Register before July 31 and save up to $150!
Event Program (PDF)........ Online Registration.........
Registration Form (PDF)......... Event Flyer (PDF)..........
Friday, June 28, 2019
Global: Register Now for the Geothermal Energy Event of the Year
GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - Registration Now Open!
Register before July 31 and save up to $150!
Event Program (PDF)........ Online Registration.........
Registration Form (PDF)......... Event Flyer (PDF)..........
Register before July 31 and save up to $150!
Event Program (PDF)........ Online Registration.........
Registration Form (PDF)......... Event Flyer (PDF)..........
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.
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.
Ethiopia: Opportunity to Provide Drilling Services at Alalobad-Tendaho Geothermal Project
Procurement Notice for Project: P133613 - Ethiopia Geothermal Sector Development Project - WB7382-06/19 (World Bank)
Deadline: 30 August 2019
An invitation to bid for a full service drilling contractor at Alalobad in Ethiopia has been issued by Ethiopian Electric Power. The contractor will drill 4 wells and 2 optional wells. Download the Procurement Document........
More Information.........
From the Global Geothermal News archives:
An invitation to bid for a full service drilling contractor at Alalobad in Ethiopia has been issued by Ethiopian Electric Power. The contractor will drill 4 wells and 2 optional wells. Download the Procurement Document........
More Information.........
From the Global Geothermal News archives:
- Thursday, June 21, 2018 - Ethiopia: More Funding for 10 MW Tendaho Geothermal Power Project
- Thursday, March 8, 2018 - Ethiopia: Invitation to Provide Drilling Services for Tendaho Geothermal Power Project
- Thursday, July 2, 2015 - Ethiopia: Ethiopia Ratifies Loan Agreement for Tendaho Geothermal Development Project
Netherlands: Employment Opportunity as Research Manager in Geothermal Energy
Vacancy: Research manager Geothermal energy (TU Delft)
One of the major research themes of the Department of Geoscience & Engineering is Geothermal Science & Engineering. The theme has been established within the university in 2017 and is growing steadily. Therefore, we are looking for a Research Manager to support the academic staff to manage and expand research activities within this theme.
The research theme Geothermal Science & Engineering connects all researchers working on this topic in the department and faculty. Major research facilities are a geothermal well and the petrophysics lab. Both facilities are integrated in the Dutch research infrastructure EPOS-NL.
As a Research Manager you will collaborate with scientists, (academic) support staff and external contacts. This means that you will deal with various cultural and professional backgrounds. You will work closely with the Geothermal theme leader, yet, you will work independently and take the lead in various activities.
Canada: Open House on Exploring for Geothermal Resources in the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt
Geoscience BC / Geological Survey of Canada Geothermal Research Project Open House
Thursday, 11 July 2019, 5:30 – 7:00 pm PDT
Pemberton & District Community Centre, 7390 Cottonwood St, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0, Canada
The Geological Survey of Canada and Geoscience BC have started a new project to assess the potential for geothermal electricity generation and heat in the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt, including at Mount Meager (in British Columbia, Canada).
Join Geoscience BC staff, lead Geological Survey of Canada researcher Dr Steve Grasby and members of the research team to talk about this multi-year project. We will describe a completed summary of existing research in the area, and discuss plans for field work through the summer of 2019 and beyond. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the project. Light refreshments will be provided.
More detail on the project...........
Thursday, 11 July 2019, 5:30 – 7:00 pm PDT
Pemberton & District Community Centre, 7390 Cottonwood St, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0, Canada
Join Geoscience BC staff, lead Geological Survey of Canada researcher Dr Steve Grasby and members of the research team to talk about this multi-year project. We will describe a completed summary of existing research in the area, and discuss plans for field work through the summer of 2019 and beyond. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the project. Light refreshments will be provided.
More detail on the project...........
East Africa: Funds Available for Renewable Energy Projects Including Geothermal
TDB Bank will finance several renewable energy projects (Afrik 21)
Trade and Development Bank (TDB), a bank based in Bujumbura, Burundi, intends to invest in renewable energy projects in East Africa. The bank already has a focus on geothermal energy in countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia.
The TDB already has geothermal projects in its sights, particularly in Kenya. This is the case of Menengai, located in the Rift Valley in the west of the country; developed separately by three IPPs, and which will have 105 MW, namely Sosian Energy, Orpower Twenty-Two and Quantum Power East Africa. The most advanced project is that of Sosian Energy.
“We are seeking to finance renewable energy projects to expand our energy portfolio, with a focus on geothermal, solar, wind and hydroelectric power,” said Michael Awori, Director of Loan Operations at TDB. He added that the funds currently available come from Exim Bank of China.
Read More..........
The TDB already has geothermal projects in its sights, particularly in Kenya. This is the case of Menengai, located in the Rift Valley in the west of the country; developed separately by three IPPs, and which will have 105 MW, namely Sosian Energy, Orpower Twenty-Two and Quantum Power East Africa. The most advanced project is that of Sosian Energy.
“We are seeking to finance renewable energy projects to expand our energy portfolio, with a focus on geothermal, solar, wind and hydroelectric power,” said Michael Awori, Director of Loan Operations at TDB. He added that the funds currently available come from Exim Bank of China.
Read More..........
Uzbekistan: Finnish Company to Use Rapid Drilling Technology to Develop Geothermal Resources
Finnish KaukoInternational plans to develop geothermal energy in Uzbekistan (Kun.uz)
The National Agency for Project Management (NAPM) under the President of Uzbekistan and the Finnish company KaukoInternational signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the energy sector by attracting investments and introducing sustainable, reliable and affordable energy production technologies.
According to the NAPM press service, the document implies the use of a solution that uses geothermal energy, as well as a joint search for ways to exploit geothermal energy sources in the country.
The proposed solution is based on Finnish innovative drilling equipment, which increased drilling speed by an average of 2-4 times. This reduces financial costs and time, as drilling to a depth of 4-7 km requires lots of time and financial costs, which leads to significant risks. The innovations used in the drilling and exploitation of sources have also increased the efficiency of geothermal energy production.
Read More..........
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| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
According to the NAPM press service, the document implies the use of a solution that uses geothermal energy, as well as a joint search for ways to exploit geothermal energy sources in the country.
The proposed solution is based on Finnish innovative drilling equipment, which increased drilling speed by an average of 2-4 times. This reduces financial costs and time, as drilling to a depth of 4-7 km requires lots of time and financial costs, which leads to significant risks. The innovations used in the drilling and exploitation of sources have also increased the efficiency of geothermal energy production.
Read More..........
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Poland: Government to Spend USD 160 Million on Geothermal Energy Projects
Poland to spend EUR 140 mln on geothermal energy (Poland In)
 |
| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
Amid the global debate over the detrimental influence of the energy sector on the environment, the news that Poland’s National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW) has PLN 600 mln (EUR 140 mln) to spend on geothermal energy-related projects in Poland could raise one’s spirit.
As part of the “Polish Geothermal Energy Plus” scheme, half of the funds, namely PLN 300 mln (EUR 70 mln), will be distributed by means of donations to private investors, while the rest will be given out in loans.
The NFOŚiGW has put enterprises eligible for funding into the “obligatory” and “facultative” categories. The former includes the construction of heating plants, combined heat and power plants, and geothermal power plants powered by geothermal energy as well as the redevelopment and modernisation of existing ones.
Science & Technology: Molecules Living in Extreme Geothermal Conditions Could be a Successful Treatment for Bacterial Infections
Germs and geothermals: A uniquely New Zealand collaboration (Phys.org)
Dr. Rob Keyzers from the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences at Victoria University of Wellington is leading a long-running, uniquely New Zealand research project to help find new sources of antibiotics.
The collaboration is looking at a group of organisms called extremophiles—organisms that live in extremely hot or extremely cold environments unsuited to human habitation. For the past several years, the research—involving scientists from Victoria University of Wellington, GNS Science, the University of Auckland and the University of Canterbury—has focused on one organism that lives around geothermal vents in New Zealand.
Read More.........
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| Thermophiles at Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone National Park, USA. GRC Fieldtrip 2015. |
The collaboration is looking at a group of organisms called extremophiles—organisms that live in extremely hot or extremely cold environments unsuited to human habitation. For the past several years, the research—involving scientists from Victoria University of Wellington, GNS Science, the University of Auckland and the University of Canterbury—has focused on one organism that lives around geothermal vents in New Zealand.
Read More.........
Europe: Last Newsletter from Combined Heat, Power and Metal Extraction Consortium
CHPM2030 project newsletter (CHPM2030 project consortium)
The final edition of the Combined Heat, Power and Metal (CHPM) extraction 2030 project newsletter is out. Learn more about the final conference, latest deliverables, pilot reports and project outcomes & subscribe to the stakeholder database to stay tuned for all news on the CHPM technology!
The EU-funded CHPM2030 project is coming to an end, as it will officially close on 30 June 2019. The fourth and last edition of our project newsletter provides you with the following information:
Kenya: Olkaria V Unit 1 Geothermal Turbine Starts Up
Olkaria Kenya, East Africa.....Turbine rolling of Olkaria V- Unit 1 Geothermal Power Project at 3000 rated speed has been achieved today June 27, 2019 (LinkedIn)
By Roberto Razo, Project Manager at SGC (Steam and Gesto Energy Consortium) Geothermal Power, Olkaria V, 2x77 MW Geothermal Power Project
Turbine rolling of Olkaria Unit 1 at rated speed has been achieved today June 27, 2019. A big milestone to Olkaria V-2x77Mw Geothermal Power Project. Congratulations to our best commissioning team.
Chile: Good Opportunities for Geothermal Development - Ministry Official
Chile: What's next for geothermal? (LinkedIn)
By Matthew Perks, New Energy Events LLC
Following the 2017 commissioning of South America’s first geothermal power plant, Chile continues to look for ways to expand its geothermal portfolio. Gabriel Prudencio Flaño, Head of Sustainable Energies Division, Ministry of Energy, Government of Chile shares thoughts on the sector and how a government effort to remove regulatory hurdles will ease the way for new projects.
What is the government doing to promote the development of Chile’s geothermal resources?
Even though Chile´s policy is to allow the development of all energy sources that contribute to an economic, efficient and more sustainable energy mix, we are particularly aware of the benefits of renewables, in particular geothermal, and are keen to promote its development.
Particularly in view of the future need for flexibility in the power system, the Ministry of Energy is working on a regulatory measure to properly recognize the contribution of each asset – and to value them accordingly. With this new regulatory framework, we believe there will be a significant opportunity for the development of flexible technologies, such as geothermal, CSP, storage, among others.
Additionally, you should note that geothermal is currently the only technology that has a special clause in the terms of reference for supply tenders for regulated clients, where the failure to prove geothermal resources could be used as a non-imputable cause to delay the contracted supply or apply for an anticipated contract termination. In essence, we understand the particular challenges of geothermal and we are working on them.
Read More..........
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Gabriel Prudencio Flaño, Head of Sustainable Energies Division, Ministry of Energy, Government of Chile will be a featured speaker at the upcoming 6th Geothermal Congress for Latin America & the Caribbean. The GRC is a Lead Content Partner of the conference.
By Matthew Perks, New Energy Events LLC
 |
| Gabriel Prudencio Flaño |
What is the government doing to promote the development of Chile’s geothermal resources?
Even though Chile´s policy is to allow the development of all energy sources that contribute to an economic, efficient and more sustainable energy mix, we are particularly aware of the benefits of renewables, in particular geothermal, and are keen to promote its development.
Particularly in view of the future need for flexibility in the power system, the Ministry of Energy is working on a regulatory measure to properly recognize the contribution of each asset – and to value them accordingly. With this new regulatory framework, we believe there will be a significant opportunity for the development of flexible technologies, such as geothermal, CSP, storage, among others.
Additionally, you should note that geothermal is currently the only technology that has a special clause in the terms of reference for supply tenders for regulated clients, where the failure to prove geothermal resources could be used as a non-imputable cause to delay the contracted supply or apply for an anticipated contract termination. In essence, we understand the particular challenges of geothermal and we are working on them.
Read More..........
~~~~~~~~~
Gabriel Prudencio Flaño, Head of Sustainable Energies Division, Ministry of Energy, Government of Chile will be a featured speaker at the upcoming 6th Geothermal Congress for Latin America & the Caribbean. The GRC is a Lead Content Partner of the conference.
USA: New Legislation Would Aim for 50% Renewable Energy by 2050
Udall, Senators Introduce Renewable Electricity Standard Legislation (News Release)
Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), along with U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Angus King (I–Maine), introduced legislation to achieve at least 50 percent renewable electricity nationwide in just 15 years – putting the U.S. on a trajectory to decarbonize the power sector by 2050.
Starting in 2020, the Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) Act of 2019 would require electricity providers across the country to increase their supply of renewable energy from sources like wind and solar each year. The senators’ RES meets the recommendations of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1.5 C Special Report, which outlines the standards that must be met worldwide to respond to the existential threat of climate change.
The full text of the bill text can be found Here. A summary of the bill can be found Here.
Read More.........
Starting in 2020, the Renewable Electricity Standard (RES) Act of 2019 would require electricity providers across the country to increase their supply of renewable energy from sources like wind and solar each year. The senators’ RES meets the recommendations of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1.5 C Special Report, which outlines the standards that must be met worldwide to respond to the existential threat of climate change.
The full text of the bill text can be found Here. A summary of the bill can be found Here.
Read More.........
USA: Renewable Energy Continues to Increase at Coal's Expense
U.S. electricity generation from renewables surpassed coal in April (EIA)
In April 2019, U.S. monthly electricity generation from renewable sources exceeded coal-fired generation for the first time based on data in Energy Information Administration (EIA)’s Electric Power Monthly. Renewable sources provided 23% of total electricity generation to coal’s 20%. This outcome reflects both seasonal factors as well as long-term increases in renewable generation and decreases in coal generation. EIA includes utility-scale hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass in its definition of renewable electricity generation.
In April 2019, U.S. monthly electricity generation from renewable sources exceeded coal-fired generation for the first time based on data in Energy Information Administration (EIA)’s Electric Power Monthly. Renewable sources provided 23% of total electricity generation to coal’s 20%. This outcome reflects both seasonal factors as well as long-term increases in renewable generation and decreases in coal generation. EIA includes utility-scale hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass in its definition of renewable electricity generation.
U.S. coal generation has declined from its peak a decade ago. Since the beginning of 2015, about 47 GW of U.S. coal-fired capacity has retired, and virtually no new coal capacity has come online. Based on reported plans for retirements, EIA expects another 4.1 GW of coal capacity will retire in 2019, accounting for more than half of all anticipated power plant retirements for the year.
Canada: Co-Produced Geothermal Electricity Project Utilizing an Active Oil and Gas Operation Expects to Generate Up to 5 MW
Razor Energy Receives Funding for Geothermal Power Project (News Release)
Razor Energy Corp. of Calgary, Alberta, and its partners, the federal government, through Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and Alberta Innovates, are pleased to announce the funding of a co-produced geothermal electricity project utilizing an active oil and gas operation in Alberta.
A $5 million contribution from NRCan’s Clean Growth Program, and a $2 million contribution from Alberta Innovates, demonstrates a commitment to cleaner energy creation. Under the terms of the contribution agreements, NRCan and Alberta Innovates will assist Razor’s development of a technically viable and commercially sustainable solution to recover geothermal waste heat.
The company expects the capital cost of the project to be $15 million to $20 million generating between 3 and 5 MW of electricity. The balance of the Project funding will be sourced internally and from new private investors within the renewable energy investment market.
Philippines: Energy Development Corporation Supplying Geothermal Energy to Local Hospital
Mary Mediatrix Medical Center now powered by clean, renewable energy from EDC (News Release)
The Mary Mediatrix Medical Center (MMMC) is now being powered by clean, reliable power from Lopez-led First Gen Corporation and its subsidiary, Energy Development Corporation (EDC).
Located in Lipa, Batangas, the hospital signed up for a two-year contract for one megawatt (MW) of geothermal power from EDC’s BacMan Geothermal, Incorporated.
MMMC CEO and President, Dr. Robert Magsino, said that “Geothermal power provides clean, renewable and reliable energy source that allows us to reduce our operation’s negative impact to the environment by reducing our carbon footprint.
Read More..........
Located in Lipa, Batangas, the hospital signed up for a two-year contract for one megawatt (MW) of geothermal power from EDC’s BacMan Geothermal, Incorporated.
MMMC CEO and President, Dr. Robert Magsino, said that “Geothermal power provides clean, renewable and reliable energy source that allows us to reduce our operation’s negative impact to the environment by reducing our carbon footprint.
Read More..........
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Join the Global Geothermal Community!
Support your geothermal energy association - Join the GRC!
As of December 31, 2018 the membership of the GRC stood at 1,205 drawn from 44 countries around the world.
As of December 31, 2018 the membership of the GRC stood at 1,205 drawn from 44 countries around the world.
The GRC membership is open to any person, organization, agency, or company. The membership advantage includes access to:
- The GRC Policy Committee - An add-on option for GRC members who want to fund advocacy work at the U.S. state and local level.
- International Geothermal Association (IGA) Membership - through the GRC's affiliation with the International Geothermal Association (IGA), all GRC Members are automatically members of the IGA, which offers discount registration to its World Geothermal Congress events (every 3 years), quarterly IGA News and a special discount rate for the international publication, Geothermics. You also get to vote in the upcoming IGA Board election.
- GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - discounted registration for the largest annual geothermal energy conference and trade show in the world. Registration is Now Open!
- GRC Bulletin - (6 issues) official worldwide industry trade publication of the Geothermal Resources Council, the Bulletin is the definitive voice for geothermal energy development and production.
- Global Geothermal News - Weekly Summary - All members receive a weekly summary of articles from the Global Geothermal News website.
- Online access to the GRC Membership Directory - provides business, consulting and research contacts throughout the international geothermal community.
- Online GRC Library - More than 42,000 catalogued items, free downloads of premium content.
- Education Program - special meetings, workshops, and conferences on a broad range of topics pertaining to geothermal exploration, development and utilization at a discount to members.
- Discount on advertising - exclusive first-access space consideration in all GRC publications.
New members can also contact GRC at grc@geothermal.org or (530) 758-2360 for further information.
Indonesia: Rantau Dedap Geothermal Power Project Financing Wins Award for ADB
Asian Development Bank Wins Award for Financing of Rantau Dedap Geothermal Power Project (ADB)
The Asset awards are Asia's preeminent recognition for those that have excelled in their respective industries. With close to 20 years of experience conducting awards programmes The Asset has gone from strength to strength in distinguishing best in class organizations and individuals.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) received 7 awards at The Asset Triple A Asia Infrastructure Awards 2019 in Singapore on 26 June, in recognition of its clean energy infrastructure projects including for Renewable Energy Deal of the Year – Geothermal: for the Supreme Energy Rantau Dedap geothermal power project with US$540 million financing (Indonesia).
Read More.........
From the Global Geothermal News archives:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) received 7 awards at The Asset Triple A Asia Infrastructure Awards 2019 in Singapore on 26 June, in recognition of its clean energy infrastructure projects including for Renewable Energy Deal of the Year – Geothermal: for the Supreme Energy Rantau Dedap geothermal power project with US$540 million financing (Indonesia).
Read More.........
From the Global Geothermal News archives:
- Monday, August 6, 2018 - Indonesia: Drilling Starts at 86 MW Rantau Dedap Geothermal Project
- Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - Indonesia: Loan Agreement Signed to Help Fund 98.4 MW Rantau Dedap Geothermal Power Project
- Wednesday, March 28, 2018 - Indonesia: ADB Funding for 86 MW Rantau Dedap Geothermal Project
- Thursday, January 11, 2018 - Indonesia: Drilling of Wells at 86 MW Rantau Dedap Geothermal Project to Begin Mid-Year
- Tuesday, November 21, 2017 - Indonesia: PLN Signs PPA for 86 MW from Rantau Dedap Geothermal Power Plant
France: Opportunity for Post-Doc Research in Enhancing Sedimentary Systems for Geothermal Electricity and/or Thermal Production
Postdoctoral Position - Sedimentology, Rock Physics and Modeling For Geothermal Energy - Transport properties in heterogeneous siliciclastic formations (Université de Cergy-Pontoise)
Interested applicants should apply before 31st of July 2019
Enhancing petroleum sedimentary systems for electricity and/or thermal production is a crucial progress for future developments in geothermal energy. The European research consortium MEET aims to investigate this feasibility in various geological contexts selected across Europe.
The study will be focused on a convertible oil field within a siliciclastic formation of the Paris basin and its associated reservoirs. They are well-documented, instrumented and several cored sections of the reservoirs are available. This work will be closely connected to the sequential organization of the Upper Triassic series. Some knowledge will be gained through a field analogue located in the Ardèche Margin. One of the main objectives is to better constrain fluid flow properties in heterogeneous siliciclastic reservoirs at the small scale (typically from the pore scale to the centimetre scale). Overall, this study will provide the groundwork for future developments into modelling the fluid flow at larger scales (from the metric scale to the geological formation), using numerical tools and simulations.
More Information.........
Interested applicants should apply before 31st of July 2019
The study will be focused on a convertible oil field within a siliciclastic formation of the Paris basin and its associated reservoirs. They are well-documented, instrumented and several cored sections of the reservoirs are available. This work will be closely connected to the sequential organization of the Upper Triassic series. Some knowledge will be gained through a field analogue located in the Ardèche Margin. One of the main objectives is to better constrain fluid flow properties in heterogeneous siliciclastic reservoirs at the small scale (typically from the pore scale to the centimetre scale). Overall, this study will provide the groundwork for future developments into modelling the fluid flow at larger scales (from the metric scale to the geological formation), using numerical tools and simulations.
More Information.........
USA, Hawaii: Buildings and Equipment at Puna Geothermal Venture to be Powered Up Next Month
Puna Geothermal plant on track to open later this year (Pacific Business News)
In an exclusive interview with Pacific Business News (PBN), Mike Kaleikini — the senior director of Hawaii affairs for Ormat, the company who owns the Puna Geothermal venture plant — said that the plant is still on track to open by the end of this year.
In an exclusive interview with Pacific Business News (PBN), Mike Kaleikini — the senior director of Hawaii affairs for Ormat, the company who owns the Puna Geothermal venture plant — said that the plant is still on track to open by the end of this year.
"We hope to begin powering up buildings and equipment in July," Kaleikini said. "Lava covered three geothermal wells, two production wells, one re-injection well, and a substation."
"We uncovered one of the three wells, and are working on the other wells to clear, test and assess the status of the wells," Kalekini said.
Ormat has created a new website to keep the local community informed on activities at Puna Geothermal Venture.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
USA: $450,000 Awarded to Three Geothermal Research Programs
Department of Energy Announces 2019 Technology Commercialization Fund Projects (DOE/EERE)
Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced over $24 million in funding for 77 projects supported by the Office of Technology Transitions (OTT) Technology Commercialization Fund (TCF). With matching funds from the private sector, these projects will advance the commercialization of promising energy technologies and strengthen partnerships between DOE’s National Laboratories and private sector companies to deploy these technologies to the marketplace.
The geothermal energy projects awarded are:
- Argonne National Laboratory: Ultra-Fast and - Thick Boriding of Geothermal Casing to Enhance Reliability, $150,000. Controlled Thermal Resources Inc., El Centro, Calif.
- Idaho National Laboratory: Computer Programs for Analysis of Thermally Reactive Tracer Tests in Geothermal Reservoirs, $150,000. Geothermal Scientific Inc., Tustin, Calif. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Denver, Colo. Ormat Inc., Reno, Nev.
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Extending Magnetic Core Shell Nanoparticle Extraction Technology to Cesium and Antimony Removal from Geothermal Brines in New Zealand, $150,000. GEO40 Limited, Taupo, New Zealand
USA, California: Opportunity for Geothermal Energy Community to Influence Research Policy in Golden State
California Energy Commission Seeks Comment on Preliminary Draft Research Roadmap (CEC)
The California Energy Commission will host an online webinar June 28 to collect public comments on a plan for future research on innovative clean energy technologies.
The webinar on the preliminary draft research roadmap begins at 10 a.m. Participation is by WebEx only.
In 2018, the Energy Commission contracted with the technology and management consulting firm Energetics Inc. to develop a roadmap for prioritizing future Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) investments. The opportunities should focus on increasing the cost competitiveness, performance, flexibility, and reliability of utility-scale renewable energy generation in California. The investments will benefit investor-owned utility electric ratepayers.
The Energy Commission invests about $130 million annually through the EPIC program for scientific and technological research to accelerate the transformation of the electricity sector to meet the state’s energy and climate goals.
The research roadmap will cover topics and performance indicators in the following areas: Solar power, Land-based wind, Offshore wind, Bioenergy, Small hydropower, Geothermal, Grid infrastructure and Energy storage.
Webinar presentations and discussions will address each area. Public input should be submitted though the Energy Commission’s electronic commenting page by July 12. The agenda, preliminary roadmap, and a technical assessment will be posted to the Research Idea Exchange docket before the workshop.
The draft roadmap is scheduled to be available for comment this winter. Plans call for the roadmap to be published by mid-2020.
Webinar: Friday, June 28, 2019, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
The California Energy Commission will host an online webinar June 28 to collect public comments on a plan for future research on innovative clean energy technologies.
The webinar on the preliminary draft research roadmap begins at 10 a.m. Participation is by WebEx only.
In 2018, the Energy Commission contracted with the technology and management consulting firm Energetics Inc. to develop a roadmap for prioritizing future Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) investments. The opportunities should focus on increasing the cost competitiveness, performance, flexibility, and reliability of utility-scale renewable energy generation in California. The investments will benefit investor-owned utility electric ratepayers.
The Energy Commission invests about $130 million annually through the EPIC program for scientific and technological research to accelerate the transformation of the electricity sector to meet the state’s energy and climate goals.
The research roadmap will cover topics and performance indicators in the following areas: Solar power, Land-based wind, Offshore wind, Bioenergy, Small hydropower, Geothermal, Grid infrastructure and Energy storage.
Webinar presentations and discussions will address each area. Public input should be submitted though the Energy Commission’s electronic commenting page by July 12. The agenda, preliminary roadmap, and a technical assessment will be posted to the Research Idea Exchange docket before the workshop.
The draft roadmap is scheduled to be available for comment this winter. Plans call for the roadmap to be published by mid-2020.
Australia: Low-Temperature Sedimentary Aquifer Geothermal Meeting District Heating and Cooling Needs
Powered from the ground up (EcoGeneration)
.... Energy consultants realised they were standing not far above an absolutely massive body of water that never deviates from 23°C. In that situation, slashing energy costs is as simple as pumping water from 155m underground through a heat exchanger and sending the warmed water 165m back down below via a second bore about 250m away.
This method of exchanging energy with the Earth’s crust is called low-temperature sedimentary aquifer geothermal, and so far it’s keeping everyone happy at the 80-bed Montgomery House nursing home in Perth.
About 10 years ago there were high hopes for geothermal projects where super-hot water drawn from as far as 5km underground would drive turbines for industrial use, but enthusiasm faded over the years despite extravagant investment. There are plenty of successful applications that use the same basic concept on a less ambitious scale, says Dr Ian Brandes de Roos, a principal hydrogeologist with Perth-based Rockwater Consultant Hydrogeologists. The majority of municipal swimming pools in Perth are heated by geothermal energy, for example, with bores running to about 1km.
“Sedimentary basins are the quiet achievers of the geothermal industry and the low-carbon solutions space,” he says. “We see an energy future with a whole bunch of complementary technologies, and geothermal for heating and cooling of larger facilities is a really important part of the mix.”
Science & Technology: Harvesting Geothermal Heat from Rail Tunnels
Researchers precisely quantified convection heat transfer in rail tunnels (Tech Explorist)
Whenever there is a temperature difference, heat transfer occurs. Heat transfer happens in several ways in rail tunnels, for instance, when trains accelerate or brake, they produce heat that warms the surrounding air. That hot air is then mixed with other air in the tunnel and with heat radiating from the ground. Until now, engineers have been unable to accurately calculate the amount of heat present in the air of the tunnel.
Now, a team of researchers at the Soil Mechanics Laboratory (LMS) of Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) has found a solution for this. They have precisely estimated the convection heat transfer coefficient, and this could pave the way for innovative applications involving so-called energy tunnels that can supply energy to build environments.
The geothermal heat-recovery system would be cheap and energy-efficient to install, according to the researchers. It has a lifespan of between 50 and 100 years, with only the heat pumps having to be replaced every 25 years. Once equipped, heat from the tunnel would cover up to 80% of the heating needs of local apartments throughout winter, with the shortfall preferably coming from other renewable sources.
But what makes geothermal systems like these unique is that they work in summer too. “The tunnel would act like a highly reliable, year-round heating and air-conditioning system,” says Margaux Peltier, a scientific assistant at the LMS, whose Master’s research forms the basis of the article.
Numerical investigation of the convection heat transfer driven by airflows in underground tunnels, by Margaux Peltiera, et al. Applied Thermal Engineering, Volume 159, August 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2019.113844
Science & Technology: Krafla Magma Testbed Will help Understand Supercritical and Superhot Geothermal Resources
Planning an International Magma Observatory (Eos)
A planned project will drill into a magma reservoir in Iceland that has never erupted to the surface, giving scientists a fresh look at Earth’s underground “plumbing.”
Beginning in 2014, an international group of scientists and engineers developed a plan, the Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT), to conduct long-term exploration of Krafla’s rhyolite magma reservoir and its surrounding hydrothermal envelope.
Our intent is to build surface facilities and subsurface magma portals where independent research teams can conduct experiments. The levels of funding required and the “user facility” organizational structure make such infrastructure analogous to that for telescope arrays and particle accelerators.
Read More.........
A special workshop on Supercritical and Superhot Geothermal Resources will be held on Saturday, September 14 at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo in Palm Springs, California, USA. Cost: $375 (Member), $475 (Non-Member), $175 (Student). Organized by Wilfred Elders (Professor Emeritus, UC Riverside), with instructors from USA, Japan, and Iceland.
A planned project will drill into a magma reservoir in Iceland that has never erupted to the surface, giving scientists a fresh look at Earth’s underground “plumbing.”
Beginning in 2014, an international group of scientists and engineers developed a plan, the Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT), to conduct long-term exploration of Krafla’s rhyolite magma reservoir and its surrounding hydrothermal envelope.
Our intent is to build surface facilities and subsurface magma portals where independent research teams can conduct experiments. The levels of funding required and the “user facility” organizational structure make such infrastructure analogous to that for telescope arrays and particle accelerators.
Read More.........
A special workshop on Supercritical and Superhot Geothermal Resources will be held on Saturday, September 14 at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo in Palm Springs, California, USA. Cost: $375 (Member), $475 (Non-Member), $175 (Student). Organized by Wilfred Elders (Professor Emeritus, UC Riverside), with instructors from USA, Japan, and Iceland.
Monday, June 24, 2019
Philippines: Geothermal Energy Companies Complete Consolidation
AC Energy completes acquisition of Phinma Energy (Philippine Star)
AC Energy Inc., the energy platform of Ayala Corp., has completed the acquisition of Phinma Energy Corp. from the Del Rosario family for P6.3 billion.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday, AC Energy said it has acquired the combined 51.48 percent stake of Philippine Investment Management (Phinma) Inc. and Phinma Corp. of the Del Rosario family, in Phinma Energy.
Phinma Energy wholly owned Phinma Power Generation Corp., Phinma Renewable Energy Corp., CIP II Power Corp., One Subic Power Generation Corp. and One Subic Oil Distribution Corp.
It also owns 60 percent of Phinma Solar Corp., 50.74 percent of Phinma Petroleum and Geothermal Inc., 30.65 percent of Palawan Exploration and Production Corp., 45 percent of South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (SLTEC) and 25 percent of Maibarara Geothermal Inc.
Read More.........
From the Global Geothermal News archives:
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday, AC Energy said it has acquired the combined 51.48 percent stake of Philippine Investment Management (Phinma) Inc. and Phinma Corp. of the Del Rosario family, in Phinma Energy.
Phinma Energy wholly owned Phinma Power Generation Corp., Phinma Renewable Energy Corp., CIP II Power Corp., One Subic Power Generation Corp. and One Subic Oil Distribution Corp.
It also owns 60 percent of Phinma Solar Corp., 50.74 percent of Phinma Petroleum and Geothermal Inc., 30.65 percent of Palawan Exploration and Production Corp., 45 percent of South Luzon Thermal Energy Corp. (SLTEC) and 25 percent of Maibarara Geothermal Inc.
Read More.........
From the Global Geothermal News archives:
- Tuesday, May 14, 2019 - Philippines: Tender to be Offered to Shareholders of Phinma Petroleum and Geothermal Inc.
- Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - Philippines: Geothermal Energy Companies Confirm Consolidation
- Wednesday, February 6, 2019 - Philippines: Geothermal Energy Companies Join Forces
- Monday, February 4, 2019 - Philippines: Geothermal Developer Launches Green Bond to Fund Renewable Energy Projects
Belgium: Partially Completed Balmatt Geothermal Power Plant Producing 4-5 MW
Update - Deep Geothermal Central Balmatt Site (VITO)
Before the start of the summer holidays the Balmatt team has made an overview of the results of the operation of the deep geothermal plant in Mol. Without becoming too technical, we would like to share the most important facts.
- Since the partial completion of the plant on 14th May 2019, it has operated for 16 days cumulatively, with a last joint period of 10 days. This means about 46 % up-time. Hence, the project team has succeeded in a relative short period of time to define a “modus operandus” where 24/7 green heat has been produced.
- The buildings of VITO/SCK/Belgoprocess are heated through the heat network with geothermal heat and the remainder of the heat has been used to produce electricity. With the current operational parameters and a production temperature of 121°C above-ground, the Balmatt central produces about 4-5 MW, or in total 1.7 GWh. The water is re-injected at 55-60°C.
- The Traffic Light System or TLS, part of our safety system, was not activated during the operational period of the plant. The reasons for shutting down the plant were problems with seals in the above-ground circuit or external factors, such as a drop of voltage on the general electricity network.
- On Sunday 23rd June 2019, 2 days after terminating the longest operational period, an induced earthquake has occurred close to the injection well MOL-GT-02 with a magnitude Ml=2.1 The project team and partners are further investigating the data from the own seismometer network to better characterize this event. You can also follow these and other data of the TLS yourself via https://vito.be/nl/vito-seismometernetwerk-onderzoekt-aardbevingen.
Greece: New Legislation Will Boost Geothermal Energy Development - Report
Briefing - Geothermal Energy in Greece (Watson Farley & Williams)
This briefing focuses on the newly issued Law 4602/2019 that sets out the main principles for the exploration, exploitation and management of Greece's geothermal potential which constitutes an integral part of the National Energy and Climate Plan for 2030 submitted to the European Commission, and sets out the national strategy for the coming years.
The investment potential of geothermal energy is tremendous, especially as power generation from this source is still in its infancy. Big national players such as PPC Renewables already hold exclusive exploration, exploitation and management rights in specific target areas, and are in search of strategic partners that will assist them in building geothermal power plants, naturally after securing the consensus of local communities.
Greece clearly intends to take advantage of its geothermal fields, and promote its new Renewable Energy Sources (RES) sector. Modern technology and the stable legislative frameworks created favour investments in geothermal activities, and act as a tool to enable the transition of the country to clean energy.
Download the report.........
 |
| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
The investment potential of geothermal energy is tremendous, especially as power generation from this source is still in its infancy. Big national players such as PPC Renewables already hold exclusive exploration, exploitation and management rights in specific target areas, and are in search of strategic partners that will assist them in building geothermal power plants, naturally after securing the consensus of local communities.
Greece clearly intends to take advantage of its geothermal fields, and promote its new Renewable Energy Sources (RES) sector. Modern technology and the stable legislative frameworks created favour investments in geothermal activities, and act as a tool to enable the transition of the country to clean energy.
Download the report.........
Japan: Orix Corp to Conduct Excavation Survey for Geothermal Energy Resources in Aomori Prefecture
ORIX to Commence Excavation Survey in Kazamaura Village and Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture for Geothermal Power Generation Business (News Release)
ORIX Corporation today announced that it will commence excavation survey to verify commercial feasibility of the geothermal power generation business in both Kazamaura village, Shimokita county and Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture.
ORIX has conducted surface survey in Shimokita country's Kazamaura village and Aomori City. After obtaining approval from the local community, and with the geothermal resource survey subsidy for 2019 sponsored by Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), an independent administrative agency, ORIX will conduct excavation survey to check for geothermal resources.
Read More........
ORIX has conducted surface survey in Shimokita country's Kazamaura village and Aomori City. After obtaining approval from the local community, and with the geothermal resource survey subsidy for 2019 sponsored by Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), an independent administrative agency, ORIX will conduct excavation survey to check for geothermal resources.
Read More........
Japan: Toshiba Wins Award for Alasehir 1 Geothermal Power Plant Turbines and Generators
Toshiba Wins "Best/Most Efficient Main Equipment Award" for Geothermal in the Renewable Energy Power Plants Category at Turkey's ICCI Energy Awards (News Release)
Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba ESS) is pleased to announce that Zorlu Energy’s 40 MW Alasehir 1 Geothermal Power Plant, where Toshiba ESS supplied steam turbines and generators and that started commercial operation in 2015, got a prize in the Renewable Energy Power Plants Category at Turkey’s ICCI Energy Awards. In addition to Alasehir, Toshiba ESS has supplied geothermal generating equipment to Zorlu Energy’s Unit 1 and 2 at Kizildere III.
At the same time, Toshiba ESS has won the “Best/Most Efficient Main Equipment Award”, which was newly established this year. The ceremony was held in the WOW Convention Center in Istanbul on May 28.
Read More.......
At the same time, Toshiba ESS has won the “Best/Most Efficient Main Equipment Award”, which was newly established this year. The ceremony was held in the WOW Convention Center in Istanbul on May 28.
Read More.......
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Geothermal Event! Four Exciting Fieldtrips from GRC Annual Meeting & Expo!
Fieldtrips from Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting Announced (News Release)
Popular excursions from the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo in Palm Springs, California, USA.
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has announced more details of events at the world’s largest annual geothermal energy conference in Palm Springs, California, USA.
In addition to the main event of the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo taking place September 15-18, 2019, there will be a grand total of four fieldtrips before and after the conference.
Just before the start of the conference two half-day trips will offer a chance to relax and enjoy the fantastic scenery and culture of the Palm Springs area. On Saturday, a three hour off-road ride in a Jeep will take you into the California Desert, along the San Andreas fault-zone through slot canyons and a natural palm oasis. On Sunday morning, a two-mile hike into the Palm Canyon will visit a special place for the Agua Caliente (Hot Water) Band of Cahuilla Indians among the trees in a beautiful palm oasis.
Just after the end of the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo on September 18, a two-day fieldtrip will take advantage of a rare opportunity to explore operations, volcanic geology and hydrothermal features of the Coso geothermal field located at the China Lake Naval Air Warfare Station, California. This tour will also include a visit to GreenFire Energy’s experimental project demonstrating closed-loop geothermal power production technology using both water and supercritical CO2 as working fluids.
Also departing on Wednesday, September 18 another two-day fieldtrip will visit the Imperial Valley, home to the world renowned Salton Sea geothermal field. In addition to stops at the John L. Featherstone and Heber geothermal power plants, there will also be up-close observations of quaternary volcanoes, mud volcanoes, hot springs and an actively spreading mud pot! The valley has become a significant hot spot for renewable energy – with production from geothermal, solar, wind and biofuel – and possibly soon to be one of the most important regions for lithium mining.
More information on the fieldtrips, including more detailed itinerary and cost, can be found on the GRC Website at https://geothermal.org.
Popular excursions from the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo in Palm Springs, California, USA.
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has announced more details of events at the world’s largest annual geothermal energy conference in Palm Springs, California, USA.
In addition to the main event of the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo taking place September 15-18, 2019, there will be a grand total of four fieldtrips before and after the conference. Just before the start of the conference two half-day trips will offer a chance to relax and enjoy the fantastic scenery and culture of the Palm Springs area. On Saturday, a three hour off-road ride in a Jeep will take you into the California Desert, along the San Andreas fault-zone through slot canyons and a natural palm oasis. On Sunday morning, a two-mile hike into the Palm Canyon will visit a special place for the Agua Caliente (Hot Water) Band of Cahuilla Indians among the trees in a beautiful palm oasis.Just after the end of the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo on September 18, a two-day fieldtrip will take advantage of a rare opportunity to explore operations, volcanic geology and hydrothermal features of the Coso geothermal field located at the China Lake Naval Air Warfare Station, California. This tour will also include a visit to GreenFire Energy’s experimental project demonstrating closed-loop geothermal power production technology using both water and supercritical CO2 as working fluids.
More information on the fieldtrips, including more detailed itinerary and cost, can be found on the GRC Website at https://geothermal.org.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Friday, June 21, 2019
USA: GRC Urges Extension of Expired Federal Tax Credits Benefiting Geothermal Energy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Chairmen Grassley and Neal and Ranking Members Wyden and Brady,
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) kindly urges Congress to immediately pass legislation to extend the expired federal tax credits benefiting geothermal energy.
The tax credits have remained lapsed since the end of 2017, creating confusion for the numerous industry sectors that utilize these incentives to support deployment of clean energy solutions. The continued uncertainty also undermines the effectiveness of these incentives and stands as a needless barrier to additional job creation and economic growth.
As the professional association for the geothermal industry and community, the GRC can attest to the vital importance of the tax credits to the success of geothermal energy business. Our industry needs an extension of the expired tax credit — two years retroactive (2018-19) and ideally at least two years forward (2020-21). The tax credits provide a predictable market signal for project development, which in turn leverages private investment and promotes job creation and local economic benefits across the country.
We strongly support the Tax Extender and Disaster Relief Act of 2019 introduced on February 28 by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Ron Wyden. We applaud them for including an extension within “Section 107. Credit For Electricity Produced From Certain Renewable Resources”, specifically Section 107(a)(3), which benefits geothermal energy. We urge the Senate to take up this bill as soon as possible and for the House to follow suit expeditiously. Quick action on this issue is critical. Once the extenders package is passed, we look forward to a discussion on the long-term future of geothermal energy incentives.
Geothermal power is a critical source of renewable electricity for U.S. households and businesses as we transition to a clean energy future. It is affordable, reliable and plays a critical role in maintaining a functioning electric grid – due to its position as flexible, renewable, baseload resource that can complement other intermittent renewable resources. Extension of the expired tax credits will play an important role in continuing the development and support of our industry.
The GRC is a non-profit professional association for the geothermal industry and community in the USA and abroad. We were founded in 1972 and are headquartered in Davis, California. We have over 1,300 members from around the world and are working to advance our industry by supporting the development of geothermal energy resources through communication of robust research, knowledge and guidance.
We thank you for your consideration. We are available to answer questions and discuss further at your convenience.
Respectfully,
Paul Thomsen, GRC Policy Committee Chair
Dear Chairmen Grassley and Neal and Ranking Members Wyden and Brady,The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) kindly urges Congress to immediately pass legislation to extend the expired federal tax credits benefiting geothermal energy.
The tax credits have remained lapsed since the end of 2017, creating confusion for the numerous industry sectors that utilize these incentives to support deployment of clean energy solutions. The continued uncertainty also undermines the effectiveness of these incentives and stands as a needless barrier to additional job creation and economic growth.
As the professional association for the geothermal industry and community, the GRC can attest to the vital importance of the tax credits to the success of geothermal energy business. Our industry needs an extension of the expired tax credit — two years retroactive (2018-19) and ideally at least two years forward (2020-21). The tax credits provide a predictable market signal for project development, which in turn leverages private investment and promotes job creation and local economic benefits across the country.
We strongly support the Tax Extender and Disaster Relief Act of 2019 introduced on February 28 by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Ron Wyden. We applaud them for including an extension within “Section 107. Credit For Electricity Produced From Certain Renewable Resources”, specifically Section 107(a)(3), which benefits geothermal energy. We urge the Senate to take up this bill as soon as possible and for the House to follow suit expeditiously. Quick action on this issue is critical. Once the extenders package is passed, we look forward to a discussion on the long-term future of geothermal energy incentives.
Geothermal power is a critical source of renewable electricity for U.S. households and businesses as we transition to a clean energy future. It is affordable, reliable and plays a critical role in maintaining a functioning electric grid – due to its position as flexible, renewable, baseload resource that can complement other intermittent renewable resources. Extension of the expired tax credits will play an important role in continuing the development and support of our industry.
The GRC is a non-profit professional association for the geothermal industry and community in the USA and abroad. We were founded in 1972 and are headquartered in Davis, California. We have over 1,300 members from around the world and are working to advance our industry by supporting the development of geothermal energy resources through communication of robust research, knowledge and guidance.
We thank you for your consideration. We are available to answer questions and discuss further at your convenience.
Respectfully,
Paul Thomsen, GRC Policy Committee Chair
Will Pettitt, PhD, GRC Executive Director
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.
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.
Europe: News from Geothermal Deep Drilling Research Group
In the 2nd newsletter of the DEEPEGS project, we present the progress of the project, which is in its fourth and final year and many important discoveries have been made that will in future impact the geothermal sector.
Check out our second newsletter with a lot of interesting information on:
- Vendenheim demonstration site
- Preparation for the IDDP-2 flow testing
- Laboratory prototype tests
- Enhancement of the injectivity/productivity index of the Vendenheim wells
- Seismic activity monitoring on demonstration sites
- CSEM survey on demonstration sites
Download the Newsletter........
USA: GEO Act would establish public-private partnerships to improve the collection of geothermal data and reduce drilling risk
Cortez Masto, Wyden Introduce Geothermal Energy Opportunities (GEO) Act (News Release)
U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today introduced the Geothermal Energy Opportunities (GEO) Act with Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The GEO Act promotes the growth of geothermal energy by developing stronger public-private partnerships, reducing barriers to leasing public land for geothermal energy use where certain energy extraction activities are already permitted, and promoting the direct development and deployment of geothermal heat pump technologies among large-scale facilities and buildings.
Geothermal energy provides clean, renewable, low-carbon energy in the United States and around the world. Nevada is a leader in the use of renewable energy and one of the highest producers of this type of energy in America.
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| U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) |
Geothermal energy provides clean, renewable, low-carbon energy in the United States and around the world. Nevada is a leader in the use of renewable energy and one of the highest producers of this type of energy in America.
- The GEO Act establishes public-private partnerships to improve the collection of geothermal data and reduce drilling risk.
Poor geothermal resource maps and the related challenge of finding “hot spots” deep underground create financial risks for the use of this technology; the GEO Act reduces future drilling risk through a competitive, cost-shared grant program administered by the Department of Energy (DOE). - This legislation reduces barriers to obtaining leases for geothermal energy development by allowing oil and gas leaseholders to co-produce geothermal energy without going through an additional competitive lease process.
It would also allow for rapid expansion of already identified geothermal resources without additional delays and ensure taxpayers fair market value for the resource. - The GEO Act promotes geothermal heat pumps and direct use of geothermal energy by establishing a pair of programs at the DOE to promote the development and deployment of this technology both at the Department of Energy and among local entities.
This bill would create a research program conducted by the DOE and a second grant program for states and local governments, universities, and non-profits to promote the use of geothermal energy. - This bill ensures the federal government prioritizes the development and use of public geothermal energy.
It would require the Bureau of Land Management to identify high-priority areas for new geothermal development and set goals for the Secretary of Interior to approve more than 15,000 megawatts of new geothermal energy and for the Director of the United States Geological Survey to identify sites capable of producing 50,000 megawatts of geothermal power by 2025.
USA: "Regulatory reforms alone could double geothermal capacity" - Sen. Lisa Murkowski
Sen. Murkowski: Geothermal Brings the Heat for America's Energy Future (News Release)
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| Sen. Lisa Murkowski |
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, today chaired a hearing to examine opportunities and challenges for advanced geothermal energy development in the United States.
Murkowski opened by highlighting the capabilities of geothermal energy.
"Whether it is used for heating our homes or keeping the lights on, geothermal provides clean and always-on energy that requires no external backup," Murkowski said. "We often hear about concerns with wind when it stops blowing, and solar when the sun's not out. You won't hear a similar concern with geothermal. These resources are constant and reliable. There is no such thing as fluctuating, intermittent earth heat, and that's a big advantage."
USA: "Geothermal is on a path to becoming a widely available renewable energy source, a "50-state" solution - EERE Assistant Secretary
GeoVision: Senate Energy Committee Issues Testimony From DOE Assistant Secretary Simmons (News Release)
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| Daniel R. Simmons |
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee issued the following testimony by Daniel R. Simmons, assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy at the Department of Energy, at a hearing to examine opportunities and challenges for advanced geothermal energy development:
"Geothermal is on a path to becoming a widely available renewable energy source, a "50-state" solution. As Secretary Perry said just last month, "There is enormous untapped potential for geothermal energy in the United States. Making geothermal more affordable can increase our energy options for a more diverse electricity generation mix and for innovative heating and cooling solutions for all Americans." This comment accompanied the release of the GeoVision report on May 30, 2019. We know there is more that geothermal can do for this country, and how to get there is outlined in the GeoVision report.
USA: "Geothermal provides clean and always-on energy that requires no external backup" - Sen. Murkowski
Senators see reliability benefits of geothermal (E&E News - Subscription)
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee geothermal backers yesterday championed the renewable technology's potential as a critical piece in producing reduced-carbon, reliable power.
The comments came during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee hearing on geothermal energy — the first such hearing held in front of the committee since 2006 in a sign of the technology's growing prominence to help further unleash renewables.
"Whether it is used for heating our homes or keeping the lights on, geothermal provides clean and always-on energy that requires no external backup," ENR Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said in her opening statement.
"These resources are constant and reliable," she added. "There is no such thing as fluctuating, intermittent earth heat. And that's a big advantage."
The hearing followed the recent release of a Department of Energy report on the potential for a twenty-sixfold increase in the deployment of the technology by 2050 with the right permitting reforms and innovation improvements through research and development.
The comments came during a Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee hearing on geothermal energy — the first such hearing held in front of the committee since 2006 in a sign of the technology's growing prominence to help further unleash renewables.
"Whether it is used for heating our homes or keeping the lights on, geothermal provides clean and always-on energy that requires no external backup," ENR Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said in her opening statement.
"These resources are constant and reliable," she added. "There is no such thing as fluctuating, intermittent earth heat. And that's a big advantage."
The hearing followed the recent release of a Department of Energy report on the potential for a twenty-sixfold increase in the deployment of the technology by 2050 with the right permitting reforms and innovation improvements through research and development.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Finance: Renewable Energy is Expanding in the Power Sector - Report
The evidence from 2018 clearly indicates that renewable power is here to stay. Solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind are now mainstream options in the power sector, with an increasing number of countries generating more than 20% of their electricity with solar PV and wind. This is good news. But current trends show that bolder policy decisions are needed across all sectors of energy end-use to make our energy systems sustainable.
Geothermal energy is harnessed for the generation of electricity and for various thermal applications, including space heating and industrial heat input. Total geothermal energy output in 2018 was estimated at 630 PJi, with around half of this in the form of electricity (89.3 TWh). Estimates of thermal energy consumption (also known as “direct use”) are more uncertain than those for electricity, due to data collection challenges. Some geothermal plants produce both electricity and heat for various thermal applications.
An estimated 0.5 GW of new geothermal power generating capacity came online in 2018, bringing the global total to around 13.3 GW. Turkey and Indonesia remained the leaders for new installations and accounted for about two-thirds of the new capacity installed.3 Other countries that added capacity in 2018 (ordered by scale) were the United States, Iceland, New Zealand, Croatia, the Philippines and Kenya. Click here for the chapter on Geothermal Power and Heat.......
Download the Report..........
Europe: Report on Combined Geothermal Power and Metal Extraction Technology Pilot Projects
CHPM2030 Deliverable D6.2 - Report on Pilots (CHPM2030)
This report, compiled from 6 documents, presents
This report, compiled from 6 documents, presents
- An evaluation framework that facilitates the investigation of study areas for Combined Heat Power and Metal (CHPM) extraction technology;
- The description of areas from 4 countries, concerning their CHPM potential and characteristics: Cornwall in South West England, Portuguese Iberian Pyrite Belt, Beius basin and Bihor mountains in Romania, Nautanen and Kristineberg in Sweden;
- An European outlook for CHPM prospective locations, covering 24 countries.
Climate Change: "EFG Believes Geothermal Energy (Both Shallow and Deep Geothermal), CO2 capture and Mineral Extraction are Part of the Answer"
Position paper on energy transition - European Federation of Geologists
Europe is accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. In 2015, the European Commission launched the Energy Union strategy to boost energy security, creating a fully integrated internal energy market, improving energy efficiency, decarbonising the economy and supporting research innovation and competitiveness. Furthermore, the EU ratified the Paris Agreement on climate, targeting an increase of the global temperature no higher than 1.5 degrees Celsius and Member States are required to draft 10-year National Energy & Climate Plans (NECPs) by the end of 2019 outlining how they will meet the new 2030 targets for renewable energy and for
energy efficiency.
Ambitious targets mean in-depth planning from both stakeholders and policy makers. The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) is a professional organisation representing more than 45,000 geologists across Europe. The Federation’s main aims are to contribute to a safer and more sustainable
use of the natural environment, to protect and inform the public and to promote more responsible exploitation of natural resources. Based on the expertise that professional geologists provide, EFG believes geothermal energy (both shallow and deep geothermal), CO2 capture and mineral extraction are part of the answer to meet the aforementioned targets.
Read More.........
Europe is accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. In 2015, the European Commission launched the Energy Union strategy to boost energy security, creating a fully integrated internal energy market, improving energy efficiency, decarbonising the economy and supporting research innovation and competitiveness. Furthermore, the EU ratified the Paris Agreement on climate, targeting an increase of the global temperature no higher than 1.5 degrees Celsius and Member States are required to draft 10-year National Energy & Climate Plans (NECPs) by the end of 2019 outlining how they will meet the new 2030 targets for renewable energy and forenergy efficiency.
Ambitious targets mean in-depth planning from both stakeholders and policy makers. The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) is a professional organisation representing more than 45,000 geologists across Europe. The Federation’s main aims are to contribute to a safer and more sustainable
use of the natural environment, to protect and inform the public and to promote more responsible exploitation of natural resources. Based on the expertise that professional geologists provide, EFG believes geothermal energy (both shallow and deep geothermal), CO2 capture and mineral extraction are part of the answer to meet the aforementioned targets.
Read More.........
Science & Technology: Award to Develop Ruggedized Communication Technology for Enabling Geothermal Directional Drilling
Ozark IC Wins SBIR Funding for Venus Surface and Geothermal Exploration (Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center)
Fayetteville, Arkansas-based Ozark Integrated Circuits has received a $205,000 Department of Energy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I award to create ruggedized communication technology for enabling high-temperature directional drilling.
“In this Phase I project, we will apply our high-TRL Silicon on Insulator integrated circuitry and packaging technologies, currently being used for turbine engine control applications, to enhance state-of-the-art drilling systems. The system will operate for extended times at 250oC. This will be accomplished by effectively designing a high-temperature communication system,” said Dr. Matt Francis, CEO of Ozark IC.
“Technology that provides improved exploitation of subsurface resources presents a tremendous opportunity to improve our world. Geothermal resources, in particular, could provide gigawatts of carbon-free base load, with obvious economic and societal benefits,” said Dr. Ian Getreu, Ozark IC’s director of business development and strategic partnership.
A high-temperature drilling telemetry system provides a clear capability for accessing subsurface resources. “The first application of this technology to improve high-temperature drilling using silicon on insulator technology can quickly enable access to a tremendous amount of enhanced geothermal systems resources at temperatures up to 250oC. When combined with other silicon carbide technologies already under development by Ozark IC, access to deeper resources will become possible,” said Francis.
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