Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Africa: Seventh African Geothermal Conference Opens in Rwanda

Africa should look to geothermal to address its energy deficit, experts say (The New Times)

African countries should exploit their geothermal energy potential in order to cater for the growing demand of electricity, which is partly driven by the continent’s sustained robust growth, according to industry experts.  

The experts made the call yesterday during the seventh African Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C7).

For example, they said, the Great Africa Rift Valley alone has over 20,000 MW of geothermal energy yet only a fraction of that is exploited.

According to Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo, the Regional Director of UN Environment in Africa, governments should be ready to remove barriers that can hinder the attraction of private investors if they are to succeed in geothermal development.

“Public investment cannot really achieve those targets, no private sector can come on board if the risks are not mitigated, if the environment is not conducive and if there is no incentive for them to come, the private sector will only come for profit,” she said.

Indonesia: PT Supreme Energy Rantau Dedap Geothermal Project Helps Local Business Women

Renewable Brew: Indonesian Geothermal Project Energizes Women Coffee Growers (Global Citizen)

Coffee farmers in matrilineal villages in a mountainous region of Indonesia are getting assistance from a geothermal energy company, which said it is helping them to grow, roast, and find global buyers for their beans.

Backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), PT Supreme Energy Rantau Dedap has been supporting coffee growers in South Sumatra province while building a nearby geothermal power plant.

This month, the company began linking them with buyers including PT Fortunium, Rumah Kopi Ranin, and Indokom, which supply both the domestic and overseas markets, said company and ADB officials.

Read More.........

USA, California: Workshop on Lithium Recovery from Geothermal Brine

Geothermal Grant and Loan Program Workshops (California Energy Commission)


Lead Commissioner Workshop on Lithium Recovery from Geothermal Brine

Thursday, November 15, 2018, 1-5 p.m., California Energy Commission, Sacramento, California 95814-5512

Also Remote Access by Computer or Phone via WebEx™

Lead Commissioner David Hochschild and California Energy Commission staff will seek input from stakeholders including developers of lithium recovery technologies, lithium marketers, geothermal facility operators, investors, local governments, and state and federal agencies involved in lithium recovery from geothermal brine.

The workshop will include presentations and panel discussions on the following topics:

  • Demand for Development - discussion on the demand for lithium and the additional benefits development of lithium extraction can bring to the geothermal community, local municipalities, battery manufacturers, and the state.
  • Barriers and Opportunities - discussion on the current state of lithium recovery and production in California, the barriers that need to be overcome to expand production, and the opportunities lithium recovery offers for stakeholders and government agencies.
  • Policy and Funding Priorities - discussion of the needs and opportunities for policy and financial support of the entire lithium production process and what may be needed to mitigate risks for citizens, investors, developers and the state.  

Mexico: Latest News from the Mexico-Europe Geothermal Energy Cooperation Project

GEMex E-News | Issue N.1

This newsletter summarizes the progress achieved by the GEMex project between October 2016 until September 2018.

In this issue:
  • About GEMex
  • GEMex Study Sites
  • GEMex Stakeholders Board
  • Main Results
  • Preliminary 3D geological models of Los Humeros and Acoculco geothermal fields as well as supra-regional conceptual model released
  • Characterising the influence of pre-existing structures on caldera evolution by analogue modelling
  • Gaining understanding from exhumed fossil geothermal systems
  • Structural geology indicates that Acoculco might be suitable for EGS development
  • Geochemical characterization and origin of cold and thermal fluids 
  • Geophysical surveys in Acoculco and Los Humeros (almost) completed 
  • Reservoir characterization studies ongoing in Los Humeros and Acoculco 
  • Social impacts and public engagement of enhanced and superhot geothermal systems 
  • Drilling and Completion in super-hot systems: research ongoing
  • Monitoring of environmental impacts

Europe: Geothermal News from EGEC

The EGEC Newsletter October 2018 - The Voice of Geothermal in Europe

The October issue of the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) Newsletter is now available.

Click here to download. In this issue:

Policy
  • The European Commission collects inputs on the 2050 greenhouse gases strategy, while negotiations are ongoing for the future electricity regulations
News
  • Cultivation of geothermal spirulina creates 100 jobs in Italy
  • Research into Ultra-Deep geothermal heat in the Netherlands takes off
  • IEA predicts geothermal growth of 3,600 to 4,500 MW 2018-2023
Projects
  • GEORISK: Developing geothermal projects by mitigating risks
  • Call for applications: Member of the Steering Committee of the ETIP-DG
  • TNO releases a new version of ThermoGIS
  • GEMex releases its first e-news

Philippines: Successful Delisting will Support Geothermal Developer's Long-Term Growth

EDC completes tender offer (BusinessWorld Online)

Energy Development Corp. (EDC) has completed its tender offer for its planned exit from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Wednesday, the Lopez-led company said shareholders holding a total of 2.01 billion common shares accepted the tender offer priced at P7.25 apiece. The enter tender offer size was 2.04 billion common shares.

The buyback of shares from the public forms part of the company’s plan to voluntarily delist from the stock exchange. The company said this will help them pursue a corporate strategy that would require greater flexibility over factors such as its dividend policy and leverage. The delisting is also seen to support EDC’s long-term growth.

EDC holds nearly 1,200-MW of geothermal capacity, which accounts for 61% of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity.

Philippines: Coca-Cola Production to be Powered by Geothermal

Coca-Cola PH taps renewable energy (ManilaStandard.net)

Coca-Cola Femsa Philippines Inc., (KOFPH) the current licensed bottler of Coca-Cola products in the country, is utilizing more renewable energy in its operations as it shifts four more of its bottling facilities to run on clean sources.

KOFPH signed an agreement with Lopez-led First Gen Corp.’s retail electricity arms―First Gen Energy Solutions Inc. and Bac-Man Geothermal Inc.―for the supply of electricity from renewable energy sources, to power Coca-Cola’s bottling facilities in Ilocos, Pangasinan, Pampanga and Cebu.

Coca-Cola Femsa said in a statement it strived to make clean energy a more prominent part of its global manufacturing processes, in keeping with its long-standing commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and to achieve sustainable operations through the use of renewable energy sources and the adoption of new technologies to further enhance operational efficiency.

Hungary: PannErgy Reports Good Testing Results at Győr Geothermal District Heating Project

Geothermal system of Győr deployed, final test results of the new production well in Bőny (News Release)

After the successful deepening operation on the BON-PE-03 well that PannErgy Concession Ltd implemented in the framework of a concession-based investment, the well pump has been installed at a depth of 830 meters with the connection of the well to the geothermal system of Győr also completed. Unmatched in Hungary, the system constructed with three production wells has yielded the first test results under continuous live operating conditions for the pump-assisted BON-PE-03 well and the other two free-flowing wells.

The results indicate that in terms of energy volume equivalent the system approximates the earlier targeted 1100 m3 /hour increase in the combined thermal water extraction capacity by featuring a maximum yield of only 1065 m3
/h, while the temperature measured on the secondary line (towards AUDI and Győr-Szol) is approximately higher by 1 (one) Celsius degrees, (difference between the average inlet and outlet temperature (ΔT) that is directly proportional to the volume of energy, and is therefore higher by 2.1%), and therefore the green heat volume that can be delivered is at 98,9% of the expected level. The capacity of the BON-PE-03 production well with pump-assisted extraction reaches 765 m3 /h. Based on the evaluation of the results – as depending on the prevailing weather conditions – the expanded system is foreseen to be capable of delivering 840-850 TJ green heat annually in the current consumer structure, with the supply of less than expected electric power.

Read More.........

Honduras: Ormat Receives OPIC Loan for 35 MW Platanares Geothermal Power Plant

Ormat Technologies Announces Financial Closing and First Drawdown on Non-Recourse OPIC Project Financing for the Platanares Geothermal Power Plant in Honduras (News Release)

Rig Sky, by Steven Fercho.
Ormat's Platanares, Honduras project.
2017 GRC PHOTO CONTEST
Ormat Technologies Inc. today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary has completed the financial closing of Tranche I under the previously announced Finance Agreement totaling up to $124.7 million for the 35 MW Platanares geothermal power plant in Honduras, with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), United States government’s development finance institution, as the sole lender.

Following the closing, Ormat received a disbursement of $114.7 million representing the full amount of Tranche I of the OPIC non-recourse project finance loan that will carry a fixed interest rate of 7.02% per annum with a maturity of approximately 14 years. The closing of the second tranche of up to $10 million is expected during the first half of 2019.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Montserrat: More Funding Made Available for Geothermal Power Plant Project

DFID to fund next Geothermal phase for Montserrat (The Montserrat Reporter)

Montserrat Drilling Site on the Flank of the Soufriere Volcano, Bastien Poux.
The United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) has agreed to fund the next phase in the development of a geothermal power plant on Montserrat.

According to the Hon. Minister of Energy Paul Lewis, the agency will source the funding to engage experts to move the geothermal plant development forward. “This expertise could take the form of a “Client Engineer” that will aid in the formulation of turnkey service for the project,” a release from Lewis’ ministry stated.

Meanwhile, a final agreement to complete drilling and short-term testing of Mon 3 has not yet been completed with the Iceland Drilling Company (IDC). No word on why the negotiations are still ongoing, as this has been the status since the start of the year.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

USA, Colorado: Employment as Geothermal Modeling Expert at NREL

Vacancy: Geothermal-Modeling and Simulation Scientist (NREL)

Golden, Colorado, USA

The Geothermal Research Group at The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is seeking a Modeling expert to build and strengthen reservoir engineering capabilities for potential application at the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE).

Work will consist primarily of advancing characterizations of reservoir stimulations and the resulting flow paths from injection wells to production wells. The successful applicant will work collaboratively with academia to advance numerical simulation functionality, including modeling of discrete natural fracture networks and injector-to-producer flow paths. The position will be expected to publish relevant research outcomes in peer-reviewed scientific journals and to write proposals with partners from industry and academia to win funding opportunities and grow NREL’s Geothermal Research Group.

More Information and Application.........

USA, Oregon: Geothermal Energy Pioneer John Lund Receives Oregon Tech Ambassador Award

Oregon Tech awards geo expert with inaugural award (Herald and News)

John Lund with Oregon Tech
President, Dr. Nagi Naganathan
Oregon Institute of Technology awarded its first-ever Oregon Tech Ambassador Award to former faculty member, John Lund, Ph.D., according to a news release. Lund was not only applauded for the length of his tenure, but for his continued engagement and ambassadorship, even after retirement from Oregon Tech. In recognition of his continued dedication and perennial ambassadorship for the university, the award was presented to Lund at an annual length of service event held by the university Oct. 18.

Long-time GRC Member John Lund was GRC President from 2001-2002 and was awarded the Joseph W. Aidlin Award in 2008.

An internationally renowned pioneer and world expert in the field of geothermal energy, Lund has been engaged in service to the Oregon Tech community for over 50 years. He has lectured and provided training in 46 countries around the world and has written extensively on the subject with many prestigious honors and awards in the field. He began his career at Oregon Tech in 1967 as an associate professor in civil engineering and continued as a professor in the department through 1999, while also serving as department chair, division chair, associate dean and dean. He is one of the original founders of the Geo-Heat Center at Oregon Tech and served as director from 1997 until 2010. He is both an emeritus faculty member and an emeritus administrator at Oregon Tech, a significant accomplishment matched by few.

Science & Technology: Research on Developing Models of Geothermal Energy Storage Systems for Thermoelectric Power Plants

Idaho Researchers Look Underground For Energy Storage Solutions (INL)

To keep the U.S. electrical grid running smoothly, power plants must continuously adjust their output to match customer demand. Producing too much or too little power can cause brownouts, equipment damage and more.

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) hope to help solve these challenges by pumping excess heat into already-warm, briny reservoirs located deep within the earth.

These “thermal batteries” could help moderate the electrical grid’s peaks and valleys by storing energy when demand is low and releasing it back onto the grid when demand is high.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office announced funding for two INL geothermal energy storage projects to investigate whether a thermal battery would work in the real world.

One research team will develop models of geothermal energy storage systems for thermoelectric power plants, which typically convert heat into electricity by making steam to spin a turbine.

“The earth is an inherently good place to store heat,” said principal investigator Travis McLing (GRC Member), a research scientist specializing in geochemistry and geology at INL and CAES, a research consortium that includes INL, Boise State University, Idaho State University, University of Idaho and University of Wyoming. “Rocks do not conduct heat very well. In this application, think of the earth as a perfect YETI cooler, but 10 km long by 10 km wide by 50 meters thick.”

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

Asia: Report on Barriers to Geothermal Energy Development

Assessment on Necessary Innovations for Sustainable Use of Conventional and New-Type Geothermal Resources and their Benefits in East Asia - Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)

This report critically examines technical, social, policy, legal, and fiscal barriers to geothermal power production, direct use, and GSHP, and the estimated benefits in China, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The estimated benefits are multiple and vary across the countries. For example, with a target capacity factor of 70%, Indonesia is in a position save 232 billion barrels of oil, avoid 129 million tons of carbon emissions, and generate about 15,000 local jobs. There are potential net benefits on a similar scale in the Philippines, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea.

Amongst the five types of barriers, it was found that technical and policy barriers dominate the Indonesian geothermal sector, while fiscal barriers are prevalent in the Philippines. Social barriers remain a challenge in Japan regarding direct use and GSHP.

Three main areas are recommended for immediate policy action.
  1. Clarify precisely the role of each state entity in providing critical incentives and concessions at three different stages of geothermal power development.
  2. The tariff setting and tax holidays for geothermal, direct use, and GSHP should be seen not as a one-time event, but as a process – based on a published methodology and stakeholder consultation. 
  3. The inability to develop new resources is often due to lack of information on the reserve capacity. More spending on research and development is recommended.

USA, Nevada: Great Video of Geothermal Outreach from GRC Annual Meeting & Expo

Selling Geothermal (LinkedIn)

Paul Thomsen of Ormat Technologies, Inc.. giving an elevator speech on Geothermal Power. Thanks to heatpower.com/ for the video.

USA: Renewable Energies Help Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Carbon dioxide emissions from the U.S. power sector have declined 28% since 2005 (EIA)

U.S. electric power sector carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) have declined 28% since 2005 because of slower electricity demand growth and changes in the mix of fuels used to generate electricity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has calculated that CO2 emissions from the electric power sector totaled 1,744 million metric tons (MMmt) in 2017, the lowest level since 1987.

In the United States, most of the changes in energy-related CO2 emissions have been in the power sector. Since 2005, as power sector CO2 emissions fell by 28%, CO2 emissions from all other energy sectors fell by only 5%. Slower electricity demand growth and changes in the electricity generation mix have played nearly equal roles in reducing U.S. power sector CO2 emissions.

The power sector has become less carbon intensive as natural gas-fired generation displaced coal-fired and petroleum-fired generation and as the noncarbon sources of electricity generation—especially renewables such as wind and solar—have grown.

Read More.........

USA, Colorado: Employment Opportunity as Geothermal Energy Technical Sales Advisor

Vacancy - Technical Sales Advisor - Geothermal Energy (Seequent)

Denver, Colorado, United States

Seequent now operates across multiple sectors including Energy, Civil and Environmental and Mining & Minerals. This role would be an integral part of the Energy team. Want to work in a dynamic company pushing the boundaries in geothermal energy? Enjoy travel and new experiences? Are you willing to challenge yourself? This could be the role for you!

As part of a strategy to deliver on the growth targets for the Energy Sector the team is growing to provide more bandwidth in this industry. The Technical Sales Advisor - Energy will be a member of the global energy team reporting to the Business Manager - Geothermal Energy.

More Information.........

Monday, October 29, 2018

Kenya: Cyrq Energy Plans 330 MW Geothermal Power Plant in Suswa

US firm to build 330 MW plant in Suswa (News Release)

US-based renewable energy tech firm Cyrq Energy will spend Sh30 billion in putting up a 330 MW geothermal power plant in Suswa area, Narok County.

Chief executive Nicholas Goodman said applications for approval had been sent out to regulatory agencies in Kenya after feasibility studies conducted at the site confirmed availability of adequate thermal energy to power the project.

Mr Goodman said upon award of permits, the project will be implemented within the two years with the first phase expected to churn out 75 MW. The other phases will raise the total output to 330 MW.

Portugal: Tender to Drill New Wells at Azores Geothermal Power Plants to Open in January

Tender: Pico Alto and Ribeira Grande Geothermal Fields - Drilling of new geothermal wells - Terceira and São Miguel Islands, Azores, Portugal

EDA Renováveis, S.A. announces the release of a drilling tender during January 2019 to award the provision of drilling services for geothermal wells in Ribeira Grande Geothermal Field (São Miguel Island) and Pico Alto Geothermal Field (Terceira Island), Azores, Portugal.

EDA Renováveis, S.A. is an affiliated company of the regional electric utility EDA – Electricidade dos Açores, S.A and operates three geothermal power plants: Ribeira Grande and Pico Vermelho plants at São Miguel Island, with a combined net capacity of 23 MW and representing 43% of the electricity consumed on the Island and Pico Alto power plant, located at Terceira Island, with a net capacity of 3.5 MW representing about 12% of the electric consumption of the Island.

The campaign is designed to drill up to 8 geothermal wells: 3 production wells to saturate the power capacity installed at Ribeira Grande power plant (13 MW), 2 geothermal production wells to expand the power capacity of Pico Vermelho power plant to 15 MW and 3 geothermal production wells to saturate the actual power capacity installed in Pico Alto power plant and accommodate a possible expansion.

With the execution of this investment plan, the role of geothermal is expected to become even more significant in the Azorean power market, providing self-sufficiency to the archipelago and contributing towards the achievement of the European goals in what concerns renewable energy.

More Information..........

USA, California: Employment Opportunity as Project Manager at The Geysers

Vacancy - Project Manager II – Geothermal (Calpine)

The project manager will be responsible for the scoping, engineering oversight, cost controls and project execution of large capital projects at the Geysers Geothermal field. This individual will drive projects from the conception phase through installation, commissioning and project documentation.

Experience with mechanical, electrical or civil project management is essential. Projects could involve our Geothermal power plants, steam field, injection systems or projects to maintain the roads and infrastructure.

This position requires coordination with internal stakeholders to identify project goals and objectives and insure that those goals are met.

The project manager will be directly involved in implementing our safety culture through all phases of the project scope and insuring contractor monitoring is safe and effective.

More Information and Apply.........

Science & Technology: Free Webinar on Geothermal Exploration using Geophysical Tools

Webinar: Geophysical Exploration of Geothermal Plays (SEG Europe Regional Advisory Committee )

Dr. Horst Rueter
Presented by Dr. Horst Rueter, President, HarbourDom Consulting
Nov 13, 2018 6:00 AM Pacific Time

Geothermal exploration is an integral part of developing geothermal installations. It is the basis for decisions about technologies and a major factor to minimize risk. Exploration is a combination of geological, geophysical, geochemical and other methods. It does, in our definition, not include exploration drilling. This webinar concentrates on the geophysical part. The methods to be applied in an individual situation depend on the local mainly geological conditions. To formulate guidelines those conditions can be classified in ‘geothermal play types’ with a comparable geological setting and as a consequence a comparable demand on exploration technologies.
The webinar presents:

  • Roughly, the classification of geothermal play types.
  • The different geophysical methods available as a tool box.
  • Provides recommendations for method use determinations based on play type.

The webinar tries to present geophysical methods understandable to non-geophysicists, avoiding equations and severe mathematics.

Register.........

Ethiopia: Contract Signed to Develop 50 MW Tulu Moye Geothermal Power Plant

Mannvit-Verkís Signs Tulu Moye Contract (News Release)


M-V, a company jointly owned by Mannvit and Verkís for cooperation on international projects, has recently signed a consulting agreement with Tulu Moye Geothermal (TMGO) for Owner’s Engineer services concerning the development of a geothermal power plant in Tulu Moye, Ethiopia. M-V will assist TMGO through the development stages, among other things regarding access roads, well pads, drilling and testing of wells and the development of the steam field. M-V collaborates with Landsvirkjun Power, ÍSOR and MGM Consult for this project.

The Tulu Moye geothermal area is located about 150 km southeast of Addis Ababa and 15 km from the town Iteya. In a first Phase of four, TMGO aims at developing a 50 MW power plant with up to 12 production and reinjection wells, with 520 MW ultimately delivered within the eight year development and construction phases.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

USA, Washington DC: Can Geothermal Energy Help Make the Grid More Resilient?

Technology Briefing: What Does "Resilience" of the Electric Power Sector Mean Today? (USEA)

Wednesday, October 31, 2018 - 3:30pm to 5:00pm
USEA Executive Conference Room, Washington, DC, United States

The United States Energy Association (USEA) is pleased to sponsor a panel on one of the hottest topics in the electric power industry – resilience of the power grid.  Resilience is generally defined as increasing the ability of the power system to prevent or mitigate the impact of unusual – in particular catastrophic – events (e.g., storms, fires, earthquakes, cyber and physical attacks). With the increase in the incidence and severity of such events, and with the unquestioned criticality of secure power supplies to our lives, resilience is on the top of many utilities’ and regulators’ agendas, including a major ongoing proceeding at the FERC.

More Information.........                Register........

India: The Great Potential for Geothermal Energy in Maharashtra State

Natural spas, electricity: IIT-led team uncovers power of India’s Western Ghat geysers (ThePrint)

An IIT-Bombay-led team studying the famous geysers of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra has flagged their vast potential as a source of green energy as well as jobs.

The team, comprising Trupti Chandrashekhar of the department of earth sciences at IIT-Bombay, and collaborators from IIT-Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Amethi, and the University of Florence, Italy, had set out to study a 350-km stretch of Maharashtra’s over 720-km coastline.

The region, called the west coast geothermal province (WCGP), is one of India’s seven geothermal areas. It has more than 60 hot water springs across 18 locations, where water steeped in minerals bursts forth at temperatures between 40 and 72 degrees Celsius.

“The mid- and long-term development plan [for the region] could be centred on the use of geothermal energy for generating cheap, clean and base power generation systems, beginning with the drilling of 10-to-15-metre-deep exploration pits along the identified locations,” said Chandrashekhar.


Trupti Chandrasekhar et al. GRC Transactions, Vol. 40, 2016

USA, California: Company Announces Plans to Build Four Geothermal Power Plants in Imperial Valley

Hy-Power acquires 1,317 acres at Salton Sea to develop 4 geothermal plants (Imperial Valley Press)

Hy-Power Industries Inc. of Eureka, California, announced this week that it has acquired 1,317 acres in the Salton Sea area for the development of four geothermal energy plants, according to a press release.

“On behalf of Hy-Power Industries, we are pleased to announce our acquisition of 1,317 acres in an area of the Salton Sea for the production. We will develop four plants for the production of electricity and minerals within the property of hydrogen and lithium which, we believe, is critical to advance energy production for a greener environment and a step forward in the battle against climate warming,” said Alan Painter, chief executive officer of Hy-Power Industries.

R. Gerald “Jerry” Bailey, Ph.D., P.E., previously president of Exxon Arabian Gulf, and adviser to the company on technical issues, said, “The Hy-Power geothermal project at the Salton Sea will utilize latest technologies for a very efficient and environmentally friendly facility. It will enhance the public power grid, while providing local employment and positive economic development in the area.”

“Hy-Power Industries is currently evaluating its options for development of the property,” Painter added. “Discussions are underway with Kenneth Davlin, president of Oscar Larson & Associates, Civil Engineers to engage for project planning, permitting and engineering.”

Read More.........

China: Flemish Research Organization on Potential for Development of Geothermal Energy

China-Belgium cooperation to bring geothermal boost (Global Times)

Dirk Fransaer (Fransaer),
managing director of VITO
China and the EU have been making joint efforts to boost the transition toward clean energy. With further cooperation and research, it is expected that renewable energy will become competitive with fossil fuel in terms of prices in the near future. Of the various types of clean energy, geothermal energy is stable and less influenced by weather conditions. It also has great potential in China but has been largely untapped so far. 

On October 18, while Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was attending the 12th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit in Belgium, the seminar for the first Sino-Belgian Green Energy Day was held by the Embassy of Belgium in Beijing. Global Times reporter Zhou Zheng (GT) interviewed Dirk Fransaer (Fransaer), managing director of VITO, a European independent research and technology organization focusing on sustainable energy and environmental protection technologies, to discuss the possibilities for geothermal energy in China.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Photos from the Geothermal Energy Event of the Year

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - All the Photos

All the photos from the geothermal energy event of the year, the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo, from 14-17 October at the Peppermill Resort Spa & Casino, Reno, Nevada, USA.

More than 830 photos for the geothermal energy community to download and re-use. You're welcome!

Friday, October 26, 2018

Kenya: First 82 MW Unit of Olkaria V Geothermal Project Scheduled for Commissioning in April 2019

Kenya eyes geothermal power to meet rising demand for electricity (China.org.cn)

Joseph Njoroge, principal secretary at the Ministry of Energy, told a briefing in Nairobi that plans are under way to deliver Olkaria V geothermal project, which will add 164.5 MW to the national grid.

"The first unit of 82 MW is scheduled for commissioning in April 2019, while the second one is set for commissioning in July 2019. Also in the pipeline is Olkaria 1 Unit 6 (83 MW) geothermal project, which has commenced," Njoroge said as state-owned Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) released results for the financial year ending June 30.

Rebecca Miano, CEO of KenGen, said that revenue generated from KenGen's geothermal power plants increased from 161 million dollars in 2017 to 171 million dollars in 2018, a growth of 6 percent.

Geothermal Energy News from Around the World

Global Geothermal News - Weekly Update (Geothermal Resources Council)


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

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

USA: The Huge Potential for Geothermal Energy on Tribal Lands

From Fear to Favor: Geothermal Energy’s Future on the Reservation (Native Business)

A 2002 policy guide by the U.S. Department of Energy expressed numerous concerns about tribes exploring geothermal potential, including harm to spiritual sites, financing, tribal decision-making, a perceived bias in tribal courts, and pushback from tribal members that were against electrification of reservations in general.

Although geothermal resources are often associated with the generation of electricity, these hot spots can also contribute to local economies in a myriad of ways. The Office of Indian Energy noted that geothermal operations can aid in fish farming, bathing, concrete curing, the drying of fruits and vegetables, and beet sugar evaporation, to name a few.

The top 5 tribes for geothermal energy development are all located in the arid deserts of Arizona and Nevada or the dry steppe of eastern Oregon. Combined, the Navajo, Tohono O’odham, Warm Springs, Pyramid Lake, and Walker River tribes have a geothermal capacity of more than 2 million megawatt-hours (MWh). According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), total tribal potential at 196 different sites could ultimately account for more than 2% of U.S. geothermal potential at a staggering 236 million MWh.

So why are tribes not tapping this unique geological resource at higher rates?

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Turkey, Germany: National Geothermal Associations Agree to Cooperate

Türkischer Und Deutscher Geothermieverband Schliessen Kooperation Im Beisein Des Bundesministers Altmaier Und Des Türkischen Energieministers - Turkish And German Geothermal Association Conclude Cooperation In The Presence Of The Federal Minister Altmaier And The Turkish Energy Minister (Bundesverband Geothermie)

Die beiden großen Geothermieverbände Deutschlands und der Türkei unterzeichnen eine Absichtserklärung zur verstärkten Zusammenarbeit der beiden Länder. Geplant ist die Forcierung gemeinsamer Interessen und Ziele zur Weiterentwicklung der Geothermie.

(From Google Transale) The two major geothermal associations in Germany and Turkey sign a letter of intent to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. It is planned to promote common interests and goals for the further development of geothermal energy.

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

USA, Nevada: BLM Receives Bids for Two Geothermal Leases in Silver State

BLM Nevada Geothermal Lease Sale October Results (News Release)

Geothermal Power Plants  on BLM land in Nevada
The Bureau of Land Management received bids on geothermal leases in Nevada that brought in $26,422 in total receipts during an online auction held on October 23.

Ten parcels totaling 27,136.48 acres were offered during the lease sale. Bids were received on two parcels, totaling 2,321.05 acres. The parcels are located in the Carson City District.

The largest amount received, $21,445 was from Federal Abstract Company for 1,520 acre parcel in Lyon County. The highest bid was for $12 per acre.

Geothermal leases are for an initial 10-year period with the opportunity to extend if diligent exploration and development occur.

Fifty percent of the funds collected as bids, rent and royalties are disbursed to the state, 25 percent disbursed to the county the lease is located in and 25 percent to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Read More.........

China, Japan: PowerChina and Toshiba to Cooperate on Developing Geothermal Power Systems

PowerChina and Toshiba Strengthen Strategic Cooperation in Hydro, Geothermal and Thermal Power Systems (News Release)

(Courtesy Toshiba)
Power Construction Corporation of China, Ltd. and Toshiba Corporation today signed a strategic cooperation agreement covering areas such as hydro, geothermal and thermal power systems at the China-Japan Third-Party Market Cooperation Forum.

PowerChina and Toshiba Group have been cooperating in power generation businesses, especially in hydropower generation, through such means as exchanging information and cultivating and developing new projects. The Agreement will extend the scope of the cooperation to Toshiba Group’s other systems and equipment, and to cooperation in investments and arrangement of finances for projects to further expand businesses opportunities.

In the geothermal power area, Toshiba has delivered 57 units of stream turbines in markets including North America, Southeast Asia and Africa, with a total installed capacity of approximately 3,687 MW to date. As the source of 23% of the world's installed geothermal capacity that are fully operational and grid connected, Toshiba is a leading global supplier in this area.

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USA: US Must Greatly Accelerate Clean Energy Progress to Help Avert Climate Disaster - Report

America Made Strong Gains With Clean Energy, Efficiency, and Carbon Cuts but Faces Climate "Crossroads" (NRDC)

The United States is light years ahead of 10-year government projections for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon pollution cuts but must greatly accelerate clean energy progress to help avert climate disaster, according to a major new report today from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Less than three weeks after the urgent warning from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that the world may have as few as 12 years to stave off the worst of climate change, America’s Climate Crossroads: Pushing Clean Energy Higher & Faster notes the nation made huge clean energy strides in the past year and a half and far outpaced the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2007 predictions for 2017 energy use. However, the country is not yet on track to meet the IPCC’s climate targets.

The U.S. power industry has seen a remarkable shift as nuclear and coal struggles to compete with energy efficiency, renewable energy resources, cheap fracked gas, and the rising need for a more flexible energy system.

Renewables now account for 16 percent of U.S. power generation, a substantial increase even from 2016 levels, when renewable energy provided 14 percent of U.S. power. More than half of that—8.1 percent—came from wind and
solar, with most of the rest from hydropower (See Figure above).

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Thursday, October 25, 2018

Netherlands: Oil & Gas Community Recognizes the Potential for Geothermal

System Integration: Gas Meets Geothermal (Oil & Gas Community)

8 November 2018, Shell Technology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Where green power and hydrogen receive a lot of attention, the heating space sometimes seems to be forgotten. Natural gas as the main heating energy source for domestic and greenhouse heating will be replaced in the decades to come. District heating is one of the options in which hot water infrastructures within the building can be maintained, sourced by residual heating of nearby industries and-or from geothermal sources.

There’s a great potential for geothermal in the Netherlands: much of the subsurface is already known in detail from oil and gas exploration.

What needs to be done to unlock this potential successfully and what are the challenges to overcome? How will business develop this opportunity and create a new industry? Register.........

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USA, Nevada: Reno to Further Exploit Geothermal Resources

Reno City Council Move Forward on Moana Springs Aquatics Complex (KTVN)

The Moana site sits on an active geothermal spring and historically hosted mineral baths.

The Reno City Council has unanimously approved to move forward with a 35-meter long pool at the Moana Springs Aquatics Complex.

The design will include a meeting room, party room, a spa and outdoor hot springs.

President of Sierra Nevada Community Aquatics Chip Hobson said the design will help attract private donors for the facility. He also says the potential savings of both geothermal and solar resources to the development make the facility relatively low-cost for the city to run.

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From the Global Geothermal News Archives:

Iceland: A National Landscape Policy to Better Blend Geothermal Energy Developments With the Environment

Iceland Blends Renewable Energy into the Landscape (The American Society of Landscape Architects)

Hagonguvirkjun / Landsvirkjun, A2Architects
Landsvirkjun, the national power company of Iceland, has created a new landscape policy designed to create a more harmonious relationship between land and energy. And landscape architect Björk Guðmundsdóttir took the initiative to make this all happen.

At the ASLA 2018 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Guðmundsdóttir explained that when she started her multi-year effort, there wasn’t a single design guideline for renewable energy projects. Her task was to create a new national landscape policy for these systems, while being the only women — and landscape architect — working with a team of all-male engineers.

Her first step was to understand the geothermal energy system development process, the legal frameworks that shape energy production, and the broader energy policies. One important high-level Icelandic policy guided her work: energy systems “should operate in harmony with the landscape.”

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USA, California: New Community Choice Aggregator for San Diego Could Offer Opportunities to Geothermal Energy Industry

San Diego’s Power Move: City Takes on Utility Over Green Energy (NY Times)

San Diego is just 90 miles from one of the largest
geothermal energy resources in the world at the Salton Sea.
San Diego is going into the utility business. The city plans to tap solar arrays, land-based wind farms and geothermal power to meet its goals.

After a long and often contentious debate, Mayor Kevin Faulconer is set to announce on Thursday that the city will create an alternative to the area’s investor-owned utility, San Diego Gas and Electric Company. The city says the government-run program will increase competition, lower electricity rates by as much as 5 percent and ensure that the city reaches its goal of 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2035, 10 years ahead of the state’s mandate.

The move makes San Diego the largest city in the state to embrace a program in which residents essentially band together to buy power in bulk. More than 160 cities, towns and counties in California currently take part in similar programs, which began two decades ago in Cape Cod and spread to other locations in Massachusetts, New York and Illinois.

San Diego’s program is expected to be in place by 2022, and utility customers will be automatically enrolled in it, though they can also choose to stay with SDG & E.

San Diego’s coastal winds aren’t suitable for offshore turbines, but the city plans to tap solar arrays, land-based wind farms and geothermal power to meet its goals.

New Zealand: Japan to Cooperate on Hydrogen Production - Possibly Using Geothermal Power

New Zealand signs hydrogen agreement with Japan (gasworld)

New Zealand and Japan are working together to transition away from a reliance on fossil fuels with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation on hydrogen (H2), says Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods.

The cooperation agreement between New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry was signed in Tokyo on 23rd October by Minister Woods and Hiroshige Seko, Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister.

Woods explained, “There is already cooperation between New Zealand and Japan in this space, with the planned construction of a pilot H2 production plant between Japan’s Obayashi Corporation and Tuaropaki Trust in Taupō using geothermal energy.”

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From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Geothermal Event! Video of Next Year's Location for the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo 2019 (YouTube)

Promotional video for the 2019 GRC Annual Meeting & Expo to be held 15-18, 2019 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, California, USA.


(Video 1:44 Minutes)

Germany: International Geothermal Association Extends Term of Office of Board Members by Six Months

IGA - Extension Of The Current Board Term Of Six Month  (News Release)

Dear Geothermal Community,

we are happy to announce that the majority of our membership has voted positively on the extension of the current board term for six months. We would like to thank each one of you who casted the vote and found the time to participate in this important decision.

The new board will be elected in 2019 to take seat at WGC2020 so to align with the upcoming World Geothermal Congress. As usual, we are getting ready for the elections and looking forward to meet new, dynamic, proactive, diverse and inspiring people that will drive IGA with energy and zest.

So, get yourself nominated!

With best wishes,
Marit Brommer
Executive Director - IGA

Indonesia: PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy Opens Education Information Center in Southern Sumatra

Direktur Utama  PGE Resmikan Ulubelu Geothermal Information - PGE's Managing Director Inaugurates Ulubelu Geothermal Information (News Release)


Dalam mewujudkan komitmen perusahaan yang senantiasa tumbuh bersama masyarakat, PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE)  mengembangkan sarana edukasi panas bumi di beberapa area operasinya, tidak terkecuali Area Ulubelu. Terkait hal tersebut, Direktur Utama PGE Ali Mundakir didampingi oleh General Manager (GM) Area Ulubelu Dirgo Rahayu meresmikan Ulubelu Geothermal Information (UGI), yang merupakan pusat informasi edukasi geothermal/panas bumi untuk berbagai kalangan, pada (17/10/2018).

(From Google Translate) In realizing the company's commitment to always grow with the community, PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) has developed geothermal education facilities in several areas of its operations, including in the Ulubelu Area. Related to this, PGE President Director Ali Mundakir accompanied by Ulubelu Dirgo Rahayu General Manager (GM) Area inaugurated Ulubelu Geothermal Information (UGI), which is a geothermal / geothermal education information center for various groups, on (10/17/2018).

Baca lebih lajut.......                          Read more..........                                    

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Netherlands: Exploration for Ultra-Deep Geothermal Energy Project Begins

Research into Ultra-Deep geothermal heat in the Netherlands takes off (Port of Rotterdam)

The Dutch government is committed to the development of geothermal heat and encourages research into the possibilities of geothermal heat at various depths. 

In June 2017, seven consortia, together with the government, EBN and TNO, signed the so-called Green Deal Ultra-Deep Geothermal Energy (UDG), to increase knowledge about ultra-deep geothermal energy (heat extraction at a depth of more than 4 km) in the Netherlands. 

The consortium members UDG Leeuwarden, GOLD (Utrecht), UDG Renkum, Geothermal Heat Oost Brabant, UDG Schiedam and UDG Port of Rotterdam are now taking the next step towards continuing together with the so-called Exploration Working Programme and the exploration of ultra-deep geothermal heat in the Netherlands. 

The Exploration Working Programme involves, among other things, detailed geological research, research into drilling techniques, risk inventory & management and careful environmental management.

Preparations for possible drilling will only start in the next phase if it is safe and responsible, and economically viable. It is expected that this decision can be taken by the end of 2019 at the earliest.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

USA, California: Combined 275 MW Geothermal Power and Lithium Manufacturing Plant Project Announced

CTR announces official launch of geothermal project (Imperial Valley Press)


Controlled Thermal Resources on Tuesday announced the official launch of the company’s $1.8 billion Hell’s Kitchen lithium-geothermal project near the southeast corner of the Salton Sea.

At 275 megawatts, the proposed Hell’s Kitchen project will be the largest geothermal facility in the country. Speaking at the CG/LA North American Infrastructure Leadership Forum here, Rod Colwell, CEO of Controlled Thermal Resources and GRC Member outlined the project to key infrastructure leaders in the United States.

“Controlled Thermal Resources has developed an environmentally sustainable solution to produce battery-grade lithium products in a cost-effective, real-time process. CTR controls significant resources and land holdings within California’s Salton Sea geothermal field where geothermal brines contain large concentrations of lithium, among other valuable minerals. We expect to be in commercial operation, producing an estimated 75,000 [metric tons] of battery-grade lithium carbonate products per annum by 2022.” Colwell said.

Poland: Geothermal Energy Can be Used in Many Industries - Scientists

Energetyka: geotermia w Polsce nie tylko dla ciepłownictwa i rekreacji
 - Energy: geothermal energy in Poland not only for heating and recreation (Net Tg.pl)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)
Geotermia w Polsce może służyć nie tylko sieciom ciepłowniczym czy kąpieliskom, ale może być wykorzystana w rolnictwie ekologicznym, hodowli ryb ciepłolubnych czy w procesie suszenia drewna - przekonywali naukowcy uczestniczący w VI Ogólnopolskim Kongresie Geotermalnym w Zakopanem.

(From Google Translate) Geothermal energy in Poland can be used not only for heating networks or bathing sites, but it can also be used in organic farming, thermophilic fish farming or in wood drying process - scientists participating in the 6th National Geothermal Congress in Zakopane suggested.

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Communications: How the Geothermal Energy Community Uses Social Media - Make Your Voice Heard!

Social Media Usage in the Geothermal Industry - Market Research


The GRC, IGA, GeoEnergy Marketing, WING, and ThinkGeoEnergy, are committed to the promotion and education of geothermal to the world.

Please complete this short survey that will aid in our market research efforts to better understand how our core industry uses and engages with social media for business.  Thank you.

Take the survey........

USA, California: Community Choice Aggregation Could Offer Opportunities for Geothermal Energy in Golden State

The Community Choice Energy Summit


November 28-30, 2018, San Francisco, California, USA

The summit is the place where the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) community will gather to learn about new developments and share insights on the latest operational strategies and best practices. The Summit is a great opportunity to:
  • Stay abreast of the legislative and regulatory landscape
  • Track forward progress on CCA joint action
  • Share best practices and strategies for procurement and local renewable sourcing
  • Learn about the latest in data analytics and billing
  • Promote social equity and workforce diversity
  • Building on the momentum of the first two highly successful Summits, this edition will feature more content from active and emerging community choice aggregators and provide an in-depth examination of the full range of their plans, programs, and initiatives.

Community Choice Aggregation in California - An Opportunity for the Geothermal Industry [July/August 2016 Bulletin] by Paul Brophy, Past-President, Geothermal Resources Council, and Vice-Chair, Business Operations Committee, Sonoma Clean Power.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Latin America: Geothermal Development Facility Grants Awards to Seven Projects

Geothermal Development Facility for Latin America: Second Call Results (News Release)

The Geothermal Development Facility for Latin America’s (GDF) second call has concluded this October with an announcement of grant awards.

The GDF is pleased to announce seven grantees spanning across Central and South America. As a result of this initiative, surface studies in amounts of up to €600K will be funded in Chile, Peru, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, while exploratory drilling campaigns up to €5.8M will be funded in Chile and Guatemala.

The €13M in total grant awards approved during this second call comprises approximately 23 percent of the GDF’s original €55M fund, which is expected to catalyze €1.6B in future geothermal investments in Latin American. The total
anticipated amount of energy generation supported through the first and second calls is expected to reach 520 MW.

Furthermore, with a new, third call for applications scheduled in December 2018, the GDF anticipates surpassing its original goal of seeding 350 MW of geothermal power in the region. Due to its success and to continuing interest in—and government reforms toward—renewable baseload and geothermal energy, the GDF will continue to discuss increasing its funding beyond the initial €55M seeded by KfW and the EU.

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