Friday, November 29, 2019

Voting for New Members of the Geothermal Resources Council Board of Directors Ends Saturday

GRC Board 2020-2021 Term of Office - Ballot Ends Tomorrow (News Release)

Each year members of the global GRC community are asked to deliberate and then vote on a finite number of candidates for the GRC Board of Directors. Those with the most votes are then sworn onto the Board starting early the next year.

The GRC 2019 Nominations Committee and GRC Board of Directors have approved 13 candidates for the 2020-2021 term of office:


Members of the GRC can now vote for no more than 4 candidates. All ballots must be "Submitted" and "Confirmed" by 11:55 p.m. on November 30, 2019. All GRC members should have received an invitation to vote online or by mail.

Board of Directors Candidate Statements (PDF).........

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Education: 100 Technical Papers from 2019 Geothermal Energy Event Now Available

2019 GRC Transactions Are Now Available in The GRC Online Geothermal Library! - For Members Only


The one hundred (100) papers from the 2019 GRC Transactions Volume 43 as presented at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo in Palm Springs, California are now available online to current GRC members only. Don't lose access to these papers - make sure your membership is up to date by renewing your GRC membership today!

GRC Membership Renewals have been sent out. If you did not receive your renewal notice, please contact Anh Lay at (530) 758-2360 ext. 100 or by email at alay@geothermal.org.

Don't forget to check out the Policy Committee options and donate to the different GRC funds! We rely heavily on support from generous people like you! All donations are tax deductible.

You can renew your GRC Membership in 4 convenient ways:

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

USA, California: Employment Opportunity as Geothermal Production Engineer at The Geysers

Vacancy - Geothermal Production Engineer - Calpine

Location: Middletown, California, USA (The Geysers)

Calpine’s Geothermal Production Analysis group develops views of production trends for the world’s largest operating geothermal field, The Geysers in Northern California. Relying heavily on input from the broader Geysers operations team, the production analysis group builds models to project output from the existing field, analyze the impacts of long-term capital investment options, and optimize near-term production decisions.

The Production Engineer will work as part of the Geothermal Production Analysis team in analyzing production and injection data, developing data-management improvement recommendations, conducting reservoir and steam gathering system performance evaluations for optimum field development. The ideal candidate will have had experience in data-driven analytics for reservoir and production optimization. We are particularly interested in individuals who have experience translating the outputs of analytical tools into field operations.

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

Support Your Geothermal Energy Association - Support the Geothermal Energy Community

'Tis The Season For Giving


The GRC is a non-profit professional association that relies on support from generous people like you. By donating to the GRC, you are helping support our geothermal community through education, outreach, and dissemination of research across local, national and global society.

Any amount is welcome and any support is appreciated. There are six different funds that you can donate to. All donations are tax deductible.

On behalf of our community, we would like to thank you for helping advance the geothermal industry!

Donate Online.........                     Donation Form.........

USA, Nevada: Solar Augmented Geothermal Energy Project Gets Wellfield Equipment

New Geothermal Power Production Technology in Northern Nevada Acquires Wellfield Equipment (News Release)


UC Won, LLC is pleased to announce it has acquired the well field equipment necessary to begin development of the first RenewGeo power plant.

Mark Hauenstein, managing partner at UC Won, said, “We are grateful that Open Mountain Energy was willing to allow us to purchase the equipment necessary to move our project forward.

In the US and Canada, Kaishan Group partners with Open Mountain Energy of Salt Lake City, Utah on the planning, development, and operation of several geothermal power projects currently under construction. 

RenewGeo represents the proprietary thermal storage technology called Solar Augmented Geothermal Energy where solar heat is stored in the ground to create 24/7 sustainable geothermal produced electrical power.


From the Global Geothermal News Archives:

Philippines: Government Fast-Tracks Geothermal Energy Projects

Permits fast-tracked for energy projects (BusinessWorld Online)

The Department of Energy (DoE) has certified four new projects as nationally significant, adding to its list of projects that will enjoy a faster permitting process under a law that seeks to ensure energy security in the country.

The department identified the four entities with newly issued certificates of energy project of national significance (EPNS) as Galoc Production Co., Energy Development Corp. (EDC), Therma Marine, Inc. and Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Inc.

Philippine Geothermal’s Mt. Malinao geothermal project was the latest to be certified on Sept. 20, although the DoE has yet to release details of the venture. The others include EDC, with its Mahanagdong geothermal brine optimization plant.

The issuance of the certificate for nationally significant projects is stipulated in Section 5 (a) of Executive Order (EO) No. 30 s. 2017, which intends to establish a simplified approval process and harmonize the relevant rules and regulations of all government agencies involved in the permitting process.

Climate Change: Renewable Energy Technologies Offer a Glimmer of Hope for Reducing GHG Emissions.

Emissions Gap Report 2019 (UN Environment Programme)

The summary findings are bleak. Countries collectively failed to stop the growth in global GHG emissions, meaning that deeper and faster cuts are now required. However, behind the grim headlines, a more differentiated message emerges
from the ten-year summary.

A number of encouraging developments have taken place and the political focus on the climate crisis is growing in several countries, with voters and protestors, particularly youth, making it clear that it is their number one issue. In addition, the technologies for rapid and cost-effective emission reductions have improved significantly.

Since 2010, the global weighted average levelized costs of electricity (LCOE) from solar photovoltaic, onshore and offshore wind projects, bioenergy and geothermal, have all reduced and are approaching the lower range of fossil-fuel-fired power generation costs.
Read More..........

Education: Three Webinars on Enhanced Geothermal and Superhot Systems


The GEMex project is organising a series of information webinars on EGS and Superhot Systems.

GEMex is joint Mexican and European project that focuses on resource assessment, reservoir characterization and concept development. The project aims to adapt and further develop methods and technologies at two unconventional geothermal sites in Mexico: Acoculco and Los Humeros. These sites are located in the eastern part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

The Acoculco geothermal field is described as a high-temperature geothermal system. Two wells have been drilled and found temperatures above 300°C at depths below 1800m, but hardly any fluids. Preliminary studies consider Acoculco a candidate for the application of EGS technologies.

Los Humeros geothermal field is currently conventionally exploited with a geothermal power plant in operation since 1990: Temperatures around 380°C were found at depths below 2000m. Los Humeros holds the potential of a superhot resource.

In order to have a EU-MEX joint participation to the webinars they are scheduled
at 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM PST:
Register...........

Monday, November 25, 2019

Germany: Insheim Geothermal Power Plant to Supply Brine for Lithium Extraction Demonstration Plant

Vulcan inks lithium brine supply deal with German giant (FinFeed)


Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pfalzwerke geofuture GmbH, part of the German utility and international energy provider Pfalzwerke Group.

The MoU constitutes an initial collaboration period, during which Pfalzwerke geofuture will supply live brine and well data from its operational geothermal power plant for Vulcan to use in its pre-feasibility study (PFS).

The Insheim plant is currently pumping lithium-rich brine to the surface for energy generation, but not processing and extracting the lithium, before the brine is reinjected into the reservoir. The Insheim plant operates with a thermal water temperature of 165oC, producing a maximum of 4.8 MWe power and 10 MWth thermal energy.

As part of this DFS, Vulcan will construct and implement a demonstration plant at Insheim. Following completion of the DFS, Pfalzwerke geofuture can then choose to co-contribute to the construction of a commercial-scale lithium plant on site, or dilute interest to a royalty on lithium production.

Voting for New Members of the Geothermal Resources Council Board of Directors Ends Saturday

GRC Board 2020-2021 Term of Office - Ballot Ends This Week (News Release)

Each year members of the global GRC community are asked to deliberate and then vote on a finite number of candidates for the GRC Board of Directors. Those with the most votes are then sworn onto the Board starting early the next year.

The GRC 2019 Nominations Committee and GRC Board of Directors have approved 13 candidates for the 2020-2021 term of office:


Members of the GRC can now vote for no more than 4 candidates. All ballots must be "Submitted" and "Confirmed" by 11:55 p.m. on November 30, 2019. All GRC members should have received an invitation to vote online or by mail.

Board of Directors Candidate Statements (PDF).........

USA, Nevada: Governor Recognizes Contribution of Geothermal Energy to Meet Silver State's Climate Goals

Governor Sisolak Signs Executive Order Directing Administration to Collaborate on Achieving Nevada’s Climate Goals (News Release)

Governor Steve Sisolak signed Executive Order 2019-22 (EO) directing his administration, under the leadership of Director Bradley Crowell of the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and Director David Bobzien of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy (GOE), to collaborate with public, private, and tribal partners to help implement and accelerate cutting-edge solutions to advance the State of Nevada’s ambitious climate goals.

The EO directs State of Nevada agencies to identify and evaluate policies and regulatory strategies to achieve the long-term goals of greenhouse gas emissions reductions, as required by Senate Bill 254 and in accordance with Nevada’s commitments as a member of the US Climate Alliance. To help achieve these reduction targets, the administration, led by DCNR and GOE, will coordinate statewide efforts, including the facilitation of agency and stakeholder participation.

"Nevada's abundant solar, geothermal and wind renewable energy resources, along with a skilled and capable workforce, provide jobs and economic opportunities to Nevada families as a pillar of Nevada's leadership in establishing a competitive clean energy and decarbonized economy," the order said. 

New Zealand: Lithium Successfully Extracted from Ohaaki Geothermal Power Station Brine

Taupō company successfully extracts lithium from geothermal fluid (Stuff)

Geo40's commercial demonstration plant at Ohaaki.
A Taupō company has made a breakthrough in extracting near battery-grade lithium from geothermal fluid which its says could be a gamechanger.

Geo40 chief executive John Worth said the earth mineral was highly prized, with battery-grade lithium selling for US$10,000 (NZ$15,600) a tonne.

The commercial demonstration plant at Contact Energy's Ohaaki geothermal power station was originally built to extract silica, a mineral abundant in geothermal brines, but which blocks up pipes, Worth said.

Silica had to be removed before the lithium in geothermal brines could be extracted, he said.

Geo40 has been extracting silica for a some time, but the leap forward to lithium extraction was providing new commercial potential for the firm, he said.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Indonesia: Auction of Three Geothermal Working Areas Extended to December 9

Pemerintah perpanjang lelang tiga Wilayah Kerja Panas Bumi (WKP) - Government extends auction of three Geothermal Working Areas (WKP) (Kontan.co.id)

Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral (ESDM) memperpanjang masa pelelangan tiga wilayah kerja panas bumi (WKP) yakni WKP Lainea, WKP Gunung Willis, dan WKP Gunung Galunggung mulai 13 November lalu hingga 9 Desember mendatang.

Sekadar catatan, salah satu WKP yang dilelang tersebut adalah WKP Lainea di Konawe Selatan, Sulawesi Tenggara dengan luas 15.620 hektar (Ha) dan potensi cadangan panas bumi 66 megawatt electric (MWe).

(From Google Translate) The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) extended the auction period for three geothermal working areas (WKP) namely Lainea WKP, Gunung Willis WKP, and Gunung Galunggung WKP from 13 November to 9 December.

Just for the record, one of the WKPs being auctioned is the Lainea WKP in Konawe Selatan, Southeast Sulawesi with an area of ​​15,620 hectares (Ha) and a potential geothermal reserve of 66 MWe.

Baca lebih lajut.........                   Read More.........

USA, Arizona: 2,250 MW of Coal Burning Capacity Shut Down in Geothermal Rich Region

Navajo Generating Station — the largest coal plant in the West — has shut down (AZ Central)

The Navajo Generating Station coal-fired power plant near Page burned the last of its coal Monday, marking the end of the plant's 45-year run, Salt River Project announced.

The plant was the largest coal plant in the West, and its closure will affect the entire region.

The last bit of usable coal burned Monday and the power plant, which could produce 2,250 megawatts of power at full capacity, sent its last electrons down the transmission lines to Phoenix, Tucson and Las Vegas at about 12:09 p.m.

Friday, November 22, 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.


USA, Washington D.C.: GREEN Act Would Retroactively Extend Production Tax Credit for Geothermal Energy

GRC letter of support of the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act discussion draft

Dear Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady,

On behalf of the geothermal industry we write in support of Section 102 of the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act discussion draft.

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, and strongly supports and applauds your leadership in extending the §45(d) and §48 tax credits for baseload renewable energy technologies. The GREEN Act would retroactively extend the §45(d) production tax credit (PTC) for geothermal energy, which expired at the end of 2017, and extends the §48 investment tax credit (ITC) and provides a 30% ITC for geothermal plants that begin construction by the end of 2024. These 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.

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, pthomsen@ormat.com
Will Pettitt, PhD, GRC Executive Director, wpettitt@mygeoenergy.org

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Iceland: Plans to Re-Inject More CO2 and H2S from Geothermal Power Plants

Plans to double CarbFix reinjection at the Hengill Geothermal Area (Carbfix)

Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant
ON Power, a subsidiary of Reykjavík Energy, has revealed plans to ramp up carbon capture and storage (CCS) operations at their power plants in Iceland. This includes both Hellisheiði and Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plants. The statement followed the announcement that ON Power plans to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 (previously goal was 2040).

In order to achieve this goal, ON Power will 1) double the amount of CO2 and H2S currently reinjected into the subsurface using the CarbFix method at the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, 2) conduct experimental reinjection at the Nesjavellir Geothermal Power Plant and 3) utilise the excess carbon in collaboration with nearby industries. Currently, ON Power re-injects a daily amount of about 33 tons of CO2 where it eventually turn into stone.

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

Indonesia: Initial Environmental Examination of 55 MW Dieng Unit 2 Geothermal Power Project Available

Geothermal Power Generation Project: Dieng Unit 2 Project Component Draft Initial Environmental Examination (ADB)

Environmentally friendly-Farmer working on potato farms around geothermal installation, Dieng Plateau, Central Java. By Raditya Mahendra Yasa. GRC Photo Contest 2013.
Initial Environmental Examinations (IEE) describe the environmental condition of a project, including potential impact, formulation of mitigation measures, and preparation of institutional requirements for environmental monitoring.

This document dated November 2019 is provided for the ADB project 52282-001 in Indonesia. 

P. T. Geodipa Energi (GDE) is a state-owned-enterprise since December 2011 and has requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide financing of additional geothermal generation capacity of 110 MW for Dieng Unit 2 (55 MW) in Wonosobo, Central Java and Patuha Unit 2 (55 MW) in Ciwidey, West Java. GDE owns and manages the existing Unit 1 (55MW) in Dieng and Unit 1 (55MW) in Patuha. 

The Dieng Unit 2 facilities will require the following main components:
  1. A total of six production wells (of which one well is existing);
  2. A total of five new injection wells;
  3. Power plant with an installed capacity of 1 x 55 MW using a combined cycle power plant technology (i.e., back pressure turbine and organic Rankine cycle bottoming for steam and brine);
  4. Steam above ground gathering system (SAGS) consisting of about 9.13 kilometer (km) steam pipelines to connect Unit 2 geothermal power plant to the production wells;
  5. About 5.05 km of injection pipelines to connect Unit 2 to the injection system;
  6. An underground electric transmission line of about 6.9 km to connect Unit 2 to the existing substation in Unit 1; and
  7. Access road of about 1.8 km. 

Thursday, November 21, 2019

United Kingdom: Plans for Enhanced Geothermal System at Eden Project

Digging into Eden Project’s Hot Rocks energy plans (New Civil Engineer)


The aim of the project titled Hot Rocks is to eventually sink two wells, one to provide heat for the project itself and another to provide power.

The engineering work has been overseen by EGS Energy, which has experience on commercial scale geothermal projects in both Cornwall and worldwide. 

EGS operations director Tony Bennett said it was the ideal place to take advantage of the potential for geothermal energy: “One of the big advantages of the Cornish granite is that it contains a certain level of radioactive minerals, which are giving off heat all the time. That means that the heat flow within the Cornish granite is higher than you get elsewhere in the UK.”

The well is drilled over 4km deep where the rock temperature is up to 190oC bid. Water injected down the will be returned to the surface at closer to 175oC.

A key to the technique is that the rock also has fissures within it.

Bennett explains: "The [soil] structure we are targeting has got the right orientation as it's very steeply inclined, we believe it'll comprise fractures .. therefore, will have a lot more pathways that the water will be able to flow through."

The first well will be drilled in a staged approach with a narrowing diameter as it deepens. The final open hole diameter will be 216mm.

If the trials are successful,  the Eden Project could form the bedrock for further geothermal plants in the UK.

South Africa: Discovery of Hotspot Could Lead to Geothermal Energy Development

Geologists uncover geothermal energy potential in South Africa (ESI Africa)

Location of study area and relevant geological features. (Courtesy Authors)
The discovery of gases released from deep beneath the earth’s crust could help to explain Southern Africa’s unusual landscape, a study suggests.

Scientists have long puzzled over why areas such as South Africa’s Highveld region are so elevated and flat, with unexpectedly hot rocks below the surface.

Hotspots are known to generate volcanic activity in Hawaii, Iceland and Yellowstone National Park.

Geologists have revealed that carbon dioxide-rich gases bubbling up through natural springs in South Africa originate from a column of hot, treacle-like material – called a hotspot – located deep inside the earth.

In South Africa, the hotspot pushes the crust upwards, generating the distinctive landscape, which consists mostly of tablelands more than one kilometre above sea level, the researchers say.

This also explains why rocks beneath the region are hotter than expected – a property that could be harnessed to generate geothermal energy.


Noble gases confirm plume-related mantle degassing beneath Southern Africa, by S. M. V. Gilfillan, D. Györe, S. Flude, G. Johnson, C. E. Bond, N. Hicks, R. Lister, D. G. Jones, Y. Kremer, R. S. Haszeldine & F. M. Stuart.  
Nature Communications volume 10, Article number: 5028 (2019)

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

USA: Geothermal Capacity Factor Averages 76% the Highest Among Renewable Energy Technologies

Nearly half of U.S. geothermal power capacity came online in the 1980s (EIA)

Geothermal energy has been used to generate electricity in the United States since the early 1960s. The United States has 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of operating geothermal capacity, about half of which came online in the 1980s. EIA expects three plants with a combined capacity of 115 megawatts (MW) to come online in 2020. Nearly all U.S. geothermal capacity is located in California and Nevada.


Geothermal is similar to other renewables in that it does not consume fuel to generate power, which means relatively low operation and maintenance costs, and it typically has low emissions of criteria pollutants. However, geothermal is different from other renewable technologies because it is not dependent on seasonal factors such as precipitation, wind resources, or exposure to the sun (solar insolation) and it provides a constant source of energy.

As a result, geothermal power plants tend to have high and relatively flat capacity factors throughout the year. Geothermal capacity factors in the United States averaged 76% in 2018, the highest among renewable energy technologies.


Geothermal technology is geographically limited to areas with suitable hydrothermal reserves. The technology also has relatively high capital costs and carries investment risk because of long project lead times and payback periods. In the 1980s, about 100 MW of geothermal capacity was added each year. Since then, geothermal installations have slowed because of geographical limitations, declining wholesale electricity prices, and declining costs for other renewable technologies.

Geothermal sites for power generation typically have high temperatures, relatively shallow depths, and naturally occurring underground hydrothermal reserves in permeable rock. A 2008 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study estimated a total U.S. resource potential of 9 GW of electric power generation from identified hydrothermal sites and up to an additional 30 GW from unidentified hydrothermal sites.

Most of this identified resource potential is in the western part of the United States. About 94% of the current U.S. geothermal generating capacity is in California and Nevada. Five other states—Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah—also have geothermal power plants. The three new geothermal generators expected to come online in 2020 are in California and Nevada.

Currently, 25 states and the District of Columbia include geothermal as an approved resource to meet their Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Since 1980, geothermal power plants have also received the support of a federal 10% investment tax credit (ITC), and they were eligible to receive a $0.023 per kilowatthour production tax credit (PTC) in lieu of the ITC from 2005 to 2017.

Read More.........

Germany: Call to Develop Geothermal District Heating Networks from Deep Resources

Industry associations call for masterplan to boost deep geothermal energy (Clean Energy Wire)


Germany needs a masterplan for deep geothermal energy in order to reap the technology's unused potential to lower CO2 emissions from heating, four industry associations have said in a joint paper.

The 37 deep geothermal plants in operation today produce 1.2 terawatt hours (TWh) of climate neutral heat per year. The Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG), however, estimates that deep geothermal energy - mostly using boreholes that are 2,000 to 3,000 metres deep - has the potential to provide Germany with 100 TWh of heat per year by 2050 – almost 17 percent of the country's expected demand for heating at the time. 

Channeling geothermal energy through the country's district heating network would be a "logical" and efficient path – and could in the future replace coal-fired heating, write the German Association of Local Utilities (VKU), German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE), the German Geothermal Association (BVG) and Energy Efficiency Association for Heating, Cooling and CHP (AGFW). The associations propose that the current framework conditions for geothermal energy should be developed in order to make projects more attractive.

USA, California: Grant Funding Opportunity for R&D on Geothermal Energy and Lithium Co-Production

GFO-19-303 - Geothermal Energy Overcoming Technology Hurdles and Enabling Recovery of the MinerAl Lithium (Geothermal) (California Energy Commission)
The purpose of this solicitation is to fund applied research and development, and technology demonstration and deployment projects that meet the following objectives:
  • Develop and demonstrate technologies, tools, and strategies to improve the productivity and flexibility of existing geothermal facilities;
  • Develop and demonstrate technologies to recover lithium from geothermal brine;
Funded projects will help improve production and flexibility of existing geothermal facilities and demonstrate the economic capture of lithium from geothermal brines. The projects will increase the overall economic value of existing or future geothermal projects through integration of emerging technologies and added value from lithium recovery operations from geothermal brine, which in return will ensure higher penetration of non-intermittent renewable energy in California and provide a range of benefits, including grid stability, reliability, and resiliency. 

Voting for New Members of the Geothermal Resources Council Board of Directors Ends Next Week

GRC Board 2020-2021 Term of Office - Ballot Ends Next Week (News Release)

Each year members of the global GRC community are asked to deliberate and then vote on a finite number of candidates for the GRC Board of Directors. Those with the most votes are then sworn onto the Board starting early the next year.

The GRC 2019 Nominations Committee and GRC Board of Directors have approved 13 candidates for the 2020-2021 term of office.


Members of the GRC can now vote for no more than 4 candidates. All ballots must be "Submitted" and "Confirmed" by 11:55 p.m. on November 30, 2019. All GRC members should have received an invitation to vote online or by mail.

Board of Directors Candidate Statements (PDF).........

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

USA, California: Workshop on Geothermal Energy and Lithium Co-Production

Pre-Application Workshop - GFO-19-303 Geothermal Energy Overcoming Technology Hurdles and Enabling Recovery of the Mineral Lithium (Geothermal) (California Energy Commission)
 
Wednesday, December 4, 2019, 10am - 5pm
California Energy Commission, 1516 9th Street, Sacramento, CA  95814

Energy Commission staff will hold one Pre-Application Workshop to discuss the solicitation with potential applicants. Participation is optional but encouraged. Applicants may attend the workshop in-person, via the internet, or via conference call on the date and at the time and location listed.  

USA, Washington D.C.: GRC Executive Director Represents Geothermal Energy on The Hill

The Growing Role of Renewable Energy in the U.S. Energy Mix (EESI)


(Video 1:29:44 Hours)

Will Pettitt
Executive Director, Geothermal Resources Council (GRC)
View Video | Download Slides
  • Geothermal energy results from the heat generated by Earth; it is converted to electricity or used directly.
  • There is no doubt that geothermal energy will be a huge success in the near future. We will need renewable and clean sources of energy that are always on, no matter the time or the weather—sources like geothermal energy, which supplies energy continuously.
  • One of the benefits and challenges of geothermal is that it is completely hidden from us underground (that means it has a low profile, but it also easily overlooked).
  • Geothermal industry types:
    • Extraction of hydrothermal hot water from deep underground to generate power.
    • Direct use of cooler hydrothermal hot water
    • Geothermal heat pumps that cool or heat individual buildings or houses
    • Enhanced geothermal systems can be used in locations that would not normally be suitable for geothermal energy, but they are still in the research phase
  • California will have 60 percent renewable energy by 2030, and other states will follow.
  • In the United States, California is the largest producer of geothermal energy.
  • Geothermal energy provides a flexible baseload and can provide resilience, reliability, and stability as we transition to renewable energy.
  • Geothermal power production creates quality jobs and contributes to local economies near the resources. For every two megawatts of geothermal development, five quality jobs are created.
  • Geothermal is a facilitator of other, intermittent renewables. The renewable power industries can collaborate for the benefit of everybody.
  • A recent study by the Department of Energy stated that geothermal energy could provide over 60 gigawatts of power, which would be over 10 percent of U.S. electricity demand.
  • The Geothermal Resource Council supports the Geothermal Energy Opportunities (GEO) Act, The Advanced Geothermal Innovation Leadership (AGILE) Act of 2019, and the Enhancing Geothermal Production on Federal Lands Act.
  • Geothermal developers are looking at ways to increase the value of geothermal plants. One way to achieve this is through co-production of minerals. Lithium, for example, is found in geothermal brines, especially in the Imperial Valley in California, and it could potentially be recovered from the brine. The demand for lithium, used in lithium-ion batteries (for smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, energy storage…), is expected to increase significantly over the next 10 years.
  • The geothermal industry is helping build a future where geothermal power and heat can be rolled out across the nation as a critical source of renewable energy.
Download audio file of briefing (MP3)
Archived briefing notice

Science & Technology: Geothermal is "carbon-free, renewable, and efficient"

Tech Breakthrough Could Spark A Geothermal Energy Boom (OilPrice.com)

"Geothermal Drilling", by Vilhjálmur Guðmundsson, Reykjavik, Iceland. Honorable Mention GRC Photo Contest 2019.
Geothermal energy is often billed as one of “the cleanest energy sources” --and with good reason. It’s carbon-free, renewable, and efficient. Even those stoic anti-hyperbolists over at the United States Department of Energy sing its praises, saying, “this vital, clean energy resource supplies renewable power around the clock and emits little or no greenhouse gases -- all while requiring a small environmental footprint to develop.”

Luckily, there has recently been an important breakthrough in the field of geothermal energy exploration and finding those geothermal hotspots (so to speak) thanks to a team of research scientists from the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, based in Potsdam.


From the Global Geothermal News archives........

USA, Washington D.C.: Advanced Geothermal Innovation Leadership Act (AGILE) Advances out of Committee

U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

Business Meeting to Consider Pending Nominations and Legislation


The business meeting was held on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

The purpose of the business meeting was to consider pending nominations and legislation.

Agenda Item 17: S. 2657, a bill to support innovation in advanced geothermal research and development, and for other purposes. (Sen. Murkowski, R-AK)
Passed by voice vote (Sen. Lee recorded as no)

Joint staff amendment in the nature of a substitute

Geothermal Event! Register for Your Expo Booth Now!

Spaces Are Limited, Register For Your Booth Now!


The Geothermal Resources Council is pleased to invite you to exhibit at our annual geothermal energy conference.

The conference will be held from October 18-21, 2020 at the Peppermill Resort Spa & Casino in Reno, Nevada.


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

We look forward to your participation in this exciting event.

Register Now.........

USA, Washington D.C.: Hope for Geothermal Energy in Draft of Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act



This draft legislation is a comprehensive approach to tackling climate change by using the tax code to extend and expand renewable energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

You can click here to read the discussion draft of the GREEN Act and click here to view a section-by-section of the legislation.


Selections pertaining to geothermal from the section by section analysis of the discussion draft:
The production tax credit (PTC) for geothermal energy is revived and extended through the end of 2019. Separately, geothermal is made eligible for a higher investment tax credit under § 48 starting in 2020. See sec. 102 of the discussion draft.
The investment tax credit (ITC) for geothermal energy property is modified to match the credit timeline for solar energy property. Therefore, the ITC for geothermal energy property is 30% through the end of 2024. The ITC then phases down to 26% in 2025, 22% in 2026, and 10% thereafter. Geothermal will not be eligible for the PTC after 2019. See § 101 of this discussion draft.
“The geothermal industry is helping build a future where geothermal power and heat can be rolled out across the nation as a critical source of renewable energy for U.S. households and businesses as we transition to a clean energy future.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) can attest to the vital importance of tax credits to the success of geothermal energy business, and strongly supports and applauds the leadership shown by the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, and Chairman Mike Thompson, in drafting the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act.

The GREEN Act would retroactively extend the Production Tax Credit (PTC) through 2019 for geothermal, which otherwise expired at the end of 2017, and extends the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) at 30% for geothermal plants through the end of 2024. These 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.”

Will Pettitt, PhD, FGS
Executive Director, GRC

Croatia: 16.5 MWe Velika Ciglena Geothermal Plant Officially Unveiled

Croatia’s first geothermal power plant Velika 1 officially unveiled (News Release)

Tomislav Ćorić (left) and Muharrem Balat (right), photo by Maks Petković
Croatia’s first geothermal power plant, the 16.5 MW Velika 1 in Ciglena near Bjelovar, has been officially unveiled in a ceremony attended by Croatian Minister of Environmental Protection and Energy Tomislav Ćorić and Muharrem Balat, Chairman of the Board of Turkey’s MB Holding, which owns the plant. Europe’s biggest binary power plant was built in an investment of HRK 325 million (around EUR 43.7 million).

The Velika 1 geothermal power plant was put into operation in December 2018, and has been operating at full capacity since March 2019, supplying electricity to almost the entire city of Bjelovar. The plant’s core technology was produced by Italy’s Turboden, while domestic suppliers and contractors accounted for over 68% of the total investment, according to the Croatian Renewable Energy Sources (OIEH) association.

Project manager Dragutin Domitrović said that Velika 1 has a power purchase agreement with the Croatian Energy Market Operator (HROTE) for 10 MW of installed capacity, which corresponds to the average consumption of 29,000 Croatian households.

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

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Monday, November 18, 2019

Iceland: The New 600 kW Flúðir Geothermal Power Plant

New small-scale Geothermal Power Plant (EFLA)

From the site of the new power plant at Kópsvatn,
near Flúðir in South part of Iceland. (Courtesy EFLA)
In the south part of Iceland, near Flúðir, a new power plant was commissioned in the beginning of 2019. The power plant is based on binary cycle, that has an organic working fluid in a Rankine cycle. EFLA was the main consultant in the project, with regards to geothermal and mechanical engineering. 

The installed capacity for the power plant is 600 kW in the first phase, and the second phase plans to extend the power plant to 1.2 MW. The electricity is distributed to the local net.

The electricity is generated with four Climeon units. The units are connected in serial and lower the temperature of the geothermal water from 115°C to 80°C. The geothermal water has therefore temperature that is well suited for district heating system.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

USA, Utah: New Video on Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy

A New Future For Geothermal: The Utah FORGE Project (Seequent)

The Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE), is a project designed to test research, new tools, and technology that can be used for developing enhanced geothermal systems.

Croatia: Tender Announced for Geothermal Exploration in Virovitica Area

Croatian AZU Announces Tender for Exploration of Geothermal Waters (Montel Energetika.net)

The Croatian Hydrocarbon Agency (Agencija za ugljikovodike – AZU) has announced a public tender to select the most suitable bidder for the exploration of geothermal waters in the Virovitica 2- exploration area.

The chosen bidder will receive a permit for the extraction of geothermal water for energy purposes, states a press release from AZU.

Read More.........

USA, California: High-Temperature Well Cementing and Integrity Workshop - Register Now!

Registration Now Open for High-Temperature Well Cementing and Integrity Workshop  (News Release)

“Exploring Geothermal and Oil & Gas Synergies”

Join us for the Joint GRC-SPE Workshop

March 30 - April 1, 2020
San Diego, California, USA

The draft agenda, abstract submission, hotel reservations, and more, can be found on our new dedicated website at https://cement.mygeoenergynow.org/

Deadline for submission of abstracts is December 1st, 2019.

Registration is Now Open!

Geothermal wells experience high temperatures at very shallow depths and are required to cement casing across the entire length of each casing string set in the well. Our joint workshop will enable both industries to share their experiences, technologies, technical procedures and best practices on this important aspect of well completion.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) invite you to present your latest technical work in High-Temperature Well Cementing and Integrity at this special joint workshop.

Save $100 by registering before March 1, 2020.
  • GRC or SPE Member: $990
  • Non Member: $1,090
In addition, by booking and staying at the Wyndham San Diego Bay Hotel under the GRC room block, the GRC will refund your workshop registration by $50 per night for up to 3 nights booked/paid. Make your reservation........

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

Canada: Lithium Extraction Pilot Plant Sources Geothermal Brine from Leduc Reservoir in Alberta

E3 Metals to scale up testing with large lithium-enriched brine sample (JW Energy)

(Courtesy E3 Metals)
Calgary-based E3 Metals says it has collected the largest sample to date of lithium-enriched brine from its project in Alberta.

The 20,000-litre sample was collected from the Leduc Formation in what the company calls its Central Clearwater Resource Area.

The work was completed with assistance from a local oil and gas operator with whom E3 Metals has been actively collaborating since 2017, the company says.

E3 says the sample is required to support the continued testing and scale up of its proprietary direct lithium extraction process over the next 12 months.

The company has delineated an inferred resource estimate of 6.7 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent from brine in the Leduc Formation, which now ranks Alberta as having one of the largest lithium resources in the world.

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

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Science & Technology: Direct Thermal Charging Cell for Converting Low-Grade Waste Heat to Usable Electricity


Dr. Tony Shien-Ping Feng of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and his team invented a Direct Thermal Charging Cell (DTCC) which can effectively convert heat to electricity, creating a huge potential to reduce greenhouse effects by capturing exhaust heat and cutting down primary energy wastage.

Low grade heat is abundantly available in industrial processes (80 to 150°C), as well as in the environment, living things, solar-thermal (50 to 60°C) and geothermal energy. 

Dr. Feng said: "Efficient low-grade heat recovery can help to reduce greenhouse gas emission but current technologies to convert this heat to electricity is still far from optimum. DTCC yields a conversion efficiency of over 3.5%, surpassing all existing thermo-electrochemical and thermo-electric systems, which is either too costly or complicated, or too low in efficiency for everyday applications. DTCC is a revolutionary design with great potentials in smart and sustainable energy devices."


More information: Xun Wang et al, Direct thermal charging cell for converting low-grade heat to electricity, Nature Communications (2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12144-2

India: 500 kW Pilot Geothermal Power Project at Puga Hot Springs to Start Next Year

Geothermal project to come up in Ladakh (The Tribune)

A 500 kW geothermal pilot project at Puga hot water springs in Leh district of the Ladakh Union Territory would come up by November end next year.

Nawang Thinless Lonpo, coordinator of the project said Puga hot water springs alone has a potential of generating 80 MW of geothermal energy.

He added that engineers from the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation comprising Peeyush Kumar, Uday Shankar and Ahsan Absar ex-Director, Geological Survey of India, visited Puga hot water springs on Thursday.

The engineers also held a meeting with Gyal P Wangyal, chief executive councillor, LAHDC, and discussed about exploration of geothermal energy from Puga Changthang. The engineers apprised Wangyal that the Government of India has asked the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation to harness geothermal energy from Puga and other potential areas in the Union Territory


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Kenya: Geothermal Development Company Receives GRMF Funding for Baringo-Silali Exploration

GDC gets Sh1.9b funding boost (Standard Digital)

Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has received a boost for its drilling operations after the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF) awarded the government a grant of Sh1.9 billion.

The funds are meant for geothermal exploration in the larger Baringo-Silali block.

Currently, GDC is drilling for geothermal steam at Paka. In August, the company struck a successful first well that confirmed the area as productive.

The entire Baringo-Silali project is estimated to have 3,000 MW of geothermal steam.


From the Global Geothermal News archives: