March 2018

Friday, March 30, 2018

Preview of the Next Geothermal Energy Magazine

Coming Soon - GRC Bulletin - Vol. 47, No. 2, March/April 2018

The next GRC Bulletin will be published in the next few days. Produced by the Geothermal Resources Council since 1972, the Bulletin is the voice of the global geothermal energy community.

In the next issue:

Inside Geothermal: 12 pages of geothermal energy news from around the world.
Temperature Recovery after Long-term Injection: Case History from Soda Lake, Nevada, by James Lovekin, et al.
Corporate Focus - GeothermEx and Cyrq Energy.
Geothermal History in the Making - a hot, dry rock geothermal energy program in 1977.
Adventures Within the Geothermal Community - A Q&A with Cary Lindsey.

The GRC Bulletin is only available online to GRC members. To make sure of your copy join the GRC today!

Italy: Heat from Chiusdino Geothermal Power Plant Helps Grow "Superfood"

Geothermal Energy and Spirulina: from Tuscany to Space (News Release)

In Chiusdino, Italy, Enel Green Power is collaborating in tests to cultivate the algae spirulina in geothermal environments: a key step to creating the “superfood” that could even be used by future astronauts.

Launched last year, the project involved the construction of the world’s first greenhouse for the cultivation of spirulina heated by the earth, with smart and sustainable reuse of the C02 waste produced by geothermal plants. At the 125-mq plant, spirulina is grown in open tanks and photobioreactors at a rate of 60 grams a day.

Heat for the greenhouse is provided by our Chiusdino geothermal power plant. The plant, in operation since 2011 with an installed capacity of 20 MW, produces about 150 million kWh a year, avoiding the emission of 100,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, and saving fossil fuels equal to 32,000 TOE (tonne of oil equivalent) annually.

Indonesia: New PLN Subsidiary Plans 4,583 MW Geothermal Energy by 2027

PLN sets up new geothermal subsidiary (The Jakarta Post)

State-owned electricity firm PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) seeks to boost its geothermal power business through the establishment of a new subsidiary, PLN GG, to handle its geothermal projects.

As its first task, the entity will develop eight geothermal working areas assigned previously by the government. They are estimated to generate 300 MW of electricity.

The government is reviewing PLN’s proposal to develop another three geothermal working areas.

In its electricity procurement business plan (RUPTL) for the 2018-2027 period, PLN envisions the development of renewable power plants with a total capacity of 14,911 MW within the next decade. Of the figure, 4,583 MW will come from geothermal power facilities.

China: Joint Venture Formed to Develop Geothermal Energy in Tibet

CNNC Geothermal Projects in Tibet (NBN)

Chen Hua, Chairman of the Board of China Nuclear Power Company, CNNC (Tibet) Industrial Development Co., Ltd. signed an agreement with CNNC KunHua Energy Development Co., Ltd. on the development and operation of the clean energy projects in Tibet. This is a successful integration of CNNC’s resources in geothermal development, laying a solid foundation for CNNC Group’s expansion of Tibetan geothermal industry projects.

According to the agreement, the Tibetan company was commissioned by CNNC KunHua to carry out the development of geothermal and other clean energy projects in Tibet. The Tibetan company will use its geographical advantages, actively coordinate the relevant local government departments responsible for the daily procedures required for the operation, project development and construction. CNNC KunHua Energy will be able to act as the geothermal specialized investment platforms to accelerate investment in geothermal projects in Tibet.

Geothermal Event - Call for Abstracts - Deadline is Today!

GRC Annual Meeting 2018 - Call for Abstracts

Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting will be held Oct. 14-17 in Reno, Nevada, USA. The deadline for abstract submission is today, March 30th, 2018.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has issued a call for abstracts for the world’s biggest geothermal energy conference of the year taking place October 14-17, 2018, in Reno, Nevada, USA at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino. The 42nd GRC Annual Meeting will showcase the world-wide availability of a clean, dependable renewable energy that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing both flexible and baseload power production.

The GRC Annual Meeting is the industry’s largest annual gathering of leading geothermal energy scientists, producers, renewable energy industry stakeholders, regulators, utilities, and key associated business leaders. The four-day event will offer technical, policy, and market conference sessions, educational seminars, tours of local geothermal and renewable energy projects, and numerous networking opportunities.

Europe: News from the European Geothermal Energy Council

EGEC Newsletter - March

News from the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC)

Policy:

Clean Energy Package: ongoing discussions in the European Institutions

News:

Netherlands to invest EUR 90m into geothermal heating efforts
EGEC at the 3rd IGC Turkey Geothermal Congress
Geothermal energy in agriculture: positive results of Spirulina algae cultivation in Italy
Penzance lido to be heated by geothermal energy

Projects:

Vision for Deep Geothermal: Looking towards 2050

Germany: Interview with Dr. Marit Brommer, the Executive Director of the International Geothermal Association

LIFE Edge 53: Marit Brommer (RelateCasts)

Our guest today on LIFE Edge is Dr. Marit Brommer, the Executive Director of the International Geothermal Association.

(Video 37:38 minutes)

Europe: “Our Vision is that by 2050 geothermal energy can cover a significant part of domestic heat and electricity demand”

Vision for Deep Geothermal: Looking towards 2050 (EGEC)

In the birthplace of geothermal energy (Pisa, Italy), the European Technology & Innovation Platform on Deep Geothermal (ETIP-DG) has presented its “Vision for Deep Geothermal”to look at future development of deep geothermal energy and highlight the great potential of untapped geothermal resources across Europe.

Meeting this week in Tuscany, a region where geothermal already employs nearly 10,000 people and provides clean and reliable energy to thousands more, helping reduce dependency from fossil fuels imports, the ETIP-DG releases its Vision document and launches works on its Strategic Research Agenda.

“Our Vision is that by 2050 geothermal energy can cover a significant part of domestic heat and electricity demand,” said Ruggero Bertani, Chairman of the ETIP-DG. “As a local and stable source of renewable energy, geothermal will be crucial in the future energy system, providing power, heat and thermal storage.”

USA, Washington: Exploratory Drilling for Possible Geothermal Resources to Begin This Summer

Are Washington's volcanoes the next big energy source? (KUOW)

Washington's volcanoes could one day join solar and wind as producers of renewable energy. The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) plans to tap into the idea this summer.

(Audio 1:29 Minutes)

Geologists think there could be pockets of geothermal resources throughout Washington state, but there's no clear data showing where. The state’s Department of Natural Resources wants to check for hot spots under the state's major volcanoes.

DNR spokesperson Joe Smillie said this will be the first time the state has searched far below the volcanoes. They're getting ready to take action after the legislature passed a bill last year allowing deeper drilling for geothermal resources.

"We'll be drilling some test wells this summer by Baker Lake, which is near Mount Baker, and about 15 miles northwest of Mount St. Helens," Smilie said.

If their search is successful, utilities could eventually apply to build geothermal power plants in the area.

Read More..........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - USA, Washington: Four to Five, 1,600-Foot-Deep Wells to be Drilled in Exploring for Potential Geothermal Power Plants

Turkey: Aydin Region Provides Opportunities for Geothermal-Heated Greenhouse Operations

Opportunities in Aydin for greenhouse production (Hortidaily)

The city of Aydin, located in the western part of Turkey, offers many opportunities to growers for greenhouse production. Greenhouse production has an important place in the incentive programs of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock.

Furthermore Aydin is located in a suitable region for exporting fruits and vegetables. There are also discussions at the ministry about making the use of geothermal energy resources obligatory in heating of the greenhouses. That would also benefit Aydin which has vast geothermal resources in its borders.

Read More.........

USA: Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Geothermal Power Unit Part of New Business Line

New Mitsubishi-Hitachi Americas firm focused on AI, energy storage, renewables (Electric Light & Power)

The western wing of Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) has spun off a business line focused on digital power, energy storage and low-carbon power generation, the company announced Thursday morning.

MHPS Americas’ new Power & Energy Solutions business wants to develop next generation technologies, both proprietary and in partnerships, utilizing artificial intelligence, energy efficiency, battery storage beyond lithium ion, geothermal renewable power, solid oxide fuel cells and upgrades for natural gas-fired power plants. The new firm is headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida and is launching having already made some solutions commercially available, according to the release.

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS), a thermal power generation systems company jointly established by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Hitachi, Ltd., launched business operations effective February 1, 2014.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

New Zealand: Geothermal Powered Industrial Park Gets Go-Ahead

Council gives $5m green light to Ngawha industrial park (NZ Herald)

Far North ratepayers will invest $5 million in an industrial park near Kaikohe in what is being described as a ''once in a lifetime opportunity'' to boost employment in the Mid North.

Councillors voted unanimously yesterday to borrow $5m which council-owned company Far North Holdings (FNH) will use to buy a dairy farm at Ngawha and turn it into a ''market ready'' industrial park.

The idea is to lure industry with completed infrastructure and resource consents, but the real drawcard will be cheap power from the nearby Ngawha geothermal power station.

FNH chief executive Andy Nock told councillors that Top Energy could supply power to the park, on a dairy farm on the northern side of State Highway 12, at a discount of 30-40 per cent and with no line charges. There was also potential to supply heat and CO2, for example for hydroponic horticulture.

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Monday, December 11, 2017 - New Zealand: 28 MW Expansion of Ngawha Geothermal Power Station to be Completed by 2021
Thursday, February 4, 2016 - New Zealand: Project to Run Pulp and Timber Mill Using Surplus Geothermal Plant Steam and Heat
Thursday, September 17, 2015 - New Zealand: Ngawha Geothermal Plant a Big Win for Northern Region
Thursday, May 16, 2013 - New Zealand:Ngawha's Geothermal Power Plant Expansion Promises Economic Boost

USA, California: Video Shows Receding Salton Sea Shoreline - Geothermal Energy Development Could Help Restore the Lake

Latest video from the Hell's Kitchen Geothermal Power Project.

Posted by Rod Colwell, Chief Executive Officer, Controlled Thermal Resources US Inc.

Latest drone footage as at 03/24/18 taken from the Red Hill Marina boat ramp, on the Salton Sea CA, showing the exposed lakebed playa.You could launch a boat from there around 2011. Speaks for itself…

(Video 2:51 Minutes)

Controlled Thermal Resources is in the advanced stages of commencing development of a new 280 MW + 20 MW bottoming cycle, geothermal power project within the Salton Sea area of California, home to the best geothermal resource in the United States.

With an experienced development team, site control through secured land and mineral rights on a long-term basis, and a very positive preliminary resource assessment, CTR has successfully met critical early-development milestones.

CTR plans to expand the development in 140 MW stages up to the total resource generation capacity of more than 1100 MW, the largest on the planet - enough to power around 1,000,000 homes and businesses.

USA, California: 30 MW Geothermal Power from The Geysers Helps Sonoma County to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

New report credits Sonoma Clean Power with reducing greenhouse gas emissions (News Release)

Sonoma County has marked two consecutive years of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, with output reported below 1990 levels in both 2015 and 2016, due in large part to the rollout of Sonoma Clean Power and its greater reliance on cleaner sources of electricity.

The public power agency reported that renewable sources like solar, geothermal, wind and biomass account for 42 percent of the power in its basic consumer program, CleanStart, compared with 33 percent for PG&E, the dominant local supplier until three years ago.

The agency also offers a service called EverGreen, which offers 100 percent renewable energy generated locally at The Geysers geothermal plant, though at a slightly higher cost than CleanStart. Fewer than 1 percent of its customers are enrolled in that program, agency spokeswoman Kate Kelley said.

USA, Colorado: GRC Scholarship Awardee Plans Geothermal Bike Ride

Koenraad Beckers: A Love of Science Benefits Geothermal Research (NREL)

Koenraad Beckers

In June, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researcher Koenraad Beckers - a past GRC Scholarship Awardee - will bike from Boise, Idaho, to Yellowstone National Park. The ride is typical for this avid biker. The reason, though, is unusual. Passionate about geothermal energy research, he wants to observe the hot water in both places.

"It's a little geothermal team bike ride, if you will," said Koenraad. He'll be joined by his former Cornell University Ph.D. adviser, another biking enthusiast who encouraged him to ride in Upstate New York, as well as some other friends.

"We’ll visit Boise's geothermal wells and the plants where they run their geothermal system, and also do some sightseeing. Then we'll go to Yellowstone, which is a beautiful place, but also has a lot of geothermal activity."

Ethiopia: Geological Survey Identifies 23 Potential Geothermal Energy Areas

Geothermal sites with over 10,000 MWs potential discovered in Rift Valley Featured (Ethiopian Herald)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

After 18 months of researches and exploration with partners, Ethiopian Geological Survey has identified 23 geothermal energy potential areas in the Ethiopian Rift Valley Zone, it has been disclosed.

Tamiru Mersha, Communication Affairs Director at the Ethiopian Geological Survey, told The Ethiopian Herald that a potential of over 10,000 MW geothermal energy was discovered in that area.

According to Tamiru, the development of the energy has started. In collaboration with the Ministry of Water Irrigation and Energy, the development is already being undertaken at the Aluto Langano site, which is expected to have a capacity of generating 80 MW of geothermal energy. He said two holes have been drilled to 1952 and 1921 meters depth.

Djibouti: $27m Loan from Kuwait Secured for 15 MW Geothermal Power Project

Signature of Loan Agreement for KD 8,000,000 for the Financing Power Station Project of Geothermal Power Generation Capacity of 15 MW in the Republic of Djibouti (News Release)

Project implementation is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

A loan agreement was signed today in Djibouti between the Republic of Djibouti and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, whereby the Fund will provide a Loan of Kuwaiti Dinars K.D. 8 million equivalent to about US$ 27.2 million, to the Republic of Djibouti to assist in the financing Power Station Project of Geothermal power generation capacity of 15 MW.

The project includes the drilling of about 10 wells for the production of steam and reclaimed water re-injection and the construction of a 15 MW power station at Jalla Koma (Phase I), 120 km west of the capital, Djibouti, in the area of Lake Assal. The new generation station will be connected to the central network by a 230 kV transmission line and a length of about 2 km. It also includes consulting services.

From the Global Geothermal News:

Sunday, October 1, 2017 - Djibouti: 15 MW Gale-Le-Koma Geothermal Project Projected to Be On-Line in 2021
Friday, July 21, 2017 - Djibouti: Djibouti secures $27m loan from Kuwait for geothermal drilling campaign

Commonwealth of Dominica: Work on Geothermal Power Project Should Begin by Year End

Geothermal Plant Still On The Cards For Government (GIS Dominica)

The construction of a seven-megawatt power plant is still on the cards for the Government of Dominica.

Earlier this month, representatives of the World Bank were on island to assess the damage done to the plant by Hurricane Maria and to strategize the way forward for the project. Part of that World Bank delegation, Chairman of the Geothermal Negotiating Team, His Excellency Dr Vince Henderson revealed that the Geothermal Development Programme is progressing satisfactorily despite the impact of the hurricane.

Work on the plant should commence by the end of this year into early 2019 he said and should be completed by the 2020.

Read More........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Monday, March 12, 2018 - Commonwealth of Dominica: More Funding for 7 MW Geothermal Power Project
Tuesday, February 20, 2018 - Commonwealth of Dominica: Progress on Geothermal Power Project
Thursday, January 4, 2018 - Commonwealth of Dominica: European Union Provides Funds for Geothermal Energy Development

USA, Nevada: Ormat Releases Annual Report for 2017

Ormat Technologies Reports Filing of Annual Report

During 2017, we continued to expand our existing portfolio. The new power plants include:

35 MW from Platanare power plant in Honduras
26 MW from Tungsten Mountain power plant, in Nevada
28 MW our share (12.75%) of the 220 MW Sarulla power plants in Indonesia

The power generation in our power plants increased by 1.7% to 5.5 million MWh year-over-year. We remain on track with our nearterm growth objectives and our new projects under development and construction which are expected to add between 190 and 200 MW by the end of 2020.

Besides the in new projects, we are continuing our exploration and business development activities to support future growth. We have a substantial land position across 32 prospects in the US, Guatemala, New Zealand, Honduras, Indonesia, Guadeloupe and Ethiopia.

Read More.........

Science & Technology: Video on Ormat's Binary Geothermal Energy Technology

Ormat Geothermal Power Plant

(Video 1:53 Minutes)

USA, Nevada: Ormat Receives $100 Million Loan to Help Long-Term Growth Strategy

Ormat Technologies, Inc. Announces The Closing of $100 Million Debt Financing (Kaplan Herald)

Ormat Technologies, Inc. has announced that it has entered into a loan agreement with affiliates of the Migdal Group, one of Israel's leading insurance companies and institutional investors, to provide the company with a $100 million senior unsecured loan.

The loan will be repaid in 15 semi-annual payments of $4.2 million each, commencing on September 15, 2021, and a final payment on March 15, 2029 of $37 million. The average duration of the Loan is 7 years. The Loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.8% per annum, payable semi-annually, subject to adjustments in certain cases. Ormat intends to use the proceeds of the loan to fund its capital needs to support its growth plans.

“Ormat’s financial strength and leadership position is giving us increased access to capital at attractive terms, enabling us to execute our long-term growth strategy,” commented Doron Blachar, Ormat’s Chief Financial Officer.

Read More.........

Ormat Technologies, Inc. will be exhibiting at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo, 11-14 October, Reno, Nevada, USA.

Indonesia: ADB Funding for 86 MW Rantau Dedap Geothermal Project

ADB offers $175.3m loan to support geothermal project in Indonesia (Power Technology)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement to provide a $175.3m loan to PT Supreme Energy Rantau Dadap (SERD) to support the second phase development of the company’s geothermal power project in South Sumatra, Indonesia.

The Rantau Dedap project is being developed by SERD, a joint venture between Indonesian geothermal power developer PT Supreme Energy, Japanese firms Marubeni and Tohoku Electric Power, as well as French utility Engie.

With the loan, the Rantau Dedap geothermal facilities are expected to generate more than 90 MW of electricity.

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Friday, March 23, 2018 - Indonesia: More Funding for 86 MW Rantau Dedap Geothermal Project
Thursday, January 11, 2018 - Indonesia: Drilling of Wells at 86 MW Rantau Dedap Geothermal Project to Begin Mid-Year
Tuesday, November 21, 2017 - Indonesia: PLN Signs PPA for 86 MW from Rantau Dedap Geothermal Power Plant
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - Indonesia: Drilling Begins for Rantau Dedap Geothermal Plant

Taiwan: Taipower to Build 8 MW Geothermal Power Plants in Yilan County

Taipower, CPC to invest jointly in geothermal power plants (Focus Taiwan News Channel)

State-run utility Taiwan Power Co (Taipower, 台電) and oil refiner CPC Corp, Taiwan (CPC, 台灣中油) signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday to invest in two geothermal power plants in Yilan County, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) said.

The project will begin in the county's Renze area with the construction of a 2 MW geothermal power plant that will have the capacity to supply electricity to about 3,000 households for a year after it becomes operational in 2022, the MOEA said.

According to Taipower, the Renze plant will be built at cost of approximately NT$600 million (US$20.57 million), and a second geothermal plant will be set up later in Tuchang.

When both plants are completed, they will have a total capacity of 8 megawatts, Taipower said.

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Monday, March 12, 2018 - Taiwan: Geothermal Power Project to Go Ahead in Yilan County
Tuesday, January 12, 2016 - Taiwan: Geothermal Energy Production Within Four Years

Friday, March 23, 2018

USA, California: Imperial County Geothermal Planner Retires

Imperial County Planning Division Manager Richard Cabanilla Retires After 34 Years

The Imperial County Planning & Development Services Department honored Planning Division Manager Richard Cabanilla for 34 Years of Service to the County of Imperial at a recent meeting.

Charlene Wardlow,
Geothermal Program Manager,
California Department of Conservation
helps Richard Cabanilla celebrate!

Mr. Richard Cabanilla began his employment with Imperial County in January 1984, as the County's first Geothermal Planner tasked with updating the 1977 Geothermal Element of the General Plan.

Given Mr. Cabanilla's passion and understanding of geothermal processes, all subsequent Geothermal Element updates, including the latest Renewable Energy and Transmission Element updates, were processed by him.

Not only did Mr. Cabanilla write the majority of the regulations for geothermal development in the County, he processed or mentored his fellow Planners in processing numerous geothermal projects submitted during his tenure. These geothermal projects include North Brawley, East Brawley, South Brawley, Heber, East Mesa, ORNI 19, ORNI 21, Energy Source, Control Thermal Resource/Hell Kitchen, only to name a few.

Indonesia: More Funding for 86 MW Rantau Dedap Geothermal Project

ENGIE: Supreme Energy bags $540M loan to fund geothermal project (Rambu Energy)

PT Supreme Energy Rantau Dadap has finally secured a loan worth US$540 million from Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and a group of major commercial banks from Japan to fund the first phase of Rantau Dedap geothermal power plant.

ENGIE, which is part of the shareholder of Rantau Dadap geothermal project, said the loan agreement has been signed on Friday (23/3), paving the way for the joint venture company to develop the Rantau Dedap geothermal project, located on Sumatera Island.

The first phase of the power plant, with an installed capacity of 98.4 MW is scheduled to start operation by in 2020, or three years since the financial closing is reached.

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Thursday, January 11, 2018 - Indonesia: Drilling of Wells at 86 MW Rantau Dedap Geothermal Project to Begin Mid-Year
Tuesday, November 21, 2017 - Indonesia: PLN Signs PPA for 86 MW from Rantau Dedap Geothermal Power Plant
Wednesday, February 5, 2014 - Indonesia: Drilling Begins for Rantau Dedap Geothermal Plant

Kenya: Video of Steam Gathering System at Menengai Geothermal Project

GDC's Steam Gathering System (GDC Kenya)

(Video 2:08 Minutes)

Learn more about the steam gathering system at the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) Menengai Geothermal Project in Nakuru County, Kenya.

Germany: Drilling at Garching Geothermal Project to Begin Next Month

Ab Ende April soll bei der Garchinger Geothermie gebohrt werden - From the end of April, geothermal energy will be drilled at Garching (heimatzeitung.de)

Ein wenig liegen sie hinter dem Zeitplan, dennoch sind die Verantwortlichen des Garchinger Geothermie-Vorhabens zufrieden mit dem Fortschritt im Brucker Holz (Lkr. Altötting). Ende April sollen die Bohrarbeiten starten. Dann wird sich zeigen, ob die Planer der Silenos Energy GmbH die Verhältnisse in 3600 Meter Tiefe richtig eingeschätzt haben.

(From Google translation) They are a bit behind schedule, but those responsible for the Garching geothermal project are satisfied with the progress made in Brucker Holz (Lkr. Altötting). The drilling work is scheduled to start at the end of April. Then it will become clear whether the planners of Silenos Energy GmbH have correctly estimated the conditions at 3600 meters depth.

Weiterlesen......... Read More........

Japan: Philippine Geothermal Industry Shares Experience and Expertise

PH Shares Experiences and Expertise in Geothermal Industry (Philippine Embassy in Japan)

The Philippine Embassy in Japan, supported by the ASEAN-Japan Centre, hosted the Seminar and Networking Reception with the Geothermal Industry on 13 March 2018. Deputy Chief of Mission Eduardo M.R. Meez welcomed more than sixty participants from over thirty Japanese organizations and companies. Ambassador Jose C. Laurel V, in his keynote address, offered the Philippines support for Japans efforts in encouraging the use of renewable energy resources, including geothermal energy, following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.

Representatives from the National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (NGAP), Energy Development Corporation (EDC), First Philippine Holdings, and ThermaPrime Drilling Corporation shared their experiences and expertise in utilizing geothermal energy in the Philippines. The Philippines is the second country in the world with biggest installed general capacity. Its technical expertise is comparable to that of New Zealand and Iceland, but is more cost-efficient. The networking reception after the seminar provided an opportunity to discuss collaborative and partnership opportunities between the Philippines and Japans geothermal industries.

Germany: Taufkirchen Geothermal Power Plant Begins Electricity Generation

Daldrup & Söhne AG: Successful test operation and stable power production in Taufkirchen geothermal power plant (News Release)

The geothermal power plant of GeoEnergie Taufkirchen GmbH & Co. KG, a subsidiary of the drilling technology and geothermal specialist Daldrup & Söhne AG, has started electricity production in Taufkirchen.

The first feed-in was preceded by successfully completed system tests of the components of the power generation plant in recent days. This means that, for the first time and in parallel to the district heating supplied to the communities of Taufkirchen and Oberhaching, environmentally friendly electricity generated at the power plant will now be fed into the public grid.

With the weather-related decline in district heating production, the power production of the plant is being ramped up further. A further heat exchanger will be connected in the second half of 2018. Thus, from today's perspective electricity production will then gradually switch to full load operation. For the further planning of the 2018 financial year, the management board assumes that corresponding feed-in revenues can be generated from power generation.

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Thursday, January 25, 2018 - Germany: Increased Investment in Taufkirchen Geothermal Power Plant

Philippines: World Bank Helps Leyte Geothermal Power Plants Recover from Earthquake

Energy Dev’t Corp. gets $90-million loan from IFC (GMA News)

Photo courtesy of
Cathy Ig-agao Pabganiban

Energy Development Corp. (EDC) has secured a $90-million loan financing deal with World Bank Group’s private sector arm International Finance Corp. (IFC) to partly fund its capital requirements for the return of services of its Leyte geothermal power plants hit by an earthquake in July 2017.

“The proceeds of the loan will fund a portion of the 2018 capital requirements and other general corporate purposes of EDC’s existing geothermal operations,” the company said.

EDC noted its capital requirements include the balance of work related to the return of service of the geothermal power plants in Leyte that were affected by the July 2017 earthquake.

The loan will also finance the company’s other project initiatives “aimed at increasing the reliability, efficiency and throughput of EDC’s existing geothermal facilities as well as reducing outages and health, safety and environment risks.”

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Thursday, January 4, 2018 - Philippines: World Bank Could Help Leyte Geothermal Power Plants Recover from Earthquake
Tuesday, December 19, 2017 - Philippines: Leyte Geothermal Power Plants Hit by Typhoon Urduja
Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - Philippines: EDC Brings Leyte Geothermal Power Plants Back Online After Earthquake
Friday, July 7, 2017 - Philippines: Geothermal Power Plants Knocked Offline by Earthquake

Thursday, March 22, 2018

Canada: Abandoned New Brunswick Mine to Provide Geothermal Heating and Cooling for Community

Geothermal heating a good use of flooded Picadilly mine, report says (CBC)

The core idea behind geothermal heating involves extracting the heat of the water deep inside the mine.

More than two years after Sussex was rocked by the closure of the Picadilly mine, the town is getting some good news about the mine — it can likely be used for geothermal heating.

The mine in Penobsquis, near Sussex, was allowed to flood after operations ended there in 2016, and 430 jobs were lost.

Geothermal heating involves extracting the heat of the water from inside the mine. A company could then use that energy cheaply, making Sussex more attractive for new industry.

Scott Hatcher, chief administrative officer for the town said it appears from the feasibility study that the model that would most benefit the town is something called an "open loop" geothermal system, which would involve directly extracting the hot water, drawn through a pipe. "Once used, it would be injected back into the mine," Hatcher said.

Read More..........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Friday, May 12, 2017 - Canada: Abandoned New Brunswick Mine to Provide Geothermal Heating and Cooling for Community

Geothermal Event - Call for Abstracts

GRC Annual Meeting 2018 - Call for Abstracts

Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting will be held Oct. 14-17 in Reno, Nevada, USA. The deadline for abstract submission is Friday, March 30th, 2018.

USA: News from the Geo Heat Pump Industry

Heat Exchange Industry News (Geothermal Exchange Organization)

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

Headlines and features in this month’s edition include:

GEO Chairman's Message - It's Time for Action
Highlights of News Articles on the Tax Credits
GEO Board Welcomes New Member, Jim Leverette
GEO Case Study - Swilley Geothermal House
GEO Urges Caution with MassCEC Program
GEO Again Supports Farm Bill Energy Title
The Value of Geothermal Exchange Membership

The Geothermal Exchange Organization, is 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)

Indonesia: Joint Venture Formed to Develop Simbolan-Samosir Geothermal Power Project

KS Orka´s third geothermal project in Indonesia (News Release)

KS Orka reports the company has signed a Joint Venture agreement with PT Optima Nusantara Energyi on the development of the Simbolan-Samosir geothermal power project in North Sumatra Indonesia.

The project area indicates a 110 MW resource. This is KS Orka´s third power project in Indonesia.

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Monday, March 19, 2018 - Indonesia: Chinese Company to Jointly Develop Simbolon-Samosir Geothermal Project
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 - Indonesia: Geothermal Working Area in North Sumatra Up for Auction

USA, Nevada: Comment on Fallon Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy EIA By April 4

BLM Seeks Public Comment On FORGE Project (News Release)

The Bureau of Land Management, Carson City District, has completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Fallon Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) Geothermal Research and Monitoring field laboratory located approximately seven miles southeast of Fallon, Nevada, in Churchill County. The BLM is seeking public comments and input on this EA and public input under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for the project. This includes seeking information and identifying historic properties in or near the project area. Public comments will be accepted through April 4, 2018.

This EA analyzes the proposal by the Department of Energy’s Sandia National Laboratory in conjunction with Ormat Technologies, the Navy Geothermal Program Office, the US Geological Survey, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the University of Nevada, Reno, and other partners to establish and manage Fallon FORGE as a dedicated site where the subsurface scientific community would be able to develop, test, and improve new technologies and techniques for application to the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). Proposed actions include drilling up to three new production/injection wells and up to nine monitoring wells and stimulation of the production/injection well(s) to develop technologies and techniques that would effectively function at other EGS projects.

A copy of the EA is available in the Carson City District BLM Office and on the project webpage at https://goo.gl/Y5gaVv Please send written comments to: Dave Schroeder, Fallon FORGE EA Project Lead, Stillwater Field Office, 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, NV 89701. Comments may also be submitted electronically via the EA webpage (under the “Contact Information” section), via email to blm_nv_ccdowebmail@blm.gov or fax at 775-885-6147 with the subject heading “Fallon FORGE EA Project”.

USA, Wyoming: New Research Strongly Supports a Deep Origin for the Yellowstone Hotspot

Lower-mantle plume beneath the Yellowstone hotspot revealed by core waves (Nature Geoscience)

The Yellowstone hotspot, located in North America, is an intraplate source of magmatism the cause of which is hotly debated. Some argue that a deep mantle plume sourced at the base of the mantle supplies the heat beneath Yellowstone, whereas others claim shallower subduction or lithospheric-related processes can explain the anomalous magmatism.

Here we present a shear wave tomography model for the deep mantle beneath the western United States that was made using the travel times of core waves recorded by the dense USArray seismic network.

The model reveals a single narrow, cylindrically shaped slow anomaly, approximately 350 km in diameter that we interpret as a whole-mantle plume. The anomaly is tilted to the north-east and extends from the core–mantle boundary to the surficial position of the Yellowstone hotspot. The structure gradually decreases in strength from the deepest mantle towards the surface and if it is purely a thermal anomaly this implies an initial excess temperature of 650 to 850 °C.

Our results strongly support a deep origin for the Yellowstone hotspot, and also provide evidence for the existence of thin thermal mantle plumes that are currently beyond the resolution of global tomography models.

Read More.........

Lower-mantle plume beneath the Yellowstone hotspot revealed by core waves, by Stephen Grand and Peter Nelson. Nature Geoscience (2018) DOI: 10.1038/s41561-018-0075-y , https://www.nature.com/articles/s41561-018-0075-y

USA: Congress Requests Increased Spending for Department of Energy

Congress' spending deal rejects Trump's proposed EPA, energy cuts (Washington Examiner)

Congress on Wednesday night released a fiscal 2018 spending bill that rejects Trump administration efforts to reduce funding for the Environmental Protection Agency and Energy Department.

After President Trump threatened to make massive cuts to the EPA budget, Congress decided to keep funding levels the same from fiscal 2017, at $8.1 billion.

The Energy Department, meanwhile, would receive $34.5 billion in the massive spending deal, a $3.77 billion increase over fiscal 2017.

That includes $2.32 billion for the agency’s energy efficiency and renewable energy division, a 15 percent increase. Trump, who has promoted expanded fossil fuel development, had sought to cut funding for that division.

China: Sinopec Green Energy Geothermal Co to Develop District Heat Projects in Capital Region

ADB signs $250 million loan deal for China geothermal heating (Morung Express)

Asia Development Bank (ADB) said on Thursday it would provide a $250 million loan to Sinopec Green Energy Geothermal Co (SGE) and Iceland’s Arctic Green Energy Corp (AGE) to develop clean geothermal heat in smog-prone northern China. SGE is a joint venture set up by China’s state-owned oil giant Sinopec and AGE.

The project will focus on the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, but SGE chairman Liu Shiliang said the partners plan to “replicate their successful collaboration across Asia.” China had planned to develop geothermal energy in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei belt as part of its anti-smog campaign, the country said in guidelines published in January.

Turkey: 165 MW Kizildere III Geothermal Power Plant Completed

Zorlu completes Turkey’s largest geothermal plant (NewsBase)

Somewhere Over The Rainbow: Kizildere Power Plant. By Erdinҫ Sentϋrk. GRC Photo Contest.

Zorlu Dogal Elektrik, a subsidiary of Turkey’s Zorlu Enerji, has commissioned the 65.5 MW second unit of its US$320 million Kizildere III plant on the border between the southwestern provinces of Aydin and Denizli.

With the second unit now generating the plant currently has an installed capacity of 165 MW – making it the largest in Turkey.

The company also holds a so-called “pre-licence” for the 50 MW Alasehir III geothermal plant, for which it held a public consultation meeting last month, in line with the requirements of the environmental impact assessment submitted for the plant. The project is currently under consideration by Turkey’s Ministry for Environment and Urban Affairs.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Wednesday, August 23, 2017 - Turkey: 99.5 MW Kızıldere III Geothermal Power Plant Unit 1 Now Operational
Friday, April 7, 2017 - Turkey: Zorlu Gets Financing for Construction of 65 MW Unit 2 of Kızıldere III Geothermal Power Plant

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

USA, Oregon: Job Swap Allows Scientists to Focus on Newberry Geothermal Energy Project

Geothermal Energy Heats up with Dual Joint Appointments (PNNL)

Alain Bonneville, PNNL a GRC Member (left)
and Adam Schultz, OSU

PNNL and Oregon State University researchers will explore the potential of volcanic heat for energy
Two geophysicists noted for their work to harness the underground heat from volcanoes to produce electricity began joint appointments at each other’s institutions in January. The dual appointments enable GRC Member Alain Bonneville, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and Adam Schultz, Oregon State University, to increase their collaboration on current and proposed projects, including traveling to each other’s institutions to share their insights and mentor students and interns.

A particular focus for the two colleagues is finding the most effective ways to extract underground heat from the Newberry Volcano in central Oregon. Newberry is one of the largest geothermal heat reservoirs in the western United States. A public-private consortium, Newberry Geothermal Energy (NEWGEN), is developing a research observatory on geothermal energy at the volcano, drilling high-temperature wells. The project aims to test more efficient, less costly, and innovative ways to extract underground heat where conventional geothermal power generation isn’t possible. Bonneville, Schultz, and their colleagues have been developing innovative methods that use electromagnetic instrumentation, sensitive gravity meters, measurements of ground deformation, and new computer-aided modeling methods to look under the volcano’s surface.

Norway: 1,520 Meter Well Drilled for Geothermal District Heating Project

Deepest Geothermal Well in Norway (LinkedIn)

Alexander Solberg, HSE & QA manager at Rock Energy AS, reports on progress at a geothermal district heating project in Norway.

Rock Energy in partnership with Båsum Boring has this week reached 1,520 meters - the deepest geothermal well in Norway. The work was carried out using compressed air and hammer drilling technology. Alexander reported up to 20 meters an hour instant ROP in hard basement rock formation (6.5” hole).

Read More........

Philippines: Geothermal Energy Employment Opportunity in Manila

Geothermal Facilities and Operations Manager - Manila, Philippines (Bradman Carbon & Energy)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

Employment opportunity with a global geothermal energy industry pioneer and the largest vertical integrated geothermal developer. They are also a recognized world leader in wet steam field technology.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leads and provides direction to the Operations and Maintenance Division in developing and implementing the medium to long-term Operation and Asset life-cycle management strategies and programs.
Responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of the geothermal facility, ensuring the geothermal facilities' continuous and efficient operation.
Represent the Division in high level policy meetings, conferences, and external negotiations.
Responsible for providing overall management of Geothermal Facility in terms of strategies, budget, statutory requirements & licenses, contracts and sales agreement, litigations, finance management and optimization of resources.

More Information........

Europe: New Document on Near-Surface Geothermal Energy in the Alpine Space

Assessment and mapping of potential interferences to the installation of shallow geothermal energy systems in the Alpine Regions (GRETA project)

The GRETA project, established by 12 partners from 6 different countries, aims to demonstrate the potential of Near-Surface Geothermal Energy (NSGE) in the Alpine Space and to share its knowledge to foster the integration of this technology into future energy plans in the area at different administrative levels.

The project has a new deliverable: Assessment and mapping of potential interferences to the installation of shallow geothermal energy systems in the Alpine Regions. This exhaustive document is about large-scale mapping of geological features and factors which may interfere with the installation of water wells for ground water heat pumps and/or borehole heat exchangers.

Download the document.........

Hungary: PannErgy Ltd Becomes 100% Owner of Geothermal District Heating Company

Hungary PannErgy buys geothermal company (Portfolio.hu)

Hungarian geothermal energy company PannErgy has increased its stake in Szentlőrinc Geothermal Ltd. to 100%, the company announced late on Tuesday.

PannErgy Plc has entered into an agreement with the Municipality of Szentlőrinc in relation to the acquisition of its 0.20% stake in Szentlőrinc Geothermal Ltd.

The purchase price is one million forints that the buyer will pay within two banking days. After the transaction, PannErgy Geothermal Power Plants Ltd will become the 100% owner of Szentlőrinc Geothermal Ltd.

According to the Pannergy website, since January 2011, as a result of the project – i.e. the creation of a geothermal heating system of a production and a reinjection well for 3 MW useful heat capacity – about 900 apartments in Szentlőrinc have been heated with geothermal energy, which is cheaper than gas, and does not contaminate the environment at all.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Ethiopia: Aluto-Langano Geothermal Plant Will Generate 75 MW from Eight Wells

Aluto-Langano Geothermal Expansion Comes to Life (Addis Fortune)

The plant is expected to generate 75 MW of energy from eight wells

The overdue expansion of the Aluto-Langano Geothermal Plant is going to get a fresh start following the recently announced tender by the Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) to hire a contractor for the project and procure rigs to drill the wells.

Located on the Aluto volcanic complex of the Ethiopian Rift valley, close to the eastern mountain between Lake Langano and Ziway, some 200 Km southeast of Addis Ababa, the plant is expected to generate 75 MW of energy from eight wells.

Read More.........

Canada: Alberta Town Repurposing Oil & Gas Wells for Geothermal Energy

Why a Small Alberta Oil and Gas Town is Pursuing Geothermal Power (DeSmog Canada)

(Google Maps)

Like many towns across Alberta, the landscape around Hinton is a pincushion of oil wells. At the bottom of some of the deeper wells, temperatures can reach upwards of 120 degrees Celsius, and that geothermal heat could be about to spur the town on to its next energy windfall.

A plan is underway to pump water up from deep underground, capture the heat it brings to the surface, then re-inject that water into the ground. The captured heat could warm a dozen municipal buildings or even eventually provide electricity.

“That’s attainable, that’s not a huge technical challenge. The question is at what cost,” Jonathan Banks, a research associate in geoscience at the University of Alberta, told DeSmog Canada.

The town recently got $1.2 million in federal and provincial grants to explore the feasibility of the project, known as a Front-End Engineering and Design, or FEED, study. That should be complete by the end of the summer.

“If the FEED study shows that the project is viable…we could start building the system in the fall of 2018,” Banks says, cautioning that there are a number of unknowns, such as an uncertain regulatory process.

A big part of why newly elected town councillor Dewly Nelson thinks the oil-friendly residents should welcome geothermal to town? It all runs on the same infrastructure and knowledge as the oil and gas industry, making it an excellent way to make use of existing oilfields and some of the workers who have been hit by low oil prices.

“If it ever really takes off on a large scale in Canada, it will be because of oil and gas,” he says.

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Thursday, March 8, 2018 - Canada: Study to Assess Feasibility of the Hinton Geothermal District Heating System
Thursday, February 8, 2018 - Canada: Hinton Geothermal Well Pair Could Return Investment in 16 years
Tuesday, February 6, 2018 - Canada: $1.2 Million Investment in Hinton Geothermal Heat Project

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