Canada: Flow and Built up Test at Estevan Geothermal Power Project to Start in June

DEEP secures mineral rights for produced fluids (Estevan Mercury)

The site in Estevan is in a working oil-field
(Courtesy DEEP)

Things are coming along for the Deep Earth Energy Production Corp. (DEEP) geothermal electrical power production project south of Torquay.

They’ve drilled their first well, and have now secured the mineral rights to the fluids from the area around it.

DEEP’s name came up in a government press release on April 25, announcing Saskatchewan’s subsurface mineral Crown disposition public offering held two days earlier. It was the first offering of the 2019-20 fiscal year, and raised $10,000 in revenue for the province based on interest in resource exploration in the Estevan area.

A single subsurface mineral permit block totalling 1,554 hectares (3840 acres, or six sections) was posted and received a bonus bid of $10,000. DEEP was the successful bidder. The permit block is located along the Saskatchewan-North Dakota border, approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Estevan, an area that is prospective for brine minerals such as lithium, the government release noted.

The permit block land is in the vicinity of the initial DEEP well, which is close enough to the U.S. border that you can see the U.S. from its lease.

DEEP is planning on a production test of their first well, drilled this past winter. The well will be produced into a tank farm, and those fluids will then be re-injected into the well. The test is expected to take about three weeks.

DEEP president and CEO Kirsten Marcia said on April 29, “This is for the mineral rights for any minerals in those fluids.”

“We’re planning our flow and built up test to come in June.”

That test will be used for the final design of the next well, which is planned to be drilled approximately 1 1/2 kilometres away from the first. Drilling is expected to commence in July.

Read More.........

USA, California: Community Choice Aggregators Will Procure New Clean Energy Resources in Near Future

New 2030 Energy Plan Relies on CCAs to Procure 10,000 MW to Meet Climate Goals (CalCCA)

Community Choice Aggregators Receive Vote of Confidence as State Transitions to 'Electric Sector of the Future'

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on April 25 unanimously approved a new plan for achieving ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets within California’s electric sector, primarily relying on Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) to procure the new clean energy resources the state needs over the next decade to meet its climate goals.

The CPUC’s approval of an “Integrated Resource Plan,” or IRP, represents a major vote of confidence in the critical role CCAs are playing in California’s rapidly evolving energy system.

Under the CPUC-approved plan, CCAs will be responsible for about 90 percent of the energy procurement that will be needed by 2030 to meet the SB 350 target. Aggregators plan to make long-term investments in more than 10,000 Megawatts (MW) of new clean energy resources including solar, wind, geothermal and energy storage by 2030, while Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) and commercial Energy Service Providers (ESPs) plan to invest in approximately 1,000 MW of new resources combined (see bar graph above). CCAs are the load-serving entities (LSEs) "with the vast majority of planned new resource purchases through 2030,” the CPUC said.

Read More.........

United Kingdom: The Team Behind the United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project

Cornish Geothermal: Meet GEL, the technical and commercial partners (University of Plymouth)

The three year United Downs Deep Geothermal Power (UDDGP) project is being undertaken by Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL) to explore the deep geothermal resources beneath Cornwall, with financial support from the European Regional Development Fund (£10.6m), Cornwall Council (£2.4m) and private investors (£5m).

The project is drilling two deep geothermal holes, or ‘wells’, from its site within the United Downs Industrial Estate and will build a 1MW – 3MW pilot power plant to demonstrate the technical and commercial viability of supplying both electricity and heat.  The production well is being drilled first to a depth of 4,500m, making it the deepest onshore well in the UK, after which the injection well will be drilled to a depth of 2,500m.

GEL, together with its delivery partners GeoScience Ltd, University of Plymouth and British Geological Survey (BGS), has assembled a small project team to manage the project from its offices in Falmouth and the United Downs site. In addition to Project Management functions, the team includes drilling supervision staff, geologists, geochemists, a Community Relations Manager, and a graphic designer who works on the educational outreach and public dissemination parts of the project.

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

Indonesia: Potential for Geothermal Development in South-East Sulawesi

Abundant geothermal energy can be harnessed in North Buton (Antara News)

North Buton District in Southeast Sulawesi Province holds huge potential to become a hotbed for geothermal exploration for future energy reserves.

North Buton District Head Abu Hasan remarked in Kendari on Tuesday that geothermal energy resources in North Buton were discovered along the east coast from Bubu Village, Kambowa Sub-District, to Buranga, Bonegunu District.

In Bubu Village, geothermal energy can be harnessed on the beach in the form of springs, with the release of sulfur gas reaching six square meters, whereas around Buranga, it was found in the form of a hot spring, spanning an area of 60 meters per square, releasing abundant sulfur gas.

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

USA: Renewable Energy Surpasses Coal for First Time

April is shaping up to be momentous in transition from coal to renewables (IEEFA)

The future of the U.S. electricity generation industry may have arrived, and it is not good news for struggling coal-fired generating plants.

This month, for the first time ever, the renewable energy sector (hydro, biomass, wind, solar and geothermal) is projected to generate more electricity than coal-fired plants, which totals about 240 gigawatts (GW) of still-operating capacity. According to data published this month in the Energy Information Administration (EIA) Short-Term Energy Outlook, renewables may even trump coal through the month of May as well.

As the chart above indicates, the EIA sees renewable generation topping coal-fired output sporadically this year, and again in 2020. The estimates in the EIA outlook show renewable energy generating 2,322 and 2,271 thousand megawatt-hours (MWh/day) per day in April and May, respectively. This would top coal’s expected output of 1,997 and 2,239 thousand MWh/day during the same two months.

Read More.........

France: Champs-sur-Marne Geothermal District Heating Project Advances

Géothermie: l'accord Engie-Paris Vallée de la marne scellé - Geothermal energy: the agreement Engie-Paris Vallée de la Marne sealed ( Le Moniteur)

Pour assurer le déploiement d'une géothermie sur les communes de Champs-sur-Marne et Noisiel, Paul Miguel, président de la Communauté d'agglomération Paris-Vallée de la Marne, et Pierre Hourcade, directeur général d'Engie Réseaux, ont signé une concession de service public à l'Hôtel d'agglomération.

(From Google Translate) To ensure the deployment of geothermal energy in the municipalities of Champs-sur-Marne and Noisiel, Paul Miguel, president of the Paris-Vallée de la Marne Agglomeration Community, and Pierre Hourcade, General Manager of Engie Réseaux, signed a public service concession at the Agglomeration Hotel.

Lire la suite.........                     Read More........

Europe: Geothermal News from EGEC

The EGEC Newsletter April 2019 - The Voice of Geothermal in Europe

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

Click here to download. In this issue:

Policy

• National renewable energy plans to 2030: ensuring the geothermal sector is properly represented
• MEPs give green light to EU research programme

News

• Ireland has prompted Providence Resources to start well design and reservoir modeling efforts
• The potential of zero-emission geothermal energy – Turboden shares its view
• R&D funding aimed at improving geothermal drilling efficiency and reduce costs

Projects

• ETIP-DG releases the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Deep Geothermal
• GEORISK Website is online
• First GEOENVI workshop organised in Italy

USA, Nevada: Employment Opportunity as Staff Geologist at Ormat

Vacancy - Staff Geologist (Ormat)

Location: Reno, Nevada USA

The position is responsible for conducting geologic field evaluations of geothermal exploration projects and integrating them with existing published data to assist in the definition of new development projects. Candidate recommendations to be reviewed by higher level geologists.

Essential Functions:

• Researches prospect characteristics, including rock types, alteration, geothermal surface manifestations.
• Mines data existing drilling information, including temperature, pressure, flow tests, lithology, etc.
• Maps geology.
• Builds project GIS and 3D geologic models and analyzes data to improve geologic understanding.
• Targets wells for exploration and/or development drilling.
• Generates new prospects and play concepts.
• Assesses new sites for acquisition and communicates recommendations to manager and management.
• Collects fluid samples for analysis, oversees well logging operations, and assists engineers with flow tests.
• Must possess at any time a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to Ormat’s auto insurance carrier.
• Must have the ability to travel to other locations, including international and developing countries.
• Must have the ability to travel long distances by car and air.

More Information and apply........

Canada: Report Focuses on Lack of Regulatory Regime for Geothermal in Alberta

Climate Change and the Law: An Introduction to Mitigation in Alberta (ELC)

Regulating Geothermal: How Do We Own Heat? 

This blog post focuses on geothermal, taking a closer look at the lack of a regulatory regime for geothermal in the province. This post, as well as the accompanying section in the Mitigation volume are designed to be introductory pieces, however, the Environmental Law Centre (ELC) will be publishing an entire report on geothermal in the coming year.

Why is there no geothermal in Alberta?

The answer to this is complicated and relies on a myriad of factors, however, one of the reasons may be because there is no regulatory framework for the development or oversight of geothermal in the province.

To understand some of the challenges that arise when attempting to legislate geothermal, the first question that needs to be clearly answered is – if we were to regulate geothermal, how do we legally define it – is it water or is it a mineral? The second question is then, how do we own heat and if it can be owned, who would be the owner – the owner of the water or the owner of the minerals?

Currently, Alberta does not have a regulatory system for the ownership of heat. This is not unique to Alberta and despite geothermal technology becoming more common across the globe, there is no consensus on how to legally define geothermal resources. Despite the lack of consensus, regardless of whether Alberta decides to define geothermal as water or as a mineral, the regulatory process must be clear and streamlined, while taking into account regulatory decisions made by neighbouring provinces – due to the potential for interprovincial trade and projects.

Download the Report........                       Read More.........

Europe: New Website for High Temperature Underground Thermal Energy Systems Projects

Underground Thermal Energy Storage facilitates the low-carbon transition of the heating and cooling sector (Heatstore)

Heatstore is a ERA-Net Geothermica funded project to develop High Temperature Underground Thermal Energy Systems projects in Europe.

The heating and cooling sector is vitally important for the transition to a low-carbon and sustainable energy system. Heating and cooling is responsible for half of all consumed final energy in Europe. The vast majority – 85% – of the demand is fulfilled by fossil fuels, most notably natural gas. Low carbon heat sources (e.g. geothermal, biomass, solar and waste-heat) need to be deployed and heat storage plays a pivotal role in this development. Storage provides the flexibility to manage the variations in supply and demand of heat at different scales, but especially the seasonal dips and peaks in heat demand. Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) technologies need to be further developed and need to become an integral component in the future energy system infrastructure to meet variations in both the availability and demand of energy.

The main objectives of the HeatStore project are to lower the cost, reduce risks, improve the performance of high temperature (~25°C to ~90°C) underground thermal energy storage (HT-UTES) technologies and to optimize heat network demand side management (DSM). This is primarily achieved by 6 new demonstration pilots and 8 case studies of existing systems with distinct configurations of heat sources, heat storage and heat utilization. This will advance the commercial viability of HT-UTES technologies and, through an optimized balance between supply, transport, storage and demand, enable that geothermal energy production can reach its maximum deployment potential in the European energy transition.

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

USA, California: Public Utilities Commission Recognizes Geothermal Energy in New Recommended Portfolio

California adopts 2030 Preferred System Portfolio with 12 GW new wind, solar, storage, geothermal (Utility Dive)

New calculations aim to add an additional 1,700 MW of geothermal capacity by 2030

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Friday voted 5-0 to adopt a Preferred System Portfolio that includes 12 GW of new solar, wind, battery storage and geothermal resources the state will need to procure by 2030 to meet ambitious greenhouse gas reduction goals.

The decision caps a two-year process aimed at developing the state's benchmark portfolio. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) docket sought to balance resources needed to move to 100% zero carbon energy by 2045, versus capacity needed for near-term reliability. 

Community Choice Aggregators (CCA) are expected to procure the majority of new resources in California in the next decade, and their renewables-heavy portfolios must be balanced against broader system needs, said regulators.

Read More.........

Philippines: National Geothermal Association of the Philippines to Hold First Conference

The 1st Philippine Geothermal Conference (NGAP) - Call for Papers

2-3 October 2019, Manila, Philippines
Beyond Conventional: Low-Medium-Enthalpy Geothermal Resources and Applications

The National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (NGAP) is organizing its annual meeting and technical conference for Oct 2 -3. This year we are expanding to two days and inviting more international participation. There will also be an optional field trip on Oct 4 covering the Mak-Ban and Maibarara geothermal fields and the Taal Volcano.

Preliminary Topics:
– exploration and development
– resource management
– geology, goechemisty, geophysics, reservoir engineering
– low-medium enthalpy systems
– binary systems and development
– acid systems

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

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.

Indonesia: Geo Dipa Energi Starts Construction of Dieng and Patuha Geothermal Power Plants on Java

Geo Dipa Builds 2 Geothermal Power Plants in Java (Tempo.co)

Central Java, Indonesia, by Raditya Mahendra Yasa, Geothermal power plant on the Dieng Plateau, Central Java .

State-owned geothermal energy company Geo Dipa Energi has kicked off the construction of two geothermal power plants. The groundbreaking ceremonies were held symbolically on Thursday, April 25, at the Finance Ministry's building in Jakarta.

The power plants are located in Dieng, Central Java and Patuha, West Java. Each will have a power generating capacity of 60 MW.

For the project funding, Geo Dipa has obtained a soft loan facility from the Asian Development Bank amounting to US$300 million, or roughly Rp4.3 trillion.

"The electricity sale and purchase agreement with PLN settled on a price of just US$8.12 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh)," Geo Dipa president director Riki Firmandha Ibrahim said yesterday, April 25.

Read More.......

Kenya: Geothermal Energy is Booming in the Rift Valley

The joys of springs: how Kenya could steam beyond fossil fuel (The Guardian)

Engineers are tapping the Rift Valley’s subterranean energy to power an expanding economy

Photograph: Lisa Murray

In recent years, Kenya has been a frontrunner in expanding access to electricity. Since 2010, the proportion of the 44 million population with power has reportedly surged from one in five to three in five. This is largely thanks largely to steam from the subterranean depths.

Hell’s Gate is named after the sulphurous hot springs that bubble up in this part of the Rift Valley, a 3,500-mile fault line that is slowly pulling the African continent apart and bringing underground heat closer to the surface.

Engineers tap the energy by drilling up to 5,000 metres into the earth, then injecting water that returns to the surface as steam to drive turbines. As long as the water is carefully recycled, the energy is virtually renewable. Emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases are released in the process, but the impact on the climate per kilowatt hour is between a fifth and a ninth that of burning fossil fuels.

Some of the first investments in geothermal in Africa were approved by Inger Andersen, the incoming head of UN Environment, during her time at the World Bank. She recalls taking groups to Iceland 20 years ago so they could learn from the pioneering geothermal plants there. These days the visitors come to Kenya, which is set to overtake Iceland this year in generating capacity.

The goal now, she says, is for regional economies to skip the dirty phase of fossil fuel-powered development and go straight to clean growth. “I totally believe in leapfrogging when I see the renewable resources that are available in Africa,” she tells the Guardian. “Kenya is sitting on huge geothermal resources and is blessed with incredible sunshine.”

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

Europe: A Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation in the Geothermal Sector

Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Deep Geothermal (ETIP-DG)

The European Technology & Innovation Platform on Deep Geothermal (ETIP-DG) has released today its Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for Deep Geothermal, which aims to shape the strategic plan for research and innovation (R&I) in the geothermal sector and to outline research priorities for the upcoming decades.

In March 2018, the Vision for Deep Geothermal outlined the goals to be achieved in terms of performance and cost‐reductions. Now, the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda recommends actions and research priorities that should be addressed to achieve the key technological and transversal challenges that could make the Vision a solid reality between now and 2050.

Download the plan.........

Geothermal Event! Last Call For Early Bird Prices On GRC Booth Spaces!

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - Register For Your Booth Now!

Early Bird Rates Expire April 30th

The Geothermal Resources Council is pleased to invite you to exhibit at our annual geothermal energy conference. Exhibiting at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo offers a tremendous opportunity to meet and network with other members of the geothermal energy community, as well as keep up on the newest advances in relevant technology.

This year, the conference will be held from September 15-18 at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California. The Expo will be showcased in the Oasis 1 & 2 Ballroom. We look forward to your participation in this exciting event.

The 3-day expo will provide ample opportunities for networking. The GRC Expo presents exhibitors with the opportunity to maximize their exposure at the largest annual geothermal gathering in the world.

This is the event to learn about the latest developments in geothermal energy. Last year, the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo hosted more than 1,000 representatives from 34 countries. In 2019, we anticipate an even larger audience.

Reserve Booth Space...........

USA, California: Geothermal: New Developments and Mineral Extraction

Live from the Panel on Geothermal: New Developments and Mineral Extraction

The GRC reported on this important panel discussion at the Imperial Valley Energy Summit. GRC Executive Director William Pettitt took part.

Kicking things off, session chair and GRC member Charlene Wardlow of the California Department of Conservation DOGGR introduces the panelists.

Angelina Galetiva of Cal ISO said that decarbonization is creating opportunities to develop a high renewables and high DER energy services industry. The growth of renewables to 60% of energy supply by 2030 is going to be dominated by solar which poses a problem of intermittency. Large scale battery storage projects are increasing to mitigate this problem.

William Pettitt commented on why we need long-term thinking in the California energy market. Will pointed out that geothermal energy can be the top renewable on certain days when the sun doesn't shine and the wind doesn't blow. There is between 6-11 GWe of conventional geothermal energy that can be brought online by 2050. Additionally, there is more than 100 GWe of EGS that can be exploited. Levelized Cost of Electricity studies regularly list geothermal energy as among the top energy resources.

Bruce Wilcox of the Salton Sea Policy group, said they had been working with geothermal energy developers to help restore the Salton Sea. A short-term ten year plan will start restoring habitats and decreasing the salinity of the lake. He suggests that instead of spending money on permitting maybe geothermal energy developers could pay for restoration.

Vince Signorroti of EnergySource, developers of the successful 49 MW John L. Featherstone geothermal power plant said the plant started operations in March 2010. A second Hudson Ranch II project has not been so successful. The future for EnergySource includes lithium coproduction. The company is beyond the proof-concept stage of lithium production. He thinks any other geothermal power project at the Salton Sea should also include a lithium production component.

Rod Colwell talked about the Controlled Thermal Resources Hells Kitchen lithium from geothermal brine project - he describes it as a mining project with thermal energy as a by-product. Other traditional methods of lithium mining are not sustainable. Mining at the Salton Sea will be much more efficient. Technology companies prefer to buy lithium from more sustainable sources. The company hopes to have a production facility complete by 2023.

Q & A: Angelina Galetiva of Cal ISO said that geothermal energy should be given more  consideration as an important component of a renewable energy portfolio. Will Pettitt said that the state of California needs to step up if they are to achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2045.

United Kingdom: Drilling of Production Well Completed at United Downs Deep Geothermal Project

United Downs Deep Geothermal Project - Drilling Progress (GEL)

Wednesday 24th April - Yesterday afternoon we reached the end of our final bit run and finished the drilling of UD-1, at a total measured depth of 5,275m. That equates to a true vertical depth below ground of 5,057m. Everyone on the United Downs Deep Geothermal Project (UDDGP) team, and our contractors, is very proud of this achievement.

Over the next few days we will be running geophysical logs over the open hole interval and then carrying out a short production test, which will give us our first indication of how permeable our target structure is. Once that is complete, we will prepare to move the rig 8m to the south, to begin drilling UD-2.

Read More.......

Science & Technology: Geothermal Energy Could Benefit from Shockwave and Plasma Accelerated Rock Cracking (SPARC) Drilling Technology

Shrimps inspire new method of deep geothermal drilling (Geodrilling International)

Researchers at Texas A&M University are seeking inspiration from the behaviour of the snapping pistol shrimp to find ways of improving drilling through hard rock formation on deep geothermal energy projects.

Synalpheus pinkfloydi by Arthur Anker. Wikipedia Commons.

Geothermal wells are drilled deep into the ground in order to tap into the heat radiating from the Earth's core and transform it into electricity. However, one remaining challenge associated with drilling deep geothermal wells is the presence of hard rocks, such as granite, that slow down the process and wear down drill bits. In turn, this causes drilling time and expenses to increase.

To combat this, a team of researchers from the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, led by Dr David Staack, is developing Shockwave and Plasma Accelerated Rock Cracking (SPARC) drilling technology. By making the creation of wells more efficient, accessible and cost-effective, their US Department of Energy-funded project aims to make geothermal energy a more viable alternative to fossil fuels.

The idea behind SPARC technology is to equip traditional drill bits with high voltage electrodes on the tip that emit a microscopic plasma discharge to shock the rock and crack it like a tiny explosion. Creating fractures and weakening the rock will allow the drill head, affixed with conventional diamond cutters, to have an easier time breaking through the material.

To overcome these issues, Dr Staack and the team were inspired by nature. And, in particular, by the snapping pistol shrimp which uses mechanical means to produce shock waves underwater where they use cavitation technique for tunnelling activities in nature. "After studying this animal we arrived at an idea of accomplishing similar underwater shock waves using plasma, says Staack.

Read More.........

USA: Geothermal Resources Council Joins Renewable Energy Groups to Urge Consistent Funding for Energy Innovation

Renewable Energy Groups Urge Congress to Support Clean Energy Innovation Funding in FY 2020 Budget (News Release)

In the letter, the organizations stated their “strong support” for the vital work being done by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Advanced Research Programs Agency – Energy (ARPA-E), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Today, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), the American Wind Energy Association, the Biomass Power Association, the Energy Storage Association, the Geothermal Resources Council, the National Hydropower Association and the Solar Energy Industries Association sent a joint letter to Congress urging consistent funding for energy innovation in the Department of Energy's FY 2020 Budget and opposing the Administration's proposed deep cuts.

In the letter, the organizations stated their "strong support" for the vital work being done by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Advanced Research Programs Agency - Energy (ARPA-E), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

"The work done by EERE, ARPA-E, and NREL fills a critical gap in research and development at a time when the United States is desperately in need of grid modernization, and at risk of falling behind other countries, like China, that are racing to develop the next generation of energy technologies," the organizations wrote. "We respectfully urge you to continue, at a minimum, current funding levels for these important clean energy innovation programs, and to oppose the Administration's proposed cuts to the DOE's FY 2020 Budget."

Background: The Administration has proposed cutting more than $2.4 billion from programs supporting energy innovation and deployment, an 88 percent decrease from current funding levels. The proposed budget includes a $2.04 billion (86 percent) cut to EERE and the elimination of ARPA-E.

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

Canada: Federal Funding for Closed-Loop Geothermal Demonstration Project in Alberta

Government of Canada Announces Unique Geothermal Project in Alberta (News Release)
The Government of Canada is taking steps to protect the environment and grow the economy while creating good, middle-class jobs and more opportunities for Canadians.

The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $6.7 million in federal funding to support Eavor Technologies Inc.'s novel approach for the next generation of geothermal engineering. 

Eavor Technologies Inc., a Calgary-based company dedicated to creating a cleaner energy future, is developing an innovative prototype for a closed-loop geothermal system that will create renewable energy using the earth's natural heat. 

The federal funding, provided by Natural Resources Canada's Clean Growth Program and Sustainable Development Technology Canada, will go toward construction of a demonstration facility for this technology — the Eavor-Lite facility, a collaborative effort with Precision Drilling, Shell New Energies and a number of other key partners — near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. The successful implementation of Eavor-Lite will unlock identified commercial opportunities, and the facility will support ongoing research and development for this unique technology.   

Read More.........

Mexico: The Sustainability of the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field

The Sustainability Of Geothermal Resources (Science Trends)

One of the authors of the study, D. Pinti, collecting noble gases
in a copper tube system from a geothermal well (photo credit D. Pinti).

Mexico is one of the countries that has high-enthalpy geothermal resources. The Federal Electricity Commission of Mexico (CFE, Comision Federal Electricidad) exploits several fields where steam is extracted in deep wells at rates of several tens of tons per hours to generate electricity. For four years, an international team of scientists from Mexico, the USA, and Canada have studied the origin and sources of steam contained in these fields, particularly at Cerro Prieto (Baja California).

Cerro Prieto is the largest high-enthalpy geothermal field exploited for electricity production in the world. After 50 years of exploitation, 429 geothermal wells were drilled. Currently, 147 operating wells extract approximately 34.6 million metric tons of steam per year, for a total installed capacity of 570 MWe, capable of providing the electrical consumption needs of the Baja California state.

Because the total amount of radiogenic 4He in the fluid is proportional to its production rate in the rock, a gross estimate of the fluid residence time can be calculated. Results give water “ages” of 1.5-1.8 million years, which is the age of deposition of deltaic sediments that constitutes the geothermal reservoir of Cerro Prieto. This means that part of the steam produced at Cerro Prieto is as old as the rock which contains it. This discovery put a serious threat on the sustainability of the geothermal resource, as any fossil energy stored in the terrestrial crust. This connate component of fluids needs to be clearly identified and volumes precisely estimated to determine the durability of the resource and for a correct management planning for future exploitation of this energy form.

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

USA, California: Lithium Extraction and Geothermal Energy Center of Attention at Energy Summit

Experts say Imperial County is potential hotspot for different kind of renewable energy (KYMA)

The GRC is attending this important conference - come visit our booth!

Geothermal Energy and Lithium will be discussed this afternoon.

The 12th annual Imperial Valley Energy Summit kicked off Wednesday.

Energy experts and officials discussed the state of renewable energy in the world and the role that the Imperial County can play.

Imperial County is near the top in many renewable resources like solar, wind and geothermal. Imperial County Deputy CEO Andy Horne said it's benefited the valley's economy. 

"So historically it's been a big part of the county's revenue stream and also a good employer for people here in the county and our goal is to try and expand that," said Horne. 

Jonathan Weisgall, VP and Government Relations, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, said the geothermal plants near the Salton Sea are on a hotbed of mineral containing lithium which is only produced in one mine in the country. 

"Lithium is an invaluable component in every electric vehicle, tablet, every phone. Probably in the camera and microphone that you're holding right now. Its use will increase tenfold over the next decade," Weisgall said.  

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

USA: DePaul University/Georgia Institute of Technology Wins Geothermal Design Challenge

2019 Geothermal Design Challenge - Winners Announced! (Utah Forge)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), in partnership with the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), invited both high school and university (undergraduate & graduate) teams to explore the future of geothermal energy and visualize the world of geothermal energy by participating in the 2019 Geothermal Design Challenge™.

Teams of 2 or 3 members researched data, interpreted information and created a data visualization portfolio that tells a compelling story about geothermal energy. Take a look at the winning portfolios.

• First place winner: DePaul University/Georgia Institute of Technology
• Second place winner: Colorado School of Mines
• Third place winner: Stanford University

More Information........

Find Your Geothermal Energy Expert

Looking For Geothermal Service Providers?

The GRC has contact information for experts to meet your geothermal needs. Did you know that you can search for geothermal service and equipment providers through the GRC's my.geothermal.org website? There are two ways to search for services:

The Yellow Pages webpage: Available to the public.

The GRC Yellow Pages are paid listings and is the first place GRC refers to when we receive inquiries for services or equipment providers. Don't see your company listed? Contact Anh Lay at alay@geothermal.org to find out how.

Membership Online Directory: Available to members only (must sign in first).

The online directory is available to members only. It contains contact information for all of our members. NEW - You can now search by areas of expertise. Already a member? Don't forget to update your profile! Not a member, sign up now!

Read More.........

Chile: Agenda Available for Geothermal Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean

GEOLAC 2019 - 6th Geothermal Congress for Latin America and the Caribbean (New Energy Events)

July 17-18, 2019, Santiago, Chile

The Geothermal Resources Council is pleased to partner with New Energy Events for GEOLAC 2019, the only annual gathering of the region’s leading geothermal stakeholders.

The agenda is now available! Join governments, utilities, developers, and capital providers for the region's only annual geothermal gathering, held July 17-18 in Santiago, Chile. Geothermal Resources Council members receive a 10% discount on registration with the code GRCGEO2019. For more information or to register, please visit newenergyevents.com/geolac.

USA, California: Geothermal Energy to be Discussed at Energy Summit

 2019 Imperial Valley Energy Summit (IVEDC)

24-26 April, Imperial Valley College, Imperial, California, USA

There will be two sessions dedicated to geothermal energy at the summit. On Thursday, April 25th there is a panel on Geothermal Tomorrow: New Developments and Mineral Extraction. Panelists include Dr. William Pettitt, Executive Director of the GRC.

In addition, there is a breakout session in the afternoon on Mineral Extraction & Energy from Geothermal Brine.

Full Agenda (PDF)........

Tanzania: Plans for 200 MW Geothermal Power by 2025

Tanzania: Geothermal Plant Work Starts 2021 (AllAfrica.com)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

The government will start construction of a geothermal energy power plant in Lake Ngozi, Mbeya Region in 2021, the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company (TGDC) has said.

Speaking during a recent workshop for Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Minerals members, the company's General Manager, Mr Kato Kabaka, said the government had already dished out 20.714bn/- for the purchase of drilling machine at the project site.

"Presently, the government is finalising the process to amend the law which will facilitate management of geothermal development in the country," said the TGDC's general manager while making a presentation to the workshop.

Mr Kabaka explained that the government plans to implement construction projects of seven geothermal energy power plants between 2021 and 2025, saying the geothermal energy would provide the country with yet another opportunity to facilitate implementation of the industrial economy.

He said the projects will be carried out in Songwe, Luhoi in Lower Rufiji River, Kiejo-Mbaka, Lake Natron and Lake Ngozi in Mbeya Region, saying upon completion, the plants would generate 200 megawatts.

 

Mr Kabaka said implementation of Lake Ngozi geothermal energy power plant construction was currently at drilling levels, saying three geothermal wells for the pilot project will be complete within 23 months.

"Lake Ngozi geothermal energy power plant will be able to generate 30 megawatt which will be pumped into the national grid," he said.

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From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Tuesday, October 9, 2018 - Tanzania: 5 MW Geothermal Power Project to Start Next Year
• Tuesday, September 25, 2018 - Tanzania: Government Needs $821 Million to Fund 200 MW Ngozi Geothermal Power Plant Project
• Wednesday, April 12, 2017 - Tanzania: Plans for 200 MW of Geothermal Energy by 2025
• Thursday, March 23, 2017 - Tanzania: London Consultants to Develop a Strategy, Legal, Institutional and Regulatory Framework for Geothermal Energy Sector

Philippines: Energy Development Corp. Allocates Over P7 Billion to Improve Reliability of Geothermal Power Plants

EDC allots P7 B capex for 2019 (Philstar)

Lopez-led Energy Development Corp. (EDC) has allocated over P7 billion in capital expenditures (capex) this year to improve the reliability of its geothermal facilities.

The company’s 2019 capex amounts to approximately P7.45 billion, based on a regulatory filing.

About 88.11 percent or P6.56 billion, will finance acquisitions to support the operations and maintenance requirements of the geothermal plants in Leyte, Negros Island, Bacon-Manito and Mt. Apo.

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Chile: License Granted for Exploration for 50 MW Tolhuaca Geothermal Project

Transmark Chile published its Peumayén exploitation license on the Tolhuaca geothermal field (News Release)

The Chilean Energy Ministry grants Transmark Chile SpA a geothermal exploitation license for the Peumayén concession located in southern Chile in the Quilaco district of the Biobío Region and the Curacautín district of the La Araucania Region, Southern Chile.

In February 2018, Transmark Chile formally published it’s 2-year exploration licence for the Peumayén concession. After careful evaluation of data available from earlier exploratory activities on the flanks of Tolhuaca volcano and additional studies and fieldwork by Transmark Chile, the company was able to conceive a development plan for the discovered geothermal resources and successfully applied for the geothermal exploitation license with indefinite duration, which allows Transmark Chile to develop this renewable baseload energy resource.

The Project consists of the initial development of a 50 MWe power plant on the north-western flank of the Tolhuaca volcano, with a potential that could reach up to 200 MWe. Developing Peumayén contributes to the transition of Chile's energy matrix to a more sustainable and diversified mix, contributing a net annual generation equivalent to the consumption of more than 200,000 households from a domestic, reliable and renewable resource.

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Kenya: Invitation to Bid for Contract to Rehabilitate Olkaria 1 Geothermal Power Plant

Tender For Procurement of Plant Design, Supply and Installation of Olkaria I Units 1, 2 and 3 Geothermal Power Plant Rehabilitation Project (News Release)

Bids must be delivered on or before 21st August, 2019

Olkaria III flow test, by Patrick Walsh. Active flow
test during construction of the 4th addition to Ormat's
Olkaria III complex in Kenya. GRC Photo Contest 2016.

Due to the normal wear and tear experienced by the plant over years of operation, KenGen wishes to rehabilitate the Olkaria 1 Units 1, 2 and 3 Power Plant.

The Government of the Republic of Kenya/Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC has received a loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) towards the cost of Rehabilitation of Olkaria I Units 1, 2 and 3 Geothermal Power Plant. It is intended that part of the proceeds of this loan will be applied to eligible payments under the Contract for rehabilitation of the Power Plant and associated Steamfield and High Voltage (HV) Substation.

KenGen now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for the construction and completion of Rehabilitation of Olkaria I Units 1, 2 and 3 Geothermal Power Plant. International Competitive Bidding will be conducted in accordance with JICA's Bidding Procedure as provided for in the tender documents.

More Information.........

USA, Nevada: New RPS Target is 50% Renewable Energy by 2030

Governor Sisolak Signs Clean Energy Bill on Earth Day (KTVN)

Governor Steve Sisolak signed a bill into law Monday raising the state’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to 50% by 2030.

"By using more clean energy, we’ll reduce our carbon emissions and the smog-forming pollution that comes from fossil fuels - decreasing our use of pollutants in the air that our children breathe every day."

On Friday, the Assembly unanimously passed Senate Bill 358 which increases the amount of clean energy created and used in the state from 25% by 2025 to 50% by 2030.

This bill comes after Nevadans voted to approve the changes in a ballot measure this past November.

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USA, California: Imperial Valley Energy Summit is This Week!

Imperial Valley Energy Summit (IVEDC)

The Geothermal Resources Council will be representing the international geothermal energy community at this important conference. Come visit our booth!

April 24-26, 2019, Imperial Valley College, Imperial, California, USA

The Imperial Valley Energy Summit offers an exciting, comprehensive program of engaging and informative speakers to discuss the issues that are most relevant to clean energy and technology industries in California and the Imperial Valley. In addition, the three day event includes: a business exposition, private tour options, ample networking opportunities and a banquet dinner.

Industries and Panel Topics:

• Water
• Renewables
• Minerals & Geothermal
• Modern Agriculture
• Solar
• Technology
• Energy Storage
• Smart Grid
• New Crops
• Geothermal

For more information on Programs, Speakers and event details, download our official IVES 2019 App or visit the IVES 2019 Website or contact us at 760.353.8332. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Itzel Moncada at itzel@ivedc.com.

Europe: Video Explainer from the European Technology and Innovation Platform on Deep Geothermal

ETIP-DG: The energy future we imagine is solidly grounded on geothermal energy (EGEC Geothermal)

Designing the future of geothermal energy. Renewable, secure, clean, versatile, distributed, reliable: the energy future that we imagine is solidly grounded on geothermal energy.


(Video 2:08 minutes)

About the European Technology and Innovation Platform on Deep Geothermal (ETIP-DG)............

Science & Technology: New Research on How Geothermal Fluids Flow Through Fractures

Understanding Anomalous Transport in Fractured Rock (MIT Earth Resources Laboratory)

New work from MIT Earth Resources Laboratory deepens understanding of fluid diffusion through networks of tiny cracks in subsurface rock.

To fully understand the risks and benefits of underground activities such as oil/gas production, geothermal energy production, or carbon sequestration, energy industry scientists need a detailed understanding of how fluids flow through fractures deep beneath the Earth’s surface. Contaminants or other tracers in fluids such as water can diffuse through porous rock following a pattern similar to diffusion in other materials—a process called Fickian diffusion—but when the rock contains a network of fractures, the process may become more complex. The interplay between the fracture geometry and the fluid velocity can speed up or slow down diffusion, in the form of “anomalous transport”.

ERL Researchers Peter Kang, Stephen Brown, and Ruben Juanes found that standard diffusion in a rough-walled fracture can transition to anomalous transport at higher stress, as the fluid organizes itself into channels and no-flow zones, causing both early arrival and long residence times of contaminants. In a 2016 paper in Earth and Planetary Science Letters, they proposed a new model that explains both types of diffusion and quantitatively describes the transition between them in a single fracture. In a new paper in Water Resources Research, Kang, Juanes and co-workers extend their analysis to a network of fractures, and applied it to a real fracture network from a natural outcrop.

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Stress‐induced Anomalous Transport in Natural Fracture Networks, by Peter K. Kang, et al. First published: 17 April 2019. Water Resources Research https://doi.org/10.1029/2019WR024944

Philippines: 150 MW Bacon-Manito Geothermal Plant to Power Snack Food Production

Mondelez taps EDC to supply clean energy to Sucat factory (Manila Standard)

Mondelez Philippines, the local unit of global snack manufacturer Mondelēz International Inc., tapped geothermal producer Energy Development Corp. to supply power to the former’s manufacturing plant in Sucat, Parañaque City.

Under the agreement, EDC will supply 100-percent geothermal energy to Mondelez from the 150-megawatt Bacon-Manito Geothermal Project in the Bicol region.

“We are proud to source our power from 100-percent renewable energy. Sustainability for our company is about preserving our world and its people. We all depend on just one planet. The smart and sustainable use of natural resources to reduce our environmental footprint is necessary now more than ever. This latest initiative complements our other sustainable projects in the Philippines,” said Mondelez Philippines plant lead Atul Kulkarni. 

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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Drilling Rig Arrives at Geothermal Power Project Site

Drilling Rig For St Vincent Geothermal Project Moved Safely To Site (News784)

After a 2 hour delay on Sunday 14th April 2019 the truck carrying the 60 ft 60 tons drilling rig and others left Port Kingstown for the site at Rabbaca.

Much of the concerns raised were not realized and the buttressed Biabou bridge did not exhibit any signs of stress. Traffic officers were coordinated and road users were compliant.

The Geothermal project aims to deliver a 10 MW geothermal power plant to the Caribbean island nation of St. Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG), transforming its energy sector, reducing its dependency on imported diesel, and providing a new sustainable and affordable source of energy based on an indigenous resource.

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From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Drilling at 10 MW Geothermal Power Project to Start Soon
• Tuesday, October 23, 2018 - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: PPA Could be Signed Shortly for 10 MW Geothermal Power Project
• Tuesday, May 3, 2016 - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 15 MW Geothermal Power Project "in a Good Place"
• Wednesday, April 6, 2016 - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Outreach to Locals by St. Vincent Geothermal Company

Happy Earth Day 2019: Have Some Geothermal Energy - You're Very Welcome!

Why Geothermal?

Our gift to the world on Earth Day

Download as PDF

Denmark: Exploration for District Heating Geothermal Resources to Begin

A.P. Møller Holding får nu grønt lys til geotermi i Aalborg og Aarhus
 - AP Møller Holding now gets green light for geothermal energy in Aalborg and Aarhus (Forsynings- og Klimaministeriet Energistyrelsen)

Med to nye tilladelser fra Energistyrelsen i hånden kan A.P. Møller Holding Invest IV nu gå videre med at undersøge potentialet for geotermi i to udvalgte områder i Aalborg og Aarhus. Der skal bl.a. bores efterforskningsbrønde for at afdække mulighederne i at kommercialisere geotermi til brug i fjernvarmeforsyningen i Danmarks 2. og 3. største byer.

(From Google Translate) With two new permits from the Danish Energy Agency in hand, AP Møller Holding Invest IV can now proceed to investigate the potential for geothermal energy in two selected areas in Aalborg and Aarhus. Exploration wells will be drilled to uncover the possibilities of commercializing geothermal energy for use in district heating supply in Denmark's 2nd and 3rd largest cities.

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USA, California: Testing Begins at Coso Closed-Loop Geothermal Power Generation Project

GreenFire Energy Completes Construction of the First Field-Scale Demonstration of  Closed-Loop Geothermal Power Generation (News Release)

Testing of the Demonstration Begins at the Coso, California, Geothermal Field

GreenFire Energy Inc. today announced the completion of construction and the beginning of testing of the world’s first field-scale demonstration of a closed-loop geothermal power system.

The project uses an inactive well in the Coso, California, geothermal field.

Acceptance testing of key components is in process and active flow testing will begin in late April. A final report of testing results will be made available to the California Energy Commission and project participants later this year.

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Ethiopia: Business Opportunity at 50 MW Tulu Moye Phase 1 Geothermal Power Plant Project

EOI Invitation for an EPC Contractor for Tulu Moye Geothermal Project in Ethiopia (U.S. Trade and Development Agency)

Proposal Deadline: Tuesday April 30, 2019

Tulu Moye Geothermal Operations Plc (TMGO), an Ethiopian incorporated energy company, is seeking Contractors qualified and interested in participating in a pre-qualification process for Tulu Moye’s Phase 1, a 50 MW net output geothermal power plant located in the Eastern Rift Valley, Ethiopia.

TMGO is looking to develop a collaborative and partnership with qualified Contractors to help develop a long-term geothermal development program for Phase 1 initially, and up to 520 MW of generation for Phases 2-4.

The Contractor’s scope of work is to provide a turnkey, fully functional geothermal power plant and associated steam field gathering system. Optional, or add-on service offerings related to Operations & Maintenance will also be welcomed and considered, as would any added value the Contractor can bring to the Project through grant / soft finance, export credits or to share in development cost risks to Financial Close. Co-investment or equity investment is not being sought at this time.

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From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Monday, October 29, 2018 - Ethiopia: Contract Signed to Develop 50 MW Tulu Moye Geothermal Power Plant
• Tuesday, September 4, 2018 - Ethiopia: 520 MW Tulu Moye Geothermal Project Moves Ahead
• Friday, August 24, 2018 - Ethiopia: USTDA to Support Development of First 50 MW at Tulu Moye Geothermal Project
• Monday, December 18, 2017 - Ethiopia: Report that Contracts Will be Signed This Week for Corbetti and Tulu Moye Geothermal Power Projects
• Wednesday, December 2, 2015 - Ethiopia: Reykjavík Geothermal Awarded $1 Million for Exploration at Tulu-Moye Geothermal Prospect

Science & Technology: Using Machine Learning to Better Predict Seismic Activity During Geothermal Exploration

Theory meets application: Machine learning techniques for geothermal exploration (Phys Org)

Credit: Penn State

The work aims to use machine learning both to better predict seismic activity during geothermal exploration and to optimize geothermal energy production.

Geothermal systems require the creation of fractures through hydraulic stimulation. This fracture formation and stimulation is associated with microearthquakes (MEQs) that can damage buildings and other surface structures. Chris Marone, professor of geosciences and Jing Yang, assistant professor of electrical engineering hope that by using Yang's machine learning (ML) algorithms they will be able to forecast and predict seismic events such as MEQs.

"We are very interested in whether certain precursors exist for microearthquakes so that we can predict when a major seismic activity is going to happen in the near future, upon which some immediate actions can be taken before anything destructive happens," said Yang.

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USA: Federal Land is Important for Geothermal Energy Development

Large-scale solar, wind and geothermal developers hit project headwinds on public land (The Nevada Independent)

Nevada Basin & Range. Photo by
Ian Crawford, GRC Field Trip 2015.

With Nevada and other Western states discussing ways to increase the use of renewables, a big question is lingering in the background: Where will all the new solar arrays, wind farms and geothermal plants go?

The answer, at least in part: public land owned by the federal government. The question then becomes: Where?

Solar is not the only renewable that runs into conflicts with federal land. Geothermal does, too.

For instance, the proposed withdrawal of about 600,000 acres of federal land for the Navy’s expansion of its Fallon range could hinder geothermal development in high-potential areas. The state is still planning to negotiate with the Navy on how to mitigate the impacts of that proposal.

Rich Perry, who runs the Division of Minerals and oversees state permitting for geothermal, said that about 60 percent of the state’s geothermal generation is produced on federal land.

“Most of the growth in the last few years has been on federal leases,” he said.

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