West Virginia

Montserrat: Caribbean Island Nations Looks to Geothermal Energy

18 Degrees North - Montserrat: Geothermal Energy (18DegreesNorthTV)

Montserrat, the beautiful island nation that almost 2 decades ago fell to its knees after an encounter with the deadly forces of the Soufrière Hills volcano. Today, the country is looking to harness the still active volcano's energy by exploring Geothermal energy.

Croatia: Construction Contract Signed for Velika 1 Geothermal Power Plant

Croatia's Djuro Djakovic signs 71.1 mln kuna (9.6 mln euro) deal with local company (SeeNews)


Croatian diversified group Djuro Djakovic said on Thursday it has signed a 71.1 million kuna ($10.9 million/9.6 million euro) deal with local energy and construction company Geo-En for the construction of a geothermal power plant near the country's central city of Bjelovar.

Djuro Djakovic will be tasked with building the Velika 1 plant, commissioning it and connecting it to the grid, as well as with the construction of the supporting wells and pipelines, it said in a Zagreb bourse filing.

With this project, Djuro Djakovic Group will strengthen its position on the market as it continues to invest in energy projects that increase the share of renewable energy sources in Croatia.

Global Geothermal News has previously reported that a 10 MW geothermal power plant is planned.

Read More........

Science & Technology: Major Update for Leapfrog Geothermal Modelling Software

ARANZ Geo renews geothermal focus (News Release)

ARANZ Geo, developer of 3D geological modelling software Leapfrog®, has released Leapfrog Geothermal 3.3, packed with bespoke functionality for the geothermal industry, including time based visualisation of geophysical data and connectivity to Leapfrog’s model management platform, Leapfrog Central.

The release represents a major development programme for Leapfrog Geothermal, and is the first of a number of specific updates to come in 2017.

Leapfrog Geothermal will be exhibiting at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ from October 1-4, in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Kenya: KenGen Seeks Equipment for Eburru Geothermal Power Plant

KenGen Geothermal Division seeks supply of portable silencers (ESI Africa)

The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) invites sealed tenders from eligible bidders for the fabrication and supply of portable silencers for the Geothermal Development Division.

Interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the documents during official working hours by sending an email to tenders@kengen.co.ke; cc jgesaka@kengen.co.ke or call the supply chain director.

Tenders must be submitted on or before: 18 July 2017.

Read More.......                  Kengen Tenders.........

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Hungary: Invitation to Tender for Concessions for Exploration of Geothermal Energy



The Minister of National Development of Hungary has published invitations to tender for concessions for the exploration, development and exploitation of hydrocarbons, as well as the exploration and exploitation of geothermal energy in the area of Gádoros.

Bids must be submitted in person on 25 September 2017.

Canada: Lecture on Directional Drilling for Deep Geothermal Energy Systems

Public Lecture Series - Directional Drilling and Magnetic Ranging Services for Geothermal Energy Development (University of Waterloo)

Wednesday, July 5, 10:30am-11:30am, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Speaker: Clinton Moss, President, Marksman Ranging Technologies, Scientific Drilling

Precision drilling and wellbore placement techniques have yielded significant improvements in oil and gas extraction but in Canada they have not yet been utilized to improve the technical and economic feasibility of deep geothermal energy systems. 

This talk will review the state of the art in precision directional drilling and discuss how these techniques may decrease the capital cost and increase the operating efficiency of deep geothermal systems in Canada.

Global: Submit Your Beautiful Geothermal Energy Photos

The Geothermal Resources Council 2017 Amateur Photo Contest

The deadline for submissions is August 18, 2017.

Gleaming Clean Geothermal Energy. By Will Osborn. Svartsengi power plant, Iceland, taken during a group tour at the 2016 Iceland Geothermal Conference. GRC Photo Contest 2016.
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) would like to remind photographers of this year’s Amateur Geothermal Photo Contest. The purpose of the contest is to showcase quality photography featuring geothermal energy around the world. 

The winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ being held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA from October 1-4. The theme for this year’s meeting is “Geothermal Energy: The Power to Do More”.

The first place winner will receive $150, second place - $100, and third place - $75. Honorable Mention photos will receive certificates. 

Photographs on any subject related to geothermal energy can be submitted such as geothermal energy production, Enhanced Geothermal systems (EGS), direct use and geothermal heat pumps. These can include photos of well testing, drilling, operation of geothermal equipment, newly developed equipment, or plant operation, construction of a geothermal plant or plant site, and geological areas or surface manifestations (holding potential for geothermal exploration or development).

More information on the GRC Amateur Photo Contest, including a submission form, can be found on the GRC website. The deadline for submissions is August 18, 2017.

Mexico: GRC Member Works for USA - Mexico Geothermal Energy Cooperation

Patrick Dobson: Hosted by the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada (CICESE), Mexico (Fulbright Specialist Program)

The Fulbright Specialist Program provides a GRC Member with the opportunity to work one-on-one and try to kindle cross border cooperation in a more sustained way.


Geologist Patrick Dobson (a GRC Member) is an expert in geothermal systems at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory managed by the University of California. His research on geothermal systems and volcanic centers during his career has taken him to Japan, Indonesia, Central and South America, and Mexico.

Dobson wanted to return to Mexico to work more closely with Mexican counterparts and students after attending a technical workshop on clean energy across the border organized by the California Energy Commission.

“Back in the late 1970s and 80s there was a major collaborative research effort on geothermal systems between our lab and Mexican researchers. But funding dried up. We’d like to reinitiate a formal relationship,” says Dobson.

Italy: Update on Descramble Geothermal Project at Larderello

Enel Green Power Descramble: Geothermal Becomes 2.0 (Enel Green Power)

(Video 0:55 Minutes)

Technological innovation and a deepening of technical-scientific knowledge: these are the key points of DESCRAMBLE (Drilling in dEep, Super-CRitical AMBients of continentaL Europe), a European project focused on the geothermal area of Larderello, coordinated by Enel Green Power and co-financed under Horizon2020, a European framework programme for research and innovation.

Geothermal Innovates with DESCRAMBLE, by Fabrizio Bizzarri - Head of Solar Wind and Geothermal Innovation at Enel Green Power.

Europe: News from the European Geothermal Energy Council

EGEC Newsletter

News from the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC)


Policy:
  • Clean Energy Package: ongoing negotiations and EGEC activities
  • EGEC calls for a binding target on energy efficiency
  • Higher renewable energy ambition required to avoid deployment slowdown
News:
  • Geothermal energy allows significant reductions in CO2 emissions at Paris-Orly Airport 
  • The Netherlands signs Green Deal for Ultra Deep Geothermal
  • Geothermal power plants contribute $260m to the Turkish economy annually
  • Greenhouse operations fuelled by geothermal in Kavala Prefecture, Greece
  • REN21’s Renewables 2017 Global Status Report 
Projects:
  • RHC sector still requires dedicated policies in order to accelerate innovation in the EU
  • Deep Geothermal ETIP: Presentations available
Read More........

Netherlands: New Football (Soccer!) Stadium to be Powered by Geothermal Energy

New design: First geothermal stadium in the Netherlands (StadiumDB.com)


It's not the first sports venue to be powered by geothermal energy but the first large stadium to supply its surroundings with this renewable form of power. Perhaps already in 2020.

Having seen the initial renderings presented back in 2013, only on June 20 of this year have we seen the final design of SC Cambuur's proposed new stadium. The team aspiring to become a solid Eredivisie side will get a stadium you might find familiar to FC Zwolle's home. And not without reason, both of them were designed by Widdershoven Architecten.

However this might sound, architecture of this stadium is the least interesting thing about it, even taking into account the consultation with various supporter groups. By far the most exciting fact is the energy scheme. Located west of the city centre, the new stadium should be the very first major geothermal stadium in the Netherlands and the first one to become energy-neutral.

Read More........

USA, Nevada: Three New Wells at San Emidio II Geothermal Project Tap 320°F Plus Resource

U.S. Geothermal Inc. Announces Successful Results From Three Wells Drilled at San Emidio II (News Release)

Well rig at the San Emidio II geothermal project (Courtesy U.S. Geothermal)
U.S. Geothermal Inc. today announced that it has successfully intersected high temperature resource in the three additional wells drilled in the Southwest Zone of the resource area at its San Emidio II development project in Nevada.

Drilling began on June 1st, 2017 and the three wells were deepened based on their high thermal gradient and bottom hole temperature. Well 78-20 was drilled to 2,387 feet deep, intersected the geothermal resource at 2,314 feet, and has a measured flowing temperature of 324°F. Well 18-21 was drilled to 2,177 feet deep, intersected the geothermal resource at 1,874 feet, and has a measured flowing temperature of 325°F. The third well (28-21) was drilled to 2,799 feet deep, intersected the geothermal resource at 1,900 feet, and though less permeable than the other two, has a measured flowing temperature of 321°F. For comparison purposes, the wellfield at our San Emidio I project is currently producing at an average temperature of 278°F. All wells were completed with a 6 ¼ inch bottom hole diameter and a 4 ½ inch perforated casing liner.

Read More........

East Africa: Kiwis to Help Establish a New Zealand – Africa Geothermal Facility

Signing of Partnership agreement between the African Union Commission and New Zealand (News Release)

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) have signed a Partnership Agreement, providing a framework and basis for the establishment and implementation of the ‘New Zealand – Africa Geothermal Facility’. The goal of this facility is to expand access to affordable, reliable and clean energy in Eastern African countries.

The Facility aims to provide responsive, flexible and timely geothermal technical assistance and capacity development support for focus countries of the Africa Union Regional Geothermal Programme including the eligible countries of the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF) namely Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Comoros, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Burundi, Zambia, Sudan, Eretria, Mozambique and Malawi, with possibility to expand it to all members of African Union in future.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Science & Technology: The Potential of Critical Materials from Geothermal Brine

In the Future, Your iPad Could Come from Geothermal: 3 Facts about Critical Materials (DOE/EERE/GTO)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) continues to invest in clean energy technologies to strengthen our domestic energy independence. To improve technologies from the onset, the Geothermal Technologies Office is focusing on rare earths and critical materials recovery—the building blocks in many clean energy applications.


  • Fact 1: Critical materials play a fundamental role in clean energy technologies
  • Fact 2: The U.S. is a large consumer but small producer of many critical materials 
  • Fact 3: DOE is advancing technologies for recovering critical materials

USA: House Energy Spending Bill Readjusts EERE Budget Cut

House energy bill spends $3.6B more than Trump budget (The Hill)

House appropriators on Tuesday introduced a spending bill for federal energy and water departments that spends $3.65 billion more in 2018 than President Trump requested for the agencies.

The bill, which funds the Department of Energy (DOE), nuclear weapons oversight, the Army Corps of Engineers and other departments, would spend $37.56 billion total in 2018, a $209 million cut from current funding levels.

But the measure is a rejection of Trump’s budget proposal, which looked to deeply slash spending for the initiatives funded by the legislation.

Renewable energy research, for instance, is cut by $986 million over current levels to $1,104 million, but that is $468 million less than the cuts for which Trump had aimed.

USA, California: Interview With Controlled Thermal Resources CEO

Rod Colwell Interview With Gil Rebollar (Small Town News)

Gil Rebollar delves into the Salton Sea Hells Kitchen Geothermal project with Controlled Thermal Resources CEO Rod Colwell - a GRC Member.

USA, Oregon: Chance to Visit Neal Hot Springs Geothermal Plant

Field Trip: U.S. Geothermal Plant at Neal Hot Springs (Boise Weekly)

Saturday, July 22, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Join GRC Board Member Roy Mink for a field trip to the U.S. Geothermal Neal Hot Springs geothermal plant, located west of Vale, Oregon.

Because it’s an active industrial site, sturdy hiking boots and full-length pants are required (no T-shirts). The noise level will be high, so earplugs are provided.

Take lunch and water. Meet at the WinCo parking lot on Meridian Road at I-84 at 7:30 a.m. for a prompt departure at 8 a.m. Return to Boise by 6 p.m. Visit www.idahomuseum.org/field-trips/ for critical details about the trip. Sponsored by the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology. Call Steve at 208-853-1678 to preregister.

More Information.........

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Mexico: Renewable Energy Conference in September


11-13 September 2017, Expo Santa Fe México, Mexico City


The Government of Mexico has teamed up with REN21 – the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century – to organize the next International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC) in Mexico from 11-13 September 2017, within the framework of the Strategic Dialogues on the Future of Energy (DEMEX). 

Relevant information can be accessed through the links below: 
  • Conference Programme EN 
  • About MEXIREC: Conference and Sponsorship Brochure EN | ES 
  • DEMEX: Dialogue for the Future of Energy EN | ES

Monday, June 26, 2017

Ethiopia: British Company Advances 50 MW Fantale Geothermal Project

Cluff Geothermal gets the go ahead for Power Purchase Agreement kick-off meeting with Ethiopian Electric Power for its Fantale Licence in Ethiopia (News Release)


Following a positive meeting between Cluff Geothermal and the state power company, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), in Addis Ababa in June 2017, arranged by the British Embassy, Cluff has been given the go ahead to set up a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) kick off meeting.

The kick off meeting with EEP will begin the PPA negotiations for the Fantale geothermal licence, awarded to Cluff in July 2015.  Once those negotiations are completed Cluff will be ready to begin exploration drilling at Fantale.  
Following their very successful surface campaign, and extensive consultation as to a Conceptual Development Plan, Cluff plans to begin the Fantale site development with a 50 MWe development phase followed by a 100 MWe development phase.  The total estimated investment for these first two phases could be in the region of USD 750 million.

Hotspur Geothermal Limited operates under the name Cluff Geothermal Limited in Ethiopia. Cluff Geothermal holds the Fantale Geothermal Exploration Licence.

USA: Former Secretary of Energy Creates Advanced Energy Group

Former DOE Secretary Moniz launches energy analysis nonprofit (Utility Dive)


Former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz has launched Energy Futures Initiative, a nonprofit group focused on advanced energy and conducting "objective, fact-based and rigorous technical, economic, financial and policy analyses."

Moniz was named head of the Department of Energy in 2013 under President Obama. The former Secretary last week predicted a budget for the agency proposed by President Trump would be a "nonstarter."

Moniz told Axios that his firm's revenue is expected to come from foundations and companies "who will like to see certain studies done." The group's first project will be a review of the United States' energy grid.

USA: Report on The Baseload Versus Flexible Electricity Generation Debate

Advancing Past “Baseload” to a Flexible Grid (The Brattle Group)

How Grid Planners and Power Markets Are Better Defining System Needs to Achieve a Cost-Effective and Reliable Supply Mix


The nation’s electricity grid operators are increasingly turning to more flexible resources and low-cost renewable energy options like wind and solar, rendering outdated the notion that “baseload” generating plants are required to reliably power America’s homes and businesses, according to a new report by the global economics consulting firm The Brattle Group, commissioned by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

The Brattle analysis, Advancing Past “Baseload” to a Flexible Grid: How Grid Planners and Power Markets Are Better Defining System Needs to Achieve a Cost-Effective and Reliable Supply Mix, was published in advance of an upcoming release of a Department of Energy grid study report.  In April, Secretary Rick Perry ordered a 60-day assessment of whether wind and solar energy are undermining power markets and grid reliability by supplanting “baseload” coal and nuclear generating plants, declaring that “baseload power is necessary to a well-functioning electric grid.” The Brattle analysis demonstrates that is not the case.

Read More.........

Science & Technology: Magma Deep Drilling Project Not Geothermal Energy - Scientist

Volcano Power Could Be ‘Most Exciting Thing Since the Moon Landing,’ Says Researcher (Greentech Media)

Just don’t call it geothermal energy.

"Raw Power" by Joseph F. Batir. Picture of the IDDP-1 shortly after being drilled. Krafla, Iceland. Taken June 6 2010. GRC Photo Contest 2014.
Recent reports about tapping Icelandic volcanoes for power exports to the U.K. may have missed the point, say experts connected to the project.

Stories in mainstream media outlets such as The Guardian refer to a "geothermal project" -- but the work being carried out in Iceland is much, much different than traditional geothermal.

“What we’re trying to do is not geothermal energy,” said Professor Yan Lavallee, chair of volcanology and magmatic processes at the University of Liverpool’s Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences. “It’s the most exciting thing since the moon [landing].”

Read More.......

USA: Geothermal Energy Enjoys Healthy Growth in Generation

EIA: Renewables Share Overtakes Nuclear Years Earlier Than Expected (North American Windpower)

Generation of electricity from geothermal energy increases 5.3% in a year

The latest issue of the U.S. Energy Information’s (EIA) Electric Power Monthly has revealed that renewable energy sources, including wind power, are now providing a greater share of the nation’s electrical generation than nuclear power.

For the first third of this year, renewables and nuclear power have been running neck-in-neck with renewables, providing 20.20% of U.S. net electrical generation during the four-month period (from January to April) compared with 20.75% for nuclear power.

Yet, in March and April, renewables surpassed nuclear power and have taken a growing lead: 21.60% (renewables) versus 20.34% (nuclear) in March and 22.98% (renewables) versus 19.19% (nuclear) in April.

Almost all renewable energy sources are experiencing strong growth rates. Comparing the first four months of 2017 with the same period in 2016, solar has grown by 37.9%, wind by 14.2%, hydropower by 9.5%, and geothermal by 5.3%. Biomass has remained essentially unchanged – slipping by just 0.3%.

Geothermal energy in the USA generated 5,945 megawatt hours in April, up 5.3% over the year.  California generated 4,202 MWh an increase of 6%, Nevada 1,355 MWh - increase of 2.9%, Utah 181 MWh - increase of 3.9%, Oregon 85 MWh - up 15.6%, Hawaii 85 MWh - up 11.5%. Idaho - 32 MWh (up 0.5%) and New Mexico - 5 MWh (up 5.6%) round off the list.

Read More.........

Friday, June 23, 2017

Geothermal Energy News from Around the World

Global Geothermal News - Weekly Update


A Round-up of this week's geothermal energy news....... 

Click on the links to view the whole story and other news stories on Global Geothermal News.

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Event App Now Available!

Geothermal Energy Event - We've Got an App for That!

The GRC are again providing a Mobile app for the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+. It is now available to download to an iPhone, Android or Windows Smartphone, tablet or laptop computer giving event attendees better access to information and networking.

The mobile app also allows the GRC to post more information online and avoid print costs.

We strongly encourage you to download the mobile guide to enhance your experience at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+. You'll be able to plan your day with a personalized schedule and browse exhibitors, maps and general show info. You can browse all the essential information even without internet access.

After a simple download and installation the app can be personalized with your own schedule and notes on activities. When you sign-in to the app you will be able to interact with other attendees and build an on-site network. Attendees will also be able to post their own photos and comments to the app for all to see on the "activity stream".

Scan this QR Code
The App is a work in progress, updates are loaded as information becomes available and your feedback is encouraged as you get familiar with it. All questions and feedback can be sent to Ian Crawford at icrawford@geothermal.org.

Download the app now!.......

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Golf Tournament at Geothermal Event

Register for Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting

The Mountain Dell Golf Course (Courtesy Mountain Dell)
Only 72 Spots Available! Sign up early!

Arrive early for the GRC Annual Meeting and enjoy one of the great social networking events on the geothermal calendar. Considered by many to be the most beautiful public golf course in Salt Lake City, Mountain Dell is nestled in Parley's Canyon, 16 miles east of downtown Salt Lake City. A shuttle will be provided for transportation to the golf course (Only 56 seats available).

The tournament is a four-man scramble. Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams, men’s and women’s closest to hole, longest drive and hole-in-one.

$160 per individual or $560 per foursome

Tournament Fee Includes: Green Fee, Range Balls, Tournament Service, Continental Breakfast and Awards Lunch.

This year the proceeds from the tournament will go to the GRC Scholarship Fund.

More details of the tournament can be found on the GRC website. Download the GRC Annual Charity Golf Tournament Brochure and fill out a registration form which can be mailed or faxed to the GRC office. Online registration is also available.

Netherlands: Geothermal Energy Could Power the Largest Port in Europe

Rotterdam Port Authority To Explore Geothermal Options In Port Area (Port of Rotterdam)


In view of the strong energy demand in Rotterdam’s industrial sector, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is currently examining which options there are to extract geothermal energy from deep within our planet’s crust. 

After all, after descending some 5 km into the Earth, the temperature has already risen to around 170°C. If this heat is transferred to the surface in the form of hot water, it may form a good source of sustainable energy for industrial purposes – particularly the production of steam. 

Furthermore, after being used by industry (and having cooled off a bit further), the hot water can also be used to heat homes and greenhouses via a regional heat network.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Geothermal Event

100 Days to the Geothermal Energy Event of the Year!


More information on the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+.......

United Kingdom: Company Involved in United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project

GeoScience returns to its geothermal roots with new power project! (News Release)

GeoScience Limited was founded in 1985 as a spin-off from the Hot Dry Rock geothermal research project run by Camborne School of Mines. That project, based at Rosemanowes Quarry near Penryn, developed techniques for the creation of artificial geothermal reservoirs that have been applied around the world.

Now, twenty five years after work stopped at Rosemanowes, the company is once again at the forefront of geothermal research in the UK. In partnership with Geothermal Engineering Limited we are starting work on the United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project, just a few km from our offices in Cornwall.

Two wells will be drilled into a target geological structure within the granite beneath United Downs; one to a depth of 2.5km and the other to a depth of 4.5km. Water will be circulated through the fracture system from the shallow injection well to the deep production well, mining heat from the rocks. It will be pumped to surface at a temperature of about 175°C where it will supply the demonstration power plant to produce 1 MW of clean renewable electricity.

During the second half of 2017 the site will be prepared for drilling, project infrastructure will be put in place and a microseismic monitoring network will be installed. We hope to start drilling the injection well in early 2018.

Read More.........

Indonesia: Groundbreaking for 20 MW Geehu Geothermal Power Plant

PLN "Groundbreaking" PLTP Tulehu in Ambon (Kompas.com)


PT PLN (Persero) broke ground Tuesday on the 2x10 MW Geehu Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP). The project is located in Suli and Tulehu Village, Central Maluku District, Maluku Province.

This is the first geothermal power plant built by PLN and is targeted to operate commercially in 2019. The Tulehu Geothermal Work Area has a potential of 60 MW.

Read More.........

United Kingdom: EGS Survey of Great Britain Reveals Huge Potential Geothermal Resource

Assessment of the resource base for engineered geothermal systems in Great Britain (Geothermal Energy)

Jon Busby and Ricky Terrington, Geothermal Energy, 2017 5:7 DOI: 10.1186/s40517-017-0066-z


An assessment of the engineered geothermal system (EGS) resource base that might be available for the generation of electricity for Great Britain has been undertaken by adopting a globally self-consistent protocol that if universally adopted, would allow estimates of EGS made for different countries and regions to be comparable. 

Maximum estimated temperatures at depths of 5 and 7 km are greater than 200 and 300°C respectively, a considerable increase over previous estimates. The total heat in place in the basement, to a depth of 9.5 km that is theoretically available for EGS is 357,197 EJ. If it were possible to develop just 2% of this resource, this would be equivalent to 1242 times the final UK energy consumption in 2015. 

The theoretical and technical potential power has been calculated from the available heat in place. The total technical potential power, to a depth of 6.5 km, is 222,393 MWe and represents just 0.4% of the theoretical potential power. 

Current EGS exploitation is more likely to be restricted to a depths of around 4.5 km and reservoir temperatures greater than 175 °C. In which case technical potential power is mainly restricted to regions of high heat producing granites and represents a total technical potential power of 2280 MWe. However, improvements in drilling technology are expected to enable economic drilling to depths of 7 km or greater that will enable EGS exploitation in all regions of Great Britain.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Australia: State Government Support for Extension of Birdsville Geothermal Plant


Western Queensland will see construction booming over the next year with $428 million delivered through the Palaszczuk Government’s 2017-18 Budget.

Projects partly or fully funded in this budget include $15.1 million for Birdsville Geothermal Plant capital works to expand the 80 kilowatts geothermal power station into a 200kW state-of-the-art facility.


Previous Articles on the Birdsville geothermal power plant from Global Geothermal News:

Canada: British Columbia is Far Better Situated to Capitalize on Geothermal Energy

If Saskatchewan Can Build a Geothermal Power Plant, Why Can’t B.C.? (DeSmog Canada)


While news of Saskatchewan’s plan for a small geothermal power plant was met with excitement by renewable energy advocates,  experts say British Columbia is far better situated to capitalize on the technology yet has failed to do so.

“It should be a little bit of a shock that a less good resource is being developed in Saskatchewan over a world-class resource in B.C.,” said Alison Thompson, chair and co-founder of the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA).

B.C. is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a geothermal hot zone. Maps produced by CanGEA found B.C. has enough geothermal potential to power the entire province.

“There are geothermal projects all up the coast but they stop at the border. There’s nothing in B.C.,” Thompson said.

“This is clearly not technical, not economic. This is policy driven.”

Science & Technology: Using Geothermal Energy for Carbon Capture

Turning Bad Air Into Stone (mega)

A new frontier in carbon capture and storage technology


At Hellisheidi geothermal plant just outside Reykjavik, environmental scientists made a major discovery in 2016.

Conducting experiments into carbon capture and storage (CCS), they found that the volcanic island’s basalt rocks could serve as excellent repositories for planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO2).

Mixing CO2 with water and pumping it directly into the rocks, the researchers were able to turn the substance into a storable solid. Impressively, the mineralisation process they used took just two years – at least five times faster than their most optimistic predictions.

Costa Rica: JICA Provides Funds for 55 MW Borinquen I Geothermal Project

Signing of Japanese ODA Loan Agreement with Costa Rica: Supporting a geothermal power plant project to mitigate the effects of climate change (News Release)

On June 20, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) in San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, to provide a Japanese ODA loan of up to 25.991 billion yen for the Borinquen I Geothermal Project (Guanacaste Geothermal Development Sector Loan).

Through the project, ICE will construct a geothermal power plant in the Borinquen district of Guanacaste Province in the northwest part of Costa Rica, strengthening the power supply with renewable energy to mitigate the effects of climate change, with the objective of contributing to sustainable development in Costa Rica. The loan funds will be allocated to public works for steam development and power plant construction, to the procurement of power generation and related equipment, and to consulting services (including preliminary and detailed design reviews, and bidding assistance).

Peru: Geothermal Energy Feasibility Studies Underway in South

Yamila Osorio Delgado, Regional President of Arequipa: Interview (Oxford Business Group)

What specific steps are needed to develop geothermal energy in Arequipa?

Yamila Osorio Delgado: It is too early to gauge the prospects of geothermal, however, we have identified areas in Cayoma with potential. Studies are underway to determine the feasibility of producing geothermal energy in Arequipa.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines has already awarded concessions, and the firms are at the stage of establishing relationships with the local communities, under the guidance of the Regional Government of Arequipa.

Read More........

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

United Kingdom: Drilling to Begin Next Year at United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project

New Hot Opportunity at United Downs – ‘Mining for Heat’ gets £10m Euro grant (Cornish Stuff)

An investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) worth up to £10.6m will enable a revolutionary geothermal venture at United Downs near Redruth in Cornwall.  

The United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project, which is the first of its kind in the UK, will explore the geothermal resources at depth and hopes to use the energy to drive a demonstration power plant supplying electricity to the local grid. This exciting project will be led by Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL).

To unlock the potential at United Downs two boreholes (called ‘wells’) will be drilled, one 2.5km deep and the other 4.5km deep. The deeper of the two wells would be the deepest onshore hole in the UK. Water will be circulated between the wells, collecting heat from the rocks, before being brought to surface at a temperature of about 175°C and being fed into the demonstration power plant. The plant will generate 1 MW of clean renewable electricity, which is enough to meet the electricity needs of about 1,500 households.

The drilling will begin in early 2018 and take about 6 months.  Testing the wells, characterising the geothermal system and installing the power plant will take a further 18 months, with a target commissioning date in early 2020. 

Indonesia: Opinion - Key to Geothermal Development is Exploration and Investment

Geothermal Exploration In Indonesia (LinkedIn)



There have been several articles published recently, including the Jakarta Posts comment about funding for geothermal exploration. The author has been stating for quite some time that the key to geothermal development is exploration and investment and that the GOI has to take responsibility for this.

It is well known that Indonesia has 40% of the world's geothermal reserves, although these reserves are only predicted and not confirmed. In order to confirm the resources, to know the extent of the "Ring of Energy", (as this is what the Ring of Fire is), to know where the reservoirs are, exploration of the whole “Ring of Energy” has to be carried out, this can not be done by traditional exploration methods only due to the time, cost and investment requirements of exploring for something that carries a lot of risk. 

Science &Technology: Lithium Can be Mined from Oil & Gas Well Waste Water

Could Lithium Extraction from Produced Water Mitigate the Declining Oil Price? (Oil Pro)

Depleted oil fields can end up producing vast quantities of produced water. At the current depressed oil price, widespread abandonment is already underway, however some of these facilities could become viable economic sources of vital minerals, extracted essentially at no incremental cost, save for treatment and purification.

Oil companies however, could be missing a trick. Produced water can contain appreciable quantities of salts and minerals – some of them very valuable. In the last few years, a race to find and produce Lithium has kicked off, fuelled in large part by the industry’ arch-nemesis – the EV.

South of the Salton Sea in California, where spent geothermal brines contain around 250ppm Lithium, the race is on to extract it for Tesla’s battery mega-factory in Reno. Several players are involved. However, in places like North Dakota, Wyoming, Oklahoma, East Texas and Arkansas, oilfield brines containing up to 700ppm are known to exist.

Read More........

Netherlands: Green Deal Signed for Ultra Deep Geothermal Power

Green Deal: 30% of industrial heat demand from Ultra Deep Geothermal (Amsterdam Petroleum Geoscience)


30% of industrial heat demand in the Netherlands could be provided by Ultra Deep Geothermal Power. 

On June 19th, the Dutch Ministries of Economics, Infrastructure and the Environment, EBN, TNO and seven consortiums of companies have signed the Green Deal for Ultra Deep Geothermal Power (UDG). 

This is an important step for mapping the possibilities Of UDG in The Netherlands and encourages further development of the technology.

Read More........

USA, Oregon: Survey for Geothermal Resources on Umatilla Indian Reservation

USGS survey analyzes earthquake hazards, geothermal resources (East Oregonian)

A survey conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey is assessing fault lines and possible geothermal resources on the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

By mapping the location of fault lines underground, researchers are working to gain a better understanding of earthquake hazards in the area — such as the magnitude 6.2 quake that shook Milton-Freewater in 1936.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), meanwhile, is interested in identifying geothermal resources for possible future development as it strives to become energy independent.

Patrick Mills, project manager with the CTUIR Department of Natural Resources, said their mutual interests coalesced nicely into a single strategy. Field studies began in mid-May, with funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Energy Trust of Oregon.

“We know there are geothermal resources,” Mills said. “It’s a matter of finding out how close they are to the surface.”

Read More........

Kenya: Geothermal Internship Program at GDC

Geothermal Development Company | Internship Programme (GDC)

Geothermal Development Company (GDC) invites applications for an Internship Program – To qualify an applicant must be an unemployed Kenyan graduate with a Diploma or a Degree. 

To be eligible one must be an on-going student in college or university. The date of receipt of applications shall be a key consideration in the selection criteria.

Application Deadline: 30th June, 2017

You may also drop your application through our email: youthdevelopment@gdc.co.ke

Monday, June 19, 2017

California: CAISO to Study Renewable Energy Alternatives to Natural Gas Plants

California grid operator agrees to study clean alternatives to Oxnard gas plant (Los Angeles Times)

The manager of California’s electricity grid agreed Friday to conduct a study of clean energy alternatives to replacing an existing natural gas facility in Ventura County with a new, more efficient fossil fuel plant.

In a five-page filing with state regulators, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) asked for a deadline of Aug. 16 to complete the project. The California Energy Commission had initially given the system operator until July 19, if it chose to do the review of alternatives to the proposed Puente natural gas project. Commissioners have scheduled a hearing for June 28.

The studies mean that a handful of proposed fossil fuel plants could get scrapped in favor of renewable energy.

A Los Angeles Times investigation earlier this year found that power plants are closing prematurely in the state because of a glut of electricity. Yet regulators continue to approve more natural gas plants.

Read More.........

Grenada: Radio Program on the Promises of Geothermal Energy for the Eastern Caribbean Nation

The Geothermal energy potential of Grenada (Grenadapts)

Christopher Joseph, Energy officer at the Energy Division and Andre Joseph-Witzig, Environmental Officer at the Environment Division explain what is geothermal energy, how it can contribute to more price stability in the electricity sector, less reliance for the country on unstable international markets, reduce the country’s import balance and less carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Europe: More Information on Geothermal Combined Heat, Power and Metal Extraction Project

CHPM2030 releases new project brochure (News Release)

The CHPM2030 project is defining a technology pathway that could substantially decrease Europe’s dependency on both the import of critical metallic minerals and of energy.

The project aims at new concepts coupling the production of geothermal energy and metals and thus improving the economic viability of EGS projects.

Discover more about the ongoing work and expected results in the new project brochure that you may download here.

France: Geothermal Energy a Success for Paris Orly Airport

Geothermal district heating a CO2 win for Paris airport (Decentralized Energy)

Geothermal district heating has helped to reduce carbon emissions from Paris’s three airports by around 63 per cent since 2009, new data from the airport operator show.

Groupe ADP, which runs the city's Charles de Gaulle, Orly and Le Bourget airports, reported that the reduction in CO2 emissions took place between 2009 and 2016.

A 135 MWth/12 MWe geothermal district heating system, which came online in 2011, provides 70 per cent of the heat and sanitary water used in Orly’s terminals and new office facilities and has saved 50,000 metric tonnes of CO2 over the system’s lifetime, Groupe ADP said.

In addition, the system has reduced Orly’s gas use by 4000 tonnes of oil equivalent, allowing the airport to reduce its CO2 output by around 9000 tonnes annually.

The district heating system features two 1800-metre-deep wells which produce water at 74 degrees C. The water is then distributed through a 35 km pipe network.

Read More........

USA, Washington: Support for Geothermal Energy Development in Pacific North-West

Washington looks to build up its geothermal energy capacity (Hydrogen Fuel News)

New legislation aims to streamline the use of geothermal energy in the state
Washington legislators have passed a new bill that aims to streamline the state’s use of geothermal energy. The state has shown some interest in this form of clean power recently, but has been slow to embrace geothermal power when compared to its neighbors. Washington already uses a heavy mix of clean power sources, but is now looking to ensure that geothermal energy plays a larger role in its sustainable future.

Governor Jay Inslee approved the legislation in order to secure the future of geothermal energy. The legislation will clear the way for reconnaissance and experimental drilling to determine sources of strong geothermal potential. Developing geothermal power in the state has been a complicated issue, partly due to the state’s complex geology. This has made it difficult for developers to reach areas of geothermal potential, which has slowed the creation of new projects in many parts of the state. The legislation intends to help resolve this issue by making more research resources available, making it easier for discover the state’s geothermal potential.

Indonesia: PT Geothermal Nusantara - New Name for PT Geo Dipa Energi

Geo Dipa Energi changes name (The Jakarta Post)


State-owned geothermal energy firm PT Geo Dipa Energi has announced a change in its name into PT Geothermal Nusantara, following its expansion into geothermal energy processing.

In a statement, the company says it will soon manage two new geothermal working areas (WKP) aside from its existing sites in Dieng Plateau, Central Java, and Patuha, West Java.

Geo Dipa Energi president director Riki Firmandha Ibrahim said the government had entrusted the company with managing two more WKPs in Umbul Telomoyo and Arjuno Welirang, East Java.

Switzerland: New Geothermal Electricity and Heat Project in Vaud Canton

First Swiss hydrothermal geothermal project to produce electricity and heat (News Release)

On June 12, 2017 Alpine Geothermal Power Production (AGEPP SA) was officially created, with headquarters in Lavey-Morcles.

It brings together several partners in the Romandy area active in the development of renewable energy - SI-REN SA, Holdigaz SA, EOS Holding SA, Romande Energie Holding SA and CESLA SA - as well as the communes of Lavey-Morcles (VD) Mauritius (VS).

The objectives of AGEPP SA are as follows:
  • Develop geothermal drilling projects, particularly in the Lavey area;
  • Exploit geothermal resources, notably from the Bains de Lavey resource, by generating electricity and supplying heat to various customers.
The AGEPP hydrothermal geothermal project aims to exploit the geothermal water naturally contained in the aquifer located in crystalline (gneiss) cracked rocks by pumping. These rocks have a high permeability.

Philippines: Unilever Chooses Geothermal Energy to Power Production

First Gen, Unilever forge a mutual journey to ‘clean’ energy future (Manila Bulletin)

First Gen Corporation’s subsidiary – its licensed retail electricity supplier (RES) unit First Gen Energy Solutions (FGES) recently cornered a new ally in Unilever Philippines Inc. in what could be fairly considered a concerted journey into ‘carbon positive energy future’ – anchored on not just reinforcing their respective ‘brands’ but taking their sustainability goals to a whole new level.

Unilever signed up a supply agreement with FGES to procure its energy needs from a geothermal plant – initially satisfying its aims of having 100-percent renewable energy to power up its chain of operations.

As qualified by Unilever Philippines Chairman Benjie Yap, “our Cavite facility is running on 100-percent geothermal energy – with renewable energy accounting for 15% of our total energy mix,” adding that “while switching to renewable energy sources have led to a decrease in our carbon emissions by 31-percent for this year, we are not stopping there.” On a global scale, Mr Yap qualified that Unilever “set an ambitious target of being carbon positive by 2030, sourcing 100-percent of our total energy across operations from renewable sources by such time.”