Monday, July 29, 2019

Geothermal Event! Deadline for Discounted Registration is This Week

Early Bird Registration Deadline for GRC Annual Meeting & Expo is This Week (News Release)

Save up to $150 for this premier geothermal energy event by registering before August 2.




The deadline for early-bird rates for registration for the biggest annual geothermal energy event in the world has been extended to August 2. The GRC Annual Meeting & Expo will bring together geothermal companies, academics, financiers, policy leaders, students, and other individuals to attend or exhibit at the event, to be held from September 15 to 18 at the Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, California, USA.

Early birds who register before August 2 pay only $980 as Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) members or $1,180 if non-members. The non-member registration includes GRC membership through 2020. Students with a current identification card from an accredited institution pay just $150 which also includes GRC membership through 2020.

In addition to the prestigious Technical Program, the three-day registration to the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo includes Sunday evening events until late (an Opening Reception, Outdoors Exhibits and an After-after Party!), the Opening Session on Monday morning, a Network Reception on Tuesday and the GRC Expo and lunch on all three days. All the latest information and a tremendous tool for networking at the conference, can be found on the Event App, which can be downloaded at https://attendify.com/app/611o5d/.

Registration is available through a secure online connection on the GRC website at www.geothermal.org or download the Program containing a printable Registration Form.

This is the premier gathering to learn about the latest developments in geothermal energy. Last year, the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo hosted over 1,000 attendees from 34 different countries.

The GRC Annual Meeting will offer technical, policy, and market conference sessions, educational seminars, tours of local geothermal and renewable energy projects, and numerous networking opportunities.

The Expo features a unique opportunity for leaders in the geothermal energy sector to showcase their projects, equipment, services and state of the art technology to the geothermal community. Reserve your booth now! There were more than 100 exhibitors at last year’s trade show.

Room reservations can now be made on the GRC website at www.geothermal.org. A discounted room rate is available until August 21, so early reservations are recommended.

For more information about the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo in Palm Springs, California, USA, visit www.geothermal.org or call (530) 758-2360.

For information on how to sponsor this event, contact Estela Smith, GRC at (530) 758-2360 or grc@geothermal.org.

More Information.........

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Geothermal Event! Fieldtrip to Imperial Valley Geology and Power Plants

GRC Fieldtrip to Imperial Valley

  • Wednesday - Thursday, September 18-19 (Two Days)
  • Cost: $250 - Limited to 50 participants - sign up now!
  • Led by: Billy Thomas, Mike Krahmer and Sam Abraham.

Mud volcanoes with the Hudson Ranch Geothermal
Power Plant in the background. GRC Fieldtrip 2013.
This two-day fieldtrip will visit the Imperial Valley, home to the world-renowned Salton Sea geothermal field.  The tour begins with a stop at Painted Canyon in the Mecca Hills to observe the San Andreas Fault up-close where discussion of local structures will explain the unique geologic setting of the Salton Trough. The tour will continue with a stop at Red Hill, one of the Quaternary volcanoes that make up the Salton Buttes, and nearby fumaroles and hot springs to discuss the geothermal activity in the area, as well as the Salton Sea and future development (including the potential for mineral extraction).  Tours of the Hudson Ranch power plant, CalEnergy wellfield will conclude the first day.

Day 2 begins with a drive near the US/Mexico border (and nearby solar farms) on the way to Ormat’s Heber geothermal power plant for a tour. The final stops on the way back to Palm Springs will include a visit to “Slab City” (just outside of the town of Niland) to seethe amazing Salvation Mountain and a flowing hot well. The final stop will be at the Wister mud pots along Highway 111, where the movement of a mud pot has created a dangerous situation for the integrity of the highway and Union Pacific railroad.

We look forward to having you join us on this trip to the Imperial Valley, which 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.........           

Sign Up With GRC Annual Meeting Registration........

Friday, July 26, 2019

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.

Global - Submit Your Best Geothermal Energy Photos - Deadline is Next Week!

The Geothermal Resources Council  2019 Amateur Photo Contest - Submit Your Best Shots Now!

The winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting in Palm Springs, California, USA.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) would like to remind entrants of the impending deadline for the 40th Amateur Geothermal Photo Contest. The purpose of the contest is to showcase quality photography featuring geothermal energy around the world.

The winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo being held in Palm Springs, California, USA from September 15-18.

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

Photographs on any subject related to geothermal energy including geothermal energy production, EGS, direct use and geothermal heat pumps can be submitted. This includes photos in the areas of exploration, drilling, well testing, research and development, power plant construction, operation, and maintenance, geological features or geothermal manifestations.

For the 2019 photo contest, GRC is helping to raise awareness of the community benefits of geothermal energy through providing honorable mention awards for photos that help demonstrate two specific categories: Diversity - Celebrating inclusivity in the geothermal industry and Community - Providing positive interaction and impact on communities.

More information on the GRC Amateur Photo Contest, including a Submission Form, can be found on the GRC website [www.geothermal.org]. The deadline for submissions is August 2, 2019.

Canada: Mine Water Geothermal Business Park Project Moves Forward

Concept design for Springhill Geothermal Business Park underway (Cumberland News Now)

(Courtesy Cumberland News Now)
A mine water geothermal business park in Springhill is closer to reality with the concept design phase funded and awarded.

“Geothermal energy has been shown to significantly reduce energy costs,” Bill Casey, the MP for Cumberland-Colchester, said.

Springhill is noted for having some of the deepest coal mines in North America, with depths reaching 1,323 metres. Coal mining became the primary industry for the community in 1849 and continued until a series of mining disasters forced the closure of the mines in 1958. This was the end of large-scale coal mining in Springhill.

Over the years, the mine tunnels started to flood with water, providing a valuable resource for the community. Mine water has been used for geothermal heating and cooling in businesses in Springhill for over 30 years.


France: New Law to Encourage Investment in Geothermal Sector

Une ordonnance pour accélérer le développement de la géothermie - An order to accelerate the development of geothermal energy (Actu-Environnement)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)
La ministre de la Transition écologique et solidaire a présenté en Conseil des ministres, le 24 juillet, une ordonnance modifiant les dispositions du code minier relatives à l'octroi et à la prolongation des titres d'exploration et d'exploitation des gîtes géothermiques. "L'ordonnance vise à simplifier et à clarifier le cadre juridique existant afin d'inciter les acteurs de la filière géothermie à investir davantage dans le développement de cette énergie renouvelable", indique le compte...

(From Google Translate) The Minister of the Ecological and Solidarity Transition presented to the Council of Ministers, on July 24, an ordinance modifying the provisions of the mining code relating to the granting and the extension of the titles of exploration and exploitation of the geothermal deposits. " The ordinance aims to simplify and clarify the existing legal framework in order to encourage the actors of the geothermal sector to invest more in the development of this renewable energy" , says the account ...

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

Philippines: Mabini Geothermal Service Contract Assigned to Basic Energy

Basic takes over Phinma Energy stake in Batangas geothermal service contract (BusinessWorld Online)

Basic Energy Corp. said Friday that Phinma Energy Corp. has assigned to it “its entire and undivided” 25% stake in a geothermal service contract in Batangas province.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, the listed company said the two had signed a deed of assignment in which Phinma Energy assigned its rights, interests, privileges, duties and obligations to the Mabini Geothermal Service Contract (GSC No. 8) because of the latter’s withdrawal from their joint operating agreement, which took effect on Aug. 21, 2018.

New Zealand: Contact Energy Supplies Geothermal Heat to Local Industries

Growing our geothermal partnerships (LinkedIn)

By James Carberry, Head of Sustainable Opportunities at Contact Energy

Here at Contact we’ve recently signed two large direct heat supply agreements with wood industry customers who operate near our Wairakei geothermal plant in Taupō. We’ve renewed our partnership with Tenon Sawmill and signed up our newest customer, Nature’s Flame.

We’ve worked with Tenon since 2007, supplying direct geothermal heat for their manufacturing operations and kiln drying timber and have now agreed a new 20 year supply agreement.

Our latest customer, Nature’s Flame produce a carbon neutral wood pellet fuel alternative to coal. Wood fibre in the form of sawdust and shavings is obtained from sawmill operations in the central North Island; the fibre is dried, resized and then compacted to form a durable, low moisture, low ash, energy dense fuel which burns efficiently and cleanly.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Croatia: 18.6 MWe & 75 MWth Draškovec Geothermal Power Plant Declared a Strategic Investment

CLEAG’s Geothermae declared strategic investment project by Croatian government (News Release)


The Government of Croatia has declared geothermal project AAT Geothermae at Draškovec as a strategic investment project for the country. This innovative geothermal power plant is financed by the EU’s NER 300, one of the world’s largest funding programs for innovative low-carbon energy demonstration projects.

The AAT Geothermae power plant is located at Draškovec, in the Međimurje area in northern Croatia. (More information........)

The installed capacity of the power plant is 18.6 MWe plus 75 MWth while the estimated electricity generation is 258 GWh over five years (121 GWh of electricity plus 137 GWh of heat), the NER 300 factsheet on the project reads.

AAT Geothermae, wholly-owned by Switzerland-based CLEAG, was founded in 2012 and is developing CLEAG’s first power plant in Croatia. CloZEd Loop Energy AG (CLEAG), established in 2003, is a group of companies operating in the renewable energy sector.

It plans to build 10 geothermal power plants in the region, including three in Croatia, two in Serbia, and one in Romania, the company said earlier.

Croatia: Video of the 17.5 MW ORC Velika Ciglena Geothermal Power Plant

17.5 MW ORC geothermal power plant in Velika Ciglena (Turboden)

The Velika Ciglena project, exploits steam and hot water at 170°C to produce electricity to feed the local power grid. Moreover, the company designed and manufactured a unique single turbine of 17.5 MW electrical power and, thanks to the flexibility of the ORC system, the plant grants a highly efficient behavior in all the operation conditions.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

USA: Reference Manual for Green Taxes Including for Geothermal Projects Updated

Green Tax Incentive Compendium: Federal and State Tax Incentives for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency ( Robinson+Cole)

Jerome L. Garciano of Robinson+Cole has updated his Green Tax Incentive Compendium which includes information about incentives in the USA for geothermal projects.

This volume presents certain federal and state tax incentives promoting the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries. Each section outlines the basic features and regulatory requirements for a tax program which provides financial incentives for clean technology development through renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Green Tax Incentive Compendium: Federal and State Tax Incentives for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PDF)

USA, Alaska: Geothermal Energy Could Help Alaska Diversify Away From Oil

Is This The Future Of Alaska’s Energy Sector? (Oilprice.com)

With Alaskan oil production in severe decline, showing few signs of improving in the immediate future, some Alaskans are looking for a new way for the state to participate in the energy industry. Look no further than Alaska’s unique geography and biosphere for at least one answer with serious forward-thinking potential: geothermal energy.

Alaskan State Senator Lisa Murkowsky has been one of the biggest advocates for harnessing the potential geothermal power of Alaska’s volcanoes along the Aleutian Islands and plentiful hot springs in the state’s interior and Southeast regions. Gwen Holdmann, Director of the Alaska Center for Energy and Power has studied the geothermal energy industry in Iceland, and agrees with Senator Murkowski that Iceland is a great example for the potential and viability of geothermal energy production. 

USA, California: GRC Executive Director on the Fantastic Possibilities for Geothermal Energy in the Golden State

California is on the Brink of a Geothermal Boom… and this is Exciting News for the USA and the World (LinkedIn)

By Will Pettitt, Executive Director, Geothermal Resources Council (GRC)

California is going through an amazing transition to 100% renewable and clean power by 2045. That’s incredibly exciting for everybody in our international geothermal community as geothermal energy will be a major piece of the transition.

A recent decision by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) gave geothermal a target for supplying 2,900 MW of net power into the grid in 2030. Considering the current metrics for geothermal power generation in the state, this equates to the industry needing to install about 2,500 MW of new nameplate capacity over the next decade. This is also exciting news for the rest of the USA and the world because the evolution of the geothermal power market in California highlights geothermal’s critical role in fighting climate change and transitioning to renewable energy that can be translated elsewhere. As well as a direct reduction of green-house gases, geothermal power underpins the growth of intermittent power sources with renewable baseload that gives unique reliability and resilience to the grid in a transitioning power economy.

Read More........

Science & Technology: Ultra High Durability Concrete Can Help Protect Geothermal Power Plants

EU Collaborates with Penetron to Develop Ultra High Durability Concrete (News Release)

Launched June 2019 as part of the EU's 'Horizon 2020' R&D program, the ReSHEALience project will work to develop an Ultra High Durability Concrete (UHDC) to address infrastructure challenges - caused by accelerating climate change - currently facing EU member countries due to extremely aggressive exposure conditions. Politecnico di Milano (Italy) is the coordinator of the project and Penetron Italia is the beneficiary in the ReSHEALience project, providing its expertise on crystalline admixture technology and stimulated self-healing in the construction of six pilots.

One pilot involves a geothermal power plant run by Enel Green Power (EGP) near Chiusdino (Italy). Cooling tower fluid collection basins are critical due to the fluid aggressiveness and environmental risks.

Ultimately, the successful ReSHEALience project results will help to design and produce structures that use 60% less resources, require less maintenance costs and deliver longer lifespans for applications in strategic sectors of the EU economy: coastal and port infrastructures, water treatment plants, offshore wind, geothermal and biomass plants, and aquaculture.

Read More........

USA, Nevada: Battle Mountain District Geothermal Leasing Public Review Period is Underway

Geothermal leasing effort underway in region (Pahrump Valley Times)

The largest geothermal lease sale in Nevada BLM history is in the works.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Tonopah Field Office and Mount Lewis Field Office are seeking public review of an Environmental Assessment for eight parcels of public land nominated for lease in the Sept. 17 competitive online geothermal lease sale.

These parcels have the potential for future geothermal exploration and development. They comprise about 7,590.5 acres of land in northeastern and central Nevada.

A 15-day public review period began on July 15 and ends July 29. For more, go to https://go.usa.gov/xy93w on the web on the project website or email to blm_nv_bmdo_2019_0020@blm.gov

Philippines: Phinma Petroleum and Geothermal, Inc. Renamed as ACE Enexor, Inc.

Phinma Petroleum renamed as ACE Enexor (Business World)

The new owner of Phinma Petroleum and Geothermal, Inc. (PPG) has renamed the listed company to ACE Enexor, Inc. and approved corporate changes to mark the Ayala energy arm’s full take over.

In January this year, AC Energy said it was taking control of Phinma Energy Corp. through a “mutually strategic agreement” that gives the Ayala-led company a 51.48% stake in the listed energy company for P3.42 billion.

The two groups said the Ayala’s energy platform will acquire the combined stake of Phinma Corp. and its parent Philippine Investment Management, Inc. (PHINMA) in Phinma Energy. PPG is a unit of Phinma Energy.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Finance: Research Finds that Geothermal is Competitive With Other Renewables in Terms of Costs and Hazards

Renewable Energy in Hawaiʻi: A Comparative Analysis of Wind, Solar, and
Geothermal Energy Resources (HGGRC)

By Theodore Brennis, Hawaii Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Center

Project Methodology: Compare the land use, cost and hazards of three hypothetical renewable resources with similar power delivery capabilities using Puna Geothermal Venture (PGV) as the model for comparison.


Hawaii Public Radio interview with Theodore Brennis


Final Thoughts: 
  • Geothermal has the lowest land use of all non-nuclear, non-hydrocarbon renewable resources
  • Geothermal is competitive with other renewables in terms of costs and hazards
  • Geothermal provides clean, renewable baseload energy 
  • Geothermal potential through most of the state is unknown
  • Limited research efforts to determine geothermal potential because its not a priority 
  • Our lives are energy intensive… 
  • Not in my backyard…but in someone else’s?

Canada: Geothermal Power has Potential to Put Thousands of Laid-Off Oil and Gas Workers Back to Work

Innovation Energy: The hot new fuel that could bring jobs and growth back to Canada’s oilpatch (Financial Post)

Cheap, renewable geothermal power has the potential to meet the country's energy needs and put thousands of laid-off oil and gas workers back to work

Thumbs Up! The Geysers, California, USA. By Robert Hopkins, Mound House, Nevada.
GRC Photo Contest 2009.
Shortly after the downturn in oil and gas began in 2014, PetroLMI commissioned a study of energy sector employee skills that could be redeployed in other industries such as agriculture or renewable power, including geothermal.

The study found that 14 different professions from the oil and gas industry could transfer into the geothermal power business, though some, including geoscientists, would need some specialized training to do so.

However, given that only a few geothermal power companies are developing or moving toward developing plants in Canada, Howes said “the number of actual jobs is quite small” at the moment.

The Canadian geothermal industry would need to scale up almost exponentially to get to the point where it could hire laid-off oil and gas professionals.

USA, Idaho: Idaho National Laboratory to Help Community Explore for Geothermal Energy Source

INL enlisted to suss out geothermal potential in Driggs (Teton Valley News)

Experts from the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) will help the City of Driggs and Teton Valley Aquatics by analyzing previously collected data to determine whether there is a geothermal energy source near Driggs.

Driggs and TVA applied for assistance in analyzing information that was compiled by gas and oil companies from exploratory drilling that happened in Teton Valley in the 1970s. The goal is to verify the existence of a geothermal energy source in or near Driggs, where TVA hopes eventually to build an aquatic facility.

Turkey: Financing will Fund 100 MW Addition to Efeler Geothermal Power Plant

Banks collaborate to support geothermal plant expansion in Turkey (Power-Technology)

Efeler 1 Gathering System, by Kristi McGinley - 3rd Place GRC Photo Contest 2016. Well pad to power plant snapshot of the Efeler 1 gathering system located in Germencik, Turkey. Owner and operator Gurmat.

The three banks have agreed to provide a financial package of $350m for three new units at the EFELER plant.

Out of the three new units, EFE-6 (22.6MW) and EFE-7 (25MW) have already commenced their operations, while EFE-8 with a capacity of 50MW is still under construction.

Gürmat Elektrik, a renewable energy subsidiary of Güris Holding, will receive $100m loan from the AIIB, while a $60m loan will be provided by EBRD and $20m loan by the BSTDB.

Additionally, Turkey’s commercial lender Isbank is providing $90m loan, and the Industrial Development Bank of Turkey TSKB and ICBC Turkey are offering $50m and $30m respectively.

The expansion will see the addition of nearly 100MW to the power plant, and help Turkey diversify its energy mix. The plant’s eight units will have a total installed capacity of 260MW when they are completed in 2020.

Costa Rica: 55 MW Las Pailas II Geothermal Plant Inaugurated

Costa Rica inaugurates Las Pailas II geothermal plant, boosts sustainable energy production (Tico Times)

Pipeline in Las Pailas I. by Paul Moya. Two phase pipeline coming to the separation station at Las Pailas I, Costa Rica. Photo was taken in July 2011. GRC Photo Contest 2016.
Costa Rica on Tuesday inaugurated Palais II, a geothermal plant in Curubandé de Liberia, Guanacaste that “places the country at the forefront” of sustainable energy infrastructure.

Palais II has an installed capacity of 55 megawatts and a projected annual generation of 410 gigawatt hours.

Construction on the plant started in April 2013, and it finished over-budget and behind schedule, according to the daily La Nación. Still, President Carlos Alvarado called the project a success and said Costa Ricans should be proud of the country’s sustainability efforts.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Education: Geothermal Energy Poster Now Available!

Earth Science Week Update Special Alert! (American Geosciences Institute)

Order Your Earth Science Week 2019 Toolkit Today - Includes a Geothermal Poster from the GRC!

Place your advance order for an Earth Science Week 2019 Toolkit now! The toolkit contains everything you need to prepare for Earth Science Week (October 13-19, 2019), which celebrates the theme "Geoscience Is for Everyone." This year's toolkit includes:
  • 12-month school-year activity calendar, suitable for hanging
  • New Earth Science Week poster, including a learning activity
  • NASA posters, booklet, and ruler on Earth observation and space
  • National Park Service materials on geodiversity and geoheritage
  • Fact sheet from the Soil Science Society of America
  • Geologic Map Day poster dealing with diversity and inclusion
  • Mineral Education Coalition resource on mineral science
  • American Geophysical Union "Women & Girls in Science" poster
  • IRIS flyer dealing with seismology and earthquakes
  • AmericaView "Geoscience Is Everywhere" game poster
  • Geothermal Resources Council poster on energy science
  • Information on soil nutrients from Nutrients for Life Foundation
  • UNAVCO ruler and flyer on becoming a geoscientist
  • Landslides fact sheet from Critical Zones Observatories
  • Switch Energy Project information on energy science
  • Bureau of Land Management dinosaur coloring page
  • Climate Literacy Principles publication from NOAA
  • Water Footprint Calculator information on water science
  • AIPG, NESTA, CLEAN, AMS, EarthScope items and more
The Earth Science Week 2019 Toolkit is free and available for the cost of shipping and handling. Pay just $8.50 for the first toolkit and $2.25 for each additional toolkit in the United States.

The Earth Science Week 2019 Toolkit will ship starting in August 2019. For ordering, special shipping, bulk orders, and more information, visit Order Toolkit or phone AGI Publications at 703-379-2480.

Geothermal Event! Latest Program Available

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo

Geothermal: Green Energy for the Long Run

15-18 September, Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, California, USA

Global - Submit Your Best Geothermal Energy Photos - Deadline is August 2

The Geothermal Resources Council  2019 Amateur Photo Contest - Submit Your Best Shots Now!

The winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting in Palm Springs, California, USA.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) is pleased to announce this year’s Amateur Photo Contest. The purpose of the contest is to showcase quality photography featuring geothermal energy around the world.

The winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo being held in Palm Springs, California, USA from September 15-18.

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

Photographs on any subject related to geothermal energy including geothermal energy production, EGS, direct use and geothermal heat pumps can be submitted. This includes photos in the areas of exploration, drilling, well testing, research and development, power plant construction, operation, and maintenance, geological features or geothermal manifestations.

For the 2019 photo contest, GRC is helping to raise awareness of the community benefits of geothermal energy through providing honorable mention awards for photos that help demonstrate two specific categories: Diversity - Celebrating inclusivity in the geothermal industry and Community - Providing positive interaction and impact on communities.

More information on the GRC Amateur Photo Contest, including a Submission Form, can be found on the GRC website [www.geothermal.org]. The deadline for submissions is August 2, 2019.

Monday, July 22, 2019

Canada: Hybrid Geothermal-Natural Gas Project to Generate 21 MW Power

Scientists partner with Razor Energy for geothermal pilot project in Swan Hills, Alberta (University of Alberta)

Jonathan Banks, research associate and project lead
at UAlberta Photo credit: John Ulan.
Plans underway for hybrid geothermal power facility with Razor Energy.

Final engineering is underway for the construction of a pilot project that combines the power of geothermal energy with existing oil and gas infrastructure in Alberta. The project is a collaboration between researchers in the University of Alberta’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Alberta-based company Razor Energy.

Located in Swan Hills, Alberta, the project is designed to generate power from two sources that combine to 21 megawatts of power. There are five to seven megawatts of renewable energy from heat to power generation, from a combination of hot water heat and heat recovered from all sources at the battery site. There are an additional 15 megawatts of natural gas-fired generation. In addition to being environmentally friendly, the technology will also reduce the costs and infrastructure required to bring electricity into the Alberta electric system grid.

Read More........

Egypt: MOU Signed for Cooperation in Developing Geothermal Energy

South Valley Signs MoU for Geothermal Energy Project (Dar Al Sharq Al Awsat)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)
(From Google Translate) The South Valley Egyptian Petroleum Holding Company, the New and Renewable Energy Development and Use Authority and the National Institute of Astronomical and Geophysics Research have signed a three-year memorandum for better understanding of Geothermal Energy.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

USA, California: Respected Member of the Global Geothermal Energy Community - Subir Sanyal - Passes

Subir Kumar Sanyal - In Memoriam

The geothermal world has lost a creative, articulate and multi-talented scientist and engineer with the passing of Subir Kumar Sanyal on 28 June 2019, in Santa Cruz, California.

Subir Kumar Sanyal received the Henry J. Ramey, Jr. Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Award in 2013, recognizing outstanding achievements in the field of geothermal reservoir engineering. In addition Subir was also a recipient of the Joseph W. Aidlin Award in 1997, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the GRC and to the development of geothermal resources. Subir was also a long-time member of the GRC Board of Directors.

A more complete obituary will appear in the July/August GRC Bulletin to be published in early August.

Iceland: Registration Opens for World Geothermal Congress 2020

World Geothermal Congress 2020 - Registration Opens

27 April - 1 May, Reykjavík, Iceland

As an affiliate association of the International Geothermal Association (IGA), GRC Members automatically get the IGA member rate.




Canada: Mount Meager Geothermal Resource - "a map-able, permeable zone, that looks like it's interconnected."

This research project is exploring geothermal potential near Mount Meager (The Squamish Chief)

As Canada looks towards renewable energy, the Garibaldi Geothermal Volcanic Belt might hold a key

(Courtesy Geological Survey of Canada)
The overall goal of the Garibaldi Geothermal Volcanic Belt Assessment Project, a combined effort between Geoscience BC and the Geological Survey of Canada, is to reduce the exploration risk into this renewable energy source by increasing knowledge of what's happening beneath the surface, said Dr. Stephen Grasby, a senior research scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada during an open house held at the Pemberton & District Community Centre on Thursday, July 11.

Beginning in the mid-1970s, the Canadian government began investigating alternative forms of energy, including through an active federal geothermal research program. One of the areas that program focused on was Mount Meager, where Natural Resources Canada joined forces with BC Hydro to drill a series of research wells, Grasby said.

While researchers discovered steam and were able to produce power, permeability was an issue. "They found hot water, up to 240 degrees Celsius—this is a world-class thermal resource that was discovered—but the problem was that the flow rate to the surface wasn't high enough to justify the cost" of installing full geothermal power facilities, said Grasby.

But when researchers decided to revisit the West Coast's geothermal potential by amalgamating prior data from a variety of sources, they found signs pointing towards "a map-able, permeable zone, that looks like it's interconnected," said Carlos Salas, executive vice president and chief scientific officer at Geoscience BC. "This myth [about a lack of water flow] that's been perpetrated through history might not be true."
Read More.........

Zambia: Slim Well Drill Programme Begins at 10-20 MW Bweengwa River Geothermal Project

Geothermal exploration underway in Zambia (ESI-Africa)

Heat-in-place, power density and heat flow methods have been used, providing a consistent estimated usable resource capacity in the range of 10-20MW.

A Zambian geothermal exploration company, Kalahari GeoEnergy, announced the completion of the drilling of eight temperature gradient holes and the commencement of drilling slim wells at the Bweengwa River Geothermal Resource Area.

The project forms part of the company’s resource delineation drill and well testing programme, which if successful will lead to a full technical and commercial feasibility study commencing late 2019.

The company has to date identified six geothermal energy targets including Bweengwa River, on all of which it is conducting geothermal exploration.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Friday, July 19, 2019

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.

Geothermal Event! Four Exciting Fieldtrips from GRC Annual Meeting & Expo!

Fieldtrips from Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting  (News Release)

Spaces are filling up fast for these popular excursions from the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo 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 facility 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.

United Kingdom: Research Opportunity in Low Enthalpy Geothermal Heat Recovery and Storage in Abandoned Flooded Coal Mines

Research into Microbially Enhanced Mine Water Geothermal Energy (Aberystwyth University)

Aberystwyth University, Wales, UK. Department of Geography & Earth Sciences - Application Deadline: 18th August 2019

(Courtesy Study in Wales)
Low enthalpy geothermal heat recovery and storage in abandoned flooded coal mines is an area of increasing interest as we move towards decarbonised heating and energy systems in both domestic and industrial settings. Exothermic heat generating reactions between water, aqueous and gaseous phases, and mineral surfaces are often mediated by and accelerated due to microbial activity in
surface mine waste, but little is known about subsurface processes. We are looking for a highly motivated student to investigate the microbiology of heat generating biogeochemical reactions in subsurface mine water settings.

The project aims to provide the first assessment of the role of microbiology on mine water geothermal energy production and will investigate these mechanisms in the South Wales Coalfield where there are a number of mine water geothermal schemes in development.

Read More.......

USA: $2,000,000 in Small Business Innovation Research Grants Involving Geothermal Energy

Department of Energy Announces $121 Million for Small Business Research and Development Grants (News Release)

U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry today announced that the Department of Energy will award 113 grants totaling $121 million to 103 small businesses in 29 states. Funded through DOE’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, today’s selections are for Phase II research and development. Small businesses that demonstrated technical feasibility for innovations during their Phase I grants competed for funding for prototype or processes development during Phase II. In addition, prior Phase II awardees competed for second or third Phase II awards to continue prototype and process development. The median Phase II award is $1,050,000 for a period of two years.    

Highlighted below are grants awarded through the DOE office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) for research and development programs in geothermal energy:

  • TerraCOH Inc. - Minnesota. SBIR grant $999,224.
    Engineering Analysis and Design of CO2 Geothermal Power System to Provide Dispatchable Geothermal Electricity Generation and Grid-Scale Energy Storage
    TerraCOH’s CO2 Plume Geothermal (CPG) technology will permit expansion of geothermal power as a cost-effective, dispatchable energy source by using carbon dioxide as a heat transfer fluid below ground. Our approach generates renewable power while turning CO2 from a liability into a resource.
  • Tech4Imaging LLC - Ohio. SBIR Grant $1,050,000.
    Non-Invasive Operations Tool for Dispatchable Geothermal Wells
    A lack of information on how geothermal wells should be properly balanced between harvesting hot water/steam and returning cool water puts wells at risk of being over exploited. An operational control system utilizing an innovative non-invasive mass flow meter and other well data is being developed to equip Well Operators with the tools necessary to analytically manage these valuable resources.

Read More.........

Germany: Daldrup & Söhne AG Contracts with Private Equity Investor to Raise Funds

Daldrup & Söhne AG concludes first contract with private equity investor IKAV (News Release)

The drilling technology and geothermal specialist Daldrup & Söhne AG has concluded agreements with the IKAV Group, represented by the Luxembourg fund IKAV Invest S.à r.l., on the purchase and assignment of shares in Geysir Europe GmbH and geox GmbH.

The first part of the agreements has thus been successfully implemented. Daldrup received EUR 5.2 million in earmarked funds. This represents a first step towards the debt relief of the Daldrup Group and the deconsolidation of the Geysir Group. Both parties continue the negotiations on the basis of a notarial termsheet. This also includes the separately planned sale of shares in the Taufkirchen geothermal power plant.


Kenya: Olkaria to Deliver 200 MW Geothermal Energy to Western Region on New Transmission Lines

Western region to receive geothermal power March next year (The Star, Kenya)

The Western region and Kisumu will receive 200 megawatt in geothermal power March next year, with the completion of transmission lines.

Kenya Electricity Transmission Company managing director Fernandes Barasa has said the 300- kilometre high voltage line project from Olkaria is 95 per cent complete at Sh18 billion cost.

The connection is expected to save the country from power imports in Uganda to light up the region.

Thursday, July 18, 2019

New Zealand: Geothermal Power Plant to Supply Heat for Wood Pellet Production

Contact Energy and Nature’s Flame reducing carbon emissions (News Release)

The Nature’s Flame plant in Taupo.
Contact Energy and Nature’s Flame have signed an agreement and broken ground to build a geothermal energy supply system that will provide process heat to Nature’s Flame’s wood pellet manufacturing plant in Taupō.

Nature’s Flame produces a carbon neutral wood pellet fuel alternative to coal. Wood fibre in the form or sawdust and shavings is obtained from sawmill operations in the central North Island; the fibre is dried, resized and then compacted to form a durable, low moisture, low ash, energy dense fuel which burns efficiently and cleanly.

“Contact will provide direct heat energy from our geothermal facilities to the Nature’s Flame plant which will be used to dry the wood fibre. The majority of the energy used to dry the wood will be derived from “used” geothermal fluid downstream of the Tenon Sawmill, which Contact has been providing with geothermal energy since 2007. This will optimise the efficiency of the production well for both companies,” says James Kilty, Chief Generation and Development Officer at Contact Energy.

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

USA, Idaho: Premier Policy in Energy Conference in Boise

Energy Policy Research Conference (Energy Policy Institute )

September 29 thru October 1, 2019, Boise, Idaho, USA

The Energy Policy Research Conference is a premier, interdisciplinary forum in North America that examines the drivers and impacts of policy in energy-related systems.

The 9th Annual Meeting will focus on how energy policy is framed, influences and is evaluated in times of disruptive change. The event will bring together leading researchers, as well as policymakers,  practitioners and members of the private sector from September 29th to October 1st, 2019 in Boise, Idaho.

The aim is to explore issues and opportunities with up-to-date, interdisciplinary research, while fostering in-depth, cross-cutting exchanges of ideas.

More Information and Registration........

USA: Legislation Would Increase Renewable Energy - Including Geothermal - on Public Lands

Representatives Mike Levin and Paul Gosar Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Renewable Energy on Public Lands (News Release)

Representative Mike Levin (D-CA)
Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Levin (D-CA) and Paul Gosar (R-AZ) introduced the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act of 2019, a bill to help combat the climate crisis and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels by promoting development of wind, solar, and geothermal energy on public lands. The bill is cosponsored by Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Scott Tipton (R-CO), and others.

“As we work to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is critical that we embrace renewable energy development,” said Representative Levin. “Our federal public lands are ripe for solar, wind, and geothermal energy, and this legislation facilitates important environmentally sound development. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation and look forward to a hearing on the bill in the coming weeks.”

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Geothermal Event! Less than $1000 for Extensive Four-Day Program at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - The Latest

Geothermal: Green Energy for the Long Run

15-18 September, Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, California, USA
Early birds who register before July 31 pay only $980 as Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) members or $1,180 if non-members. The non-member registration includes GRC membership through 2020. Students with a current identification card from an accredited institution pay just $150 which also includes GRC membership through 2020. 

In addition to over 40 hours of presentations in the Technical Program, the three-day registration to the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo includes an Opening Reception on Sunday evening, the Opening Session on Monday morning, a Network Reception on Tuesday, the GRC Expo with over 60 exhibitors (as of July 18), and lunch on all three days. 

Switzerland: Vacancy as Professor in Geothermal Research and Teaching

Full Professor in Experimental Geothermics (University of Neuchâtel)

Location: University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Starting date: February 1st, 2020 or to be agreed.
Application deadline: August 31st, 2019.

The successful candidate will teach various courses at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels at the Faculty of Science (7 hours/week over the whole year). He/she will also supervise Master’s and PhD dissertations. He/she will conduct high-level international research on experimental aspects of deep geothermics and alternate underground exploitation (e.g. heat storage) that complements existing strengths in numerical modeling.

Experts in geological and geomechanical characterization of fractured reservoirs and stimulated systems at intermediate/large depths are encouraged to apply. Research should focus on key hydro-and thermo-mechanical reservoir processes using experimental approaches in underground laboratories and full-scale geothermal projects.

The successful candidate has a proven funding record with experience in collaborating with industry partners to facilitate technology transfer, and she/he is expected to collaborate with local, national and international partners.

Read More and Apply........

USA, Hawaii: Opportunity for Geothermal Energy to Replace Coal and Oil Power Plants

Hawaii's largest renewable energy push detailed in new procurement plan (News Release)

Projects would replace coal, oil-fired power plants
The plan for the Hawaiian Electric Companies' largest-ever renewable energy push may now be viewed online at www.hawaiianelectric.com/competitivebidding.

With the successful acquisition of a variety of clean energy technologies over the next five years, this ambitious effort will enable the companies to continue providing reliable service after the closure of the largest fossil fuel plant on Oahu and the retirement of Maui's oldest oil-fired plant.

Upon approval by the Public Utilities Commission, expected this summer, this second phase of renewable energy procurement will be opened to bids from developers locally and globally. Pending approval, the first projects would come online in 2022.

Estimated targets of new renewable generation of various technologies are the equivalent of 594 megawatts (MW) of solar for Oahu; 135 MW for Maui and 32 to 203 MW for Hawaii Island, depending on whether other renewable energy projects become available. Proposals for Molokai and Lanai will be sought later this summer.

For Hawaii Island, additional renewable generation is sought even assuming the Puna Geothermal Venture plant returns to service and the Hu Honua biomass plant comes online as planned.

Read More.........