IRS Clarifies PTC Ruling for Geothermal (Greentech Media)
A newly issued definition from the IRS has removed the last element of uncertainty attached to the extension of the Production Tax Credit (PTC). The PTC is crucial to the wind and geothermal industries.
The IRS definition of "under construction" was necessary because an extension of the credit passed on January 1, 2013 replaced language in the previous tax credit provision that required projects to be in production by the deadline to earn the credit. The new language allows the tax credit to apply to projects that are under construction by its expiration.
According to IRS Notice 2013-29, released on April 15, wind, geothermal, biomass, landfill gas, incremental hydroelectric and ocean energy projects that meet one of two under-construction standards by December 31 of this year will qualify to either get: 1) a tax credit of $0.023 for every kilowatt-hour produced for the first ten years of the project’s life, or 2) an investment tax credit equal to 30 percent of the project’s cost when construction is completed.
To meet the "under construction" qualification, developers must either: 1) show “physical work of a significant nature” has begun on their project, either a) at the site, or b) in a factory to which the developer has given a binding order for specially designed equipment, or 2) show that at least 5 percent of the total project cost has been incurred.
There is no completion deadline for projects that meet the "under construction" standards by December 31.
Geothermal developers had wanted a special ruling allowing their spending and/or efforts at permitting, interconnection contracts, and financing and off-take contracts to apply. Such a provision was not included.
The PTC was already in place for geothermal developers until the end of 2013. They now have until December 31 to get past the costly and time-consuming exploration and pre-development required for a project and to meet the physical work or 5 percent tests.
Read More......
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Djibouti:
Djibouti, World Bank Move Forward on Geothermal Energy Project (Sabahi Online)
Djiboutian Minister of Energy Ali Yacoub Mahamoud met with World Bank officials on Sunday (April 14th) to discuss support for planned geothermal energy exploration in the Assal Rift Valley.
Principal energy economist and project leader for the Djiboutian geothermal project Ilhem Bagdadii-Salamon, World Bank representative in Djibouti Homa-Zahra Fotouhi, director of Djibouti Electricity Djama Ali Guelleh and various other officials also attended the meeting to finalize negotiations over the loan funded by the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA), the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program and the Global Environment Facility.
Read More.....
Principal energy economist and project leader for the Djiboutian geothermal project Ilhem Bagdadii-Salamon, World Bank representative in Djibouti Homa-Zahra Fotouhi, director of Djibouti Electricity Djama Ali Guelleh and various other officials also attended the meeting to finalize negotiations over the loan funded by the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA), the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program and the Global Environment Facility.
Read More.....
Technology:
Geothermal Power: Electricity From Earth’s Untapped Potential (Earth Techling)
Along with hydropower, geothermal power is an old form of renewable energy. The first geothermal power plant developed to generate electricity dates back to 1904, in Italy — though geothermal energy more broadly has been utilized in one way or another even longer. Though firmly established geothermal power doesn’t get the press, nor public mention, nor investment, as newer, flashier forms of renewable energy, such as solar power, wind power, or biofuels.
Nevertheless, geothermal power can, in the right places, be a very important part of a future low-carbon energy mix. Let’s take a look at how geothermal power is tapped to produce electricity, how much is being generated, and how much possibly could be generated with changes in technology currently being explored.
Read More.....
Nevertheless, geothermal power can, in the right places, be a very important part of a future low-carbon energy mix. Let’s take a look at how geothermal power is tapped to produce electricity, how much is being generated, and how much possibly could be generated with changes in technology currently being explored.
Read More.....
Technology:
How to Power the World without Fossil Fuels (Scientific American)
Two weeks ago Mark Jacobson and Mark Delucchi, showed in detail how New York State’s residential, transportation, industrial, and heating and cooling sectors could all be powered by wind, water and sun, or “WWS,” as he calls it.
His mix: 40 percent offshore wind (12,700 turbines), 10 percent onshore wind (4,020 turbines), 10 percent concentrated solar panels (387 power plants), 10 percent photovoltaic cells (828 facilities), 6 percent residential solar (five million rooftops), 12 percent government and commercial solar (500,000 rooftops), 5 percent geothermal (36 plants), 5.5 percent hydroelectric (6.6 large facilities), 1 percent tidal energy (2,600 turbines) and 0.5 percent wave energy (1,910 devices).
A similar study for California is in the works.
His mix: 40 percent offshore wind (12,700 turbines), 10 percent onshore wind (4,020 turbines), 10 percent concentrated solar panels (387 power plants), 10 percent photovoltaic cells (828 facilities), 6 percent residential solar (five million rooftops), 12 percent government and commercial solar (500,000 rooftops), 5 percent geothermal (36 plants), 5.5 percent hydroelectric (6.6 large facilities), 1 percent tidal energy (2,600 turbines) and 0.5 percent wave energy (1,910 devices).
A similar study for California is in the works.
Montserrat:
Montserrat Geothermal Drilling Nears Depth of 1,000 Meters (Caribbean Journal)
Montserrat’s geothermal exploration drilling is approaching a depth of 1,000 meters the government said this week. The project began drilling wells on March 17 on the volcanic island. At that depth, the temperature is estimated to be approximately 150ºC, or 302ºF.
(VIDEO 3:09 Minutes)
In a release, Roger Almond, project manager at the Montserrat Geothermal Project, said the depth is just about half of the ultimate depth of the well.
Once the well reaches its heat reservoir temperature, which can range from 200ºC to 250 ºC, the project will move to a second site for additional exploration.
Montserrat, along with Dominica, is leading the Caribbean charge for geothermal energy. Another island, Nevis, launched a geothermal project several years ago, but it has since stalled.
Montserrat’s geothermal exploration drilling is approaching a depth of 1,000 meters the government said this week. The project began drilling wells on March 17 on the volcanic island. At that depth, the temperature is estimated to be approximately 150ºC, or 302ºF.
(VIDEO 3:09 Minutes)
In a release, Roger Almond, project manager at the Montserrat Geothermal Project, said the depth is just about half of the ultimate depth of the well.
Once the well reaches its heat reservoir temperature, which can range from 200ºC to 250 ºC, the project will move to a second site for additional exploration.
Montserrat, along with Dominica, is leading the Caribbean charge for geothermal energy. Another island, Nevis, launched a geothermal project several years ago, but it has since stalled.
Technology:
Enhanced Geothermal Breaks Through In Nevada (AOL Energy)
Breaking new ground – literally – Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) technology is unlocking heat trapped deep beneath Earth's surface and, for the first time, turning it into electricity on the U.S. grid.
The U.S. Department of Energy said an Ormat Technologies EGS project that it backed with $5.4 million (to go along with $2.6 million in private sector money) had boosted production at a Churchill County, Nevada, USA, geothermal field by 38 percent, pumping 1.7 MWe of new power to the grid.
Traditional geothermal relies on finding a combination of hot rock, water and permeability. The basic outline is to drill a hole, pull up the hot water and steam and use it to turn a turbine to produce electricity. Simple.
Unfortunately for we power-hungry humans, nature doesn't always bring that trio together in a convenient location.
Read More......
Breaking new ground – literally – Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) technology is unlocking heat trapped deep beneath Earth's surface and, for the first time, turning it into electricity on the U.S. grid.
The U.S. Department of Energy said an Ormat Technologies EGS project that it backed with $5.4 million (to go along with $2.6 million in private sector money) had boosted production at a Churchill County, Nevada, USA, geothermal field by 38 percent, pumping 1.7 MWe of new power to the grid.
Traditional geothermal relies on finding a combination of hot rock, water and permeability. The basic outline is to drill a hole, pull up the hot water and steam and use it to turn a turbine to produce electricity. Simple.
Unfortunately for we power-hungry humans, nature doesn't always bring that trio together in a convenient location.
Read More......
USA:
Geothermal Looks to Confront Risk (Greentech Media)
The attraction of geothermal energy is that it is a baseload, emissions-free, renewable energy source -- and the challenge is that finding it and producing it puts capital at risk.
Between March 2012 and February 2013, seven U.S. geothermal projects came on-line. In 2012, U.S.-installed geothermal capacity grew by 147.05 megawatts, a 5 percent growth rate. Though up to twice as many plants could become operational in 2013, compared to the wind industry’s 13 gigawatts in 2012, and the solar industry’s 3 gigawatts, those still are not impressive numbers.
Read More.....
The attraction of geothermal energy is that it is a baseload, emissions-free, renewable energy source -- and the challenge is that finding it and producing it puts capital at risk.
Between March 2012 and February 2013, seven U.S. geothermal projects came on-line. In 2012, U.S.-installed geothermal capacity grew by 147.05 megawatts, a 5 percent growth rate. Though up to twice as many plants could become operational in 2013, compared to the wind industry’s 13 gigawatts in 2012, and the solar industry’s 3 gigawatts, those still are not impressive numbers.
Read More.....
Friday, April 12, 2013
Technology:
Enhanced Geothermal in Nevada: Extracting Heat From the Earth to Generate Sustainable Power (energy.gov)
New infographic explains one of the most innovative applications of enhanced geothermal systems (EGS).
In a small town in northwestern Nevada, America’s first commercial, grid-connected enhanced geothermal system (EGS) is up and running.
The new 1.7 megawatt “Desert Peak 2” EGS installation, harnesses the boundless supply of heat found thousands of feet below the earth’s surface to generate clean, renewable electricity. The project is being led by Ormat Technologies.
While a largely untapped resource, EGS could play a critical role in America’s energy future. Whereas traditional geothermal systems are largely limited to deployment in the western United States, EGS can be deployed all across America – extending geothermal’s overall reach. Geologists estimate EGS can supply more than 100 GW in the U.S. alone -- a 40-fold increase over present geothermal power capacity.
Read More.....
In a small town in northwestern Nevada, America’s first commercial, grid-connected enhanced geothermal system (EGS) is up and running.
The new 1.7 megawatt “Desert Peak 2” EGS installation, harnesses the boundless supply of heat found thousands of feet below the earth’s surface to generate clean, renewable electricity. The project is being led by Ormat Technologies.
While a largely untapped resource, EGS could play a critical role in America’s energy future. Whereas traditional geothermal systems are largely limited to deployment in the western United States, EGS can be deployed all across America – extending geothermal’s overall reach. Geologists estimate EGS can supply more than 100 GW in the U.S. alone -- a 40-fold increase over present geothermal power capacity.
Read More.....
Kenya:
A New Geothermal Plant in Mt Longonot (Video - KTN Kenya)
Kenya Power and Africa Geothermal International Kenya Limited (AGIL) signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) on April 8 for development of a 140 MWe geothermal project in Longonot.
Kenya Power and Africa Geothermal International Kenya Limited (AGIL) signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) on April 8 for development of a 140 MWe geothermal project in Longonot.
The PPA will see AGIL develop, construct, own, operate and maintain the geothermal project with Kenya Power purchasing the generated power.
Technology:
Making Enhanced Geothermal Energy Real (Greentech Media)
The first 1.7 megawatts of tomorrow’s geothermal just went on the grid in Nevada.
Ormat (ORA) has produced 1.7 megawatts of power using enhanced geothermal methods from inside an existing geothermal field, the first power from this source to get on the electric grid.
Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are controversial because drilling into hot rocks deep below the earth’s surface has been associated with earthquake-like seismic tremors in Switzerland and northern California.
Of the 3,385.6 megawatts of 2012 U.S. geothermal installed capacity, which was about 0.33 percent of installed U.S. generation and 3.5 percent of U.S. renewable energy generation, none was from EGS, according to the 2013 Annual U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Report (PDF) from the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association. But EGS technology could cut geothermal costs and eliminate significant development risks, the report said, by allowing developers “to create multiple stimulated geothermal areas from a single well.”
Read More.....
The first 1.7 megawatts of tomorrow’s geothermal just went on the grid in Nevada.
Ormat (ORA) has produced 1.7 megawatts of power using enhanced geothermal methods from inside an existing geothermal field, the first power from this source to get on the electric grid.
Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) are controversial because drilling into hot rocks deep below the earth’s surface has been associated with earthquake-like seismic tremors in Switzerland and northern California.
Of the 3,385.6 megawatts of 2012 U.S. geothermal installed capacity, which was about 0.33 percent of installed U.S. generation and 3.5 percent of U.S. renewable energy generation, none was from EGS, according to the 2013 Annual U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Report (PDF) from the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association. But EGS technology could cut geothermal costs and eliminate significant development risks, the report said, by allowing developers “to create multiple stimulated geothermal areas from a single well.”
Read More.....
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Iceland:
Iceland’s Geothermal Focus (Ag Professional)
Iceland’s political leadership and business investors see the United States using biomass for generating electric energy or producing biofuels as completely contrary to the approach that should be emphasized. They contend using “non-biological sources of renewable power,” such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, ocean movement and industrial byproducts, should be the focus going forward.
Justification for a non-biological energy focus comes from a strong belief that the world’s climate is changing and that land needs to be used for producing food rather than energy. And Iceland-based engineers and researchers have proven that geothermal is a form of energy that can be utilized to displace using biomass and fossil fuels energy.
Read More.....
Iceland’s political leadership and business investors see the United States using biomass for generating electric energy or producing biofuels as completely contrary to the approach that should be emphasized. They contend using “non-biological sources of renewable power,” such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, ocean movement and industrial byproducts, should be the focus going forward.
Justification for a non-biological energy focus comes from a strong belief that the world’s climate is changing and that land needs to be used for producing food rather than energy. And Iceland-based engineers and researchers have proven that geothermal is a form of energy that can be utilized to displace using biomass and fossil fuels energy.
Read More.....
Global:
Geothermal Energy Expected to More Than Double by 2030 (Bloomberg)
Geothermal energy capacity will more than double by 2030 as developing economies including Indonesia, Chile and Kenya take advantage of natural resources, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Global capacity is estimated to reach 28.3 GWe in 62 markets in 2030, compared with 11.4 GWe in 25 markets last year, Mark Taylor, a New Energy Finance analyst, said today at the U.S. and International Geothermal Energy Finance Forum in New York.
“Geothermal is being seen as a development tool now, not just a niche market,” Taylor said. “It can be used as a driver of economic growth.”
Capacity in Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economy, is estimated to more than triple to 5.6 GWe and account for 20 percent of output, becoming the world’s largest market. It ranked third in 2012 at 1.3 GWe.
Chile will increase to 1.9 GWe from none and Kenya to 3.5 GWe from 202 MWe, according to data compiled by London-based New Energy Finance.
Geothermal energy capacity will more than double by 2030 as developing economies including Indonesia, Chile and Kenya take advantage of natural resources, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Global capacity is estimated to reach 28.3 GWe in 62 markets in 2030, compared with 11.4 GWe in 25 markets last year, Mark Taylor, a New Energy Finance analyst, said today at the U.S. and International Geothermal Energy Finance Forum in New York.
“Geothermal is being seen as a development tool now, not just a niche market,” Taylor said. “It can be used as a driver of economic growth.”
Capacity in Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economy, is estimated to more than triple to 5.6 GWe and account for 20 percent of output, becoming the world’s largest market. It ranked third in 2012 at 1.3 GWe.
Chile will increase to 1.9 GWe from none and Kenya to 3.5 GWe from 202 MWe, according to data compiled by London-based New Energy Finance.
USA:
Geothermal Energy is Hot (The Street)
Jonathan Weisgall of MidAmerican Energy Holdings explains where the opportunities lie and which energy companies are implementing the technology to get it. (Video - 4:34 minutes)
Jonathan Weisgall of MidAmerican Energy Holdings explains where the opportunities lie and which energy companies are implementing the technology to get it. (Video - 4:34 minutes)
USA, Colorado:
Aspen to Restart Efforts to Tap Geothermal Energy (Grand Junction Daily Sentinel)
The city of Aspen in Colorado, United States is restarting efforts next week to drill a test well assessing the potential for geothermal energy more than 1,000 feet below the surface.
Aspen officials said Wednesday that they had reached a deal with a drilling company to continue work that started in of 2011. At that time, a contractor drilled to 1,080 feet, but did not reach water.
According to the Aspen Daily News, drillers will attempt to reach 1,500 feet below the ground and will stop if water is not found by that point.
The city of Aspen in Colorado, United States is restarting efforts next week to drill a test well assessing the potential for geothermal energy more than 1,000 feet below the surface.
Aspen officials said Wednesday that they had reached a deal with a drilling company to continue work that started in of 2011. At that time, a contractor drilled to 1,080 feet, but did not reach water.
According to the Aspen Daily News, drillers will attempt to reach 1,500 feet below the ground and will stop if water is not found by that point.
Australia:
Geodynamics gets $22m Tax Refund for Geothermal Research (Adelaide Now)
Hot rocks explorer Geodynamics has received a $22 million tax refund related to geothermal research conducted at its Cooper Basin project.
The Federal Governments R&D Tax Incentive Scheme allows companies with a turnover of less than $20 million to claim a cash refund of 45 cents per dollar spent on eligible research and development in Australia.
Geodynamics' claim relates to costs related to its Cooper Basin Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Project near Innamincka in the state's north for the 2011/2012 financial year.
It started commissioning its long-delayed geothermal energy pilot plant near Innamincka in the state's north earlier this week.
The 1 MWe Habanero pilot plant, which will be used to power the company's onsite facilities.
 |
| (Courtesy Geodynamics) |
The Federal Governments R&D Tax Incentive Scheme allows companies with a turnover of less than $20 million to claim a cash refund of 45 cents per dollar spent on eligible research and development in Australia.
Geodynamics' claim relates to costs related to its Cooper Basin Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Project near Innamincka in the state's north for the 2011/2012 financial year.
It started commissioning its long-delayed geothermal energy pilot plant near Innamincka in the state's north earlier this week.
The 1 MWe Habanero pilot plant, which will be used to power the company's onsite facilities.
USA, Idaho:
New Geothermal Project Planned in South Idaho (ThinkGeoEnergy)
In a special meeting with the local Board of Commissions of Cassia County in Burley, Idaho (PDF), a group of investors described their work on a geothermal project in the county.
The group included AMG National Trust Bank and Walker Ranch Energy, LLC. The group has appointed a project manager that will oversee the local work. Around 26,000 acres of geothermal property have been acquired or leased and it is estimated that the power generation potential from the resources is around 300 MWe.
The company has done around two thirds of the 3D analysis of the resources and aims now to connect with partners and local government. The project site is north of the U.S. Geothermal Raft River geothermal project site in Idaho. The company plans to extend its work from there, but has also acquired acreage to the northeast. They also plan to explore 15,000 acres of BLM land north and south of Raft River.
The group is currently drilling core test holes on leased private land. Permitting and siting has been done and eight drilling sites have been identified.
The group included AMG National Trust Bank and Walker Ranch Energy, LLC. The group has appointed a project manager that will oversee the local work. Around 26,000 acres of geothermal property have been acquired or leased and it is estimated that the power generation potential from the resources is around 300 MWe.
The company has done around two thirds of the 3D analysis of the resources and aims now to connect with partners and local government. The project site is north of the U.S. Geothermal Raft River geothermal project site in Idaho. The company plans to extend its work from there, but has also acquired acreage to the northeast. They also plan to explore 15,000 acres of BLM land north and south of Raft River.
The group is currently drilling core test holes on leased private land. Permitting and siting has been done and eight drilling sites have been identified.
Indonesia:
Indonesia Announces New Feed-in-Tariffs for Geothermal (ThinkGeoEnergy)
The Indonesian government has adapted the feed-in-tariff for power generated from geothermal resources.
The prices are now structured in four categories, smaller than 10 MW, 10 MW-20 MW, 20 MW to 55 MW and more than 55 MW. There is also a distinction between high temperature (more than 225 degrees Celsius) and low/ medium temperature “less than 225 degrees Celsius).
The Indonesian government has adapted the feed-in-tariff for power generated from geothermal resources.
The prices are now structured in four categories, smaller than 10 MW, 10 MW-20 MW, 20 MW to 55 MW and more than 55 MW. There is also a distinction between high temperature (more than 225 degrees Celsius) and low/ medium temperature “less than 225 degrees Celsius).
Philippines:
Philippines/Dutch Consortium to Build 20 MWe Geothermal Plant on Mindoro Island (Yahoo! News - Philippines)
Local and foreign firms led by Constellation Energy Corp. (CEC) and Emerging Power Resource Holdings Inc. (EPRHI) are building a 20 MWe geothermal power project in Barangay Montelago, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro to make the island less dependent on diesel-powered energy.
Constellation Energy Corp. Chairman Leviste said the project is in full swing with their Dutch partners and experts are already completing the Controlled Source Magnetotelluric Survey and have government endorsement of the early commissioning of the project.
CEC is developing the Montelago project under a Geothermal Renewable Energy Service Contract granted by the Department of Energy and will initially build a 20 MWe power plant on-site. The geothermal field, according to the initial survey, has potential for as much as 70 MWe.
Read More.....
Constellation Energy Corp. Chairman Leviste said the project is in full swing with their Dutch partners and experts are already completing the Controlled Source Magnetotelluric Survey and have government endorsement of the early commissioning of the project.
CEC is developing the Montelago project under a Geothermal Renewable Energy Service Contract granted by the Department of Energy and will initially build a 20 MWe power plant on-site. The geothermal field, according to the initial survey, has potential for as much as 70 MWe.
Read More.....
USA:
The Next Challenge for Geothermal: Turning the Corner Towards Private Investment (RenewableEnergyWorld.com)
Early this year, the U.S. geothermal industry caught a rare win with the passage of a PTC provision that allows projects to qualify for the tax credit as long as they are "under construction" by the end of the year. Many had been hopeful that the provision would help kickstart geothermal development in the U.S. Today, however the industry is still waiting for a clear definition of what "under construction" means, which is making it difficult for investors to feel confident enough to pull the trigger on new projects.
While the U.S. industry waits for projects to start moving at home, many are moving their interests to emerging market development and clean energy exports, especially in booming geothermal markets like East Africa and Southeast Asia, according to Karl Gawell, executive director of the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association. "Most people in the energy business know that you don’t work in isolation. You may be based here in America, but you are also selling equipment and operations on the worldwide market."
Read More.....
Early this year, the U.S. geothermal industry caught a rare win with the passage of a PTC provision that allows projects to qualify for the tax credit as long as they are "under construction" by the end of the year. Many had been hopeful that the provision would help kickstart geothermal development in the U.S. Today, however the industry is still waiting for a clear definition of what "under construction" means, which is making it difficult for investors to feel confident enough to pull the trigger on new projects.
While the U.S. industry waits for projects to start moving at home, many are moving their interests to emerging market development and clean energy exports, especially in booming geothermal markets like East Africa and Southeast Asia, according to Karl Gawell, executive director of the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association. "Most people in the energy business know that you don’t work in isolation. You may be based here in America, but you are also selling equipment and operations on the worldwide market."
Read More.....
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Global:
37th GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo - Update
September 29-October 2, 2013
MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- 2013 GRC Annual Meeting Call For Papers - Deadline: May 3, 2013
- Discounted room rates at the MGM Grand. Offer Expires May 31, 2013
- Sponsorships Available For 2013 GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Expo
- Now Accepting GRC Awards Nominations - Deadline: June 28, 2013
- The GRC Photo Contest Is Back! - Deadline: August 31, 2013
- Reserve Your Booth At The GEA Geothermal Energy Expo
USA:
Obama Budget Would Increase U.S. Clean-Energy Spending (Scientific American)
Obama's budget plan for fiscal 2014, which begins October 1, would boost clean-tech spending by 40 percent over current levels, marking one of the largest increases in a blueprint that otherwise would cut spending in a wide range of other programs, from environmental protection to retirement benefits.
The budget provides $615 million to increase the use and decrease the costs of clean power from solar, wind, geothermal, and water energy.
In an effort to make renewable energy as affordable as conventional energy sources, the administration would spend 29 percent more than it currently does to integrate those types of energy into the national electric grid.
Read More.....
Obama's budget plan for fiscal 2014, which begins October 1, would boost clean-tech spending by 40 percent over current levels, marking one of the largest increases in a blueprint that otherwise would cut spending in a wide range of other programs, from environmental protection to retirement benefits.
The budget provides $615 million to increase the use and decrease the costs of clean power from solar, wind, geothermal, and water energy.
In an effort to make renewable energy as affordable as conventional energy sources, the administration would spend 29 percent more than it currently does to integrate those types of energy into the national electric grid.
Read More.....
Australia:
Hot Rock Joins Geothermal Survey Project (iT News)
Geothermal explorer Hot Rock Ltd has become the third firm to join a NICTA (National ICT Australia) analytics project that hopes to identify underground energy sources without drilling.
The project was conceived in mid-2011 and kicked off last year with a total of $5 million in funding, including $1.9 million from the Federal Government.
To date, NICTA has delivered a continent-wide data portal, standard data format and sophisticated 3D visualisation software.
The second portion of the project, which commenced this year, will see NICTA use the compiled data to generate models and test them against real-world results from the Cooper Basin, between South Australia and Queensland.
Read More.....
 |
| Visualisation of the Australian National Gravity Database 0.5 Minute Onshore Gravity Grid 2008. It represents spherical cap Bouguer gravity anomalies of continental Australia and uses the Australian Absolute Gravity Datum. (Courtesy NICTA) |
The project was conceived in mid-2011 and kicked off last year with a total of $5 million in funding, including $1.9 million from the Federal Government.
To date, NICTA has delivered a continent-wide data portal, standard data format and sophisticated 3D visualisation software.
The second portion of the project, which commenced this year, will see NICTA use the compiled data to generate models and test them against real-world results from the Cooper Basin, between South Australia and Queensland.
Read More.....
USA, Nevada:
Ormat Achieves EGS Enhancement at Brady Geothermal Plant (News Release - Sacramento Bee)
DOE, Ormat and GeothermEx Collaboration Produces Electricity Using In-field EGS - First U.S. EGS Project to be Connected to the Electricity Grid.
Ormat Technologies, Inc., the U.S. Department of Energy and GeothermEx successfully produced 1.7 additional megawatts from an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) project inside an existing wellfield in the U.S.
This is the first EGS project to be connected to the electricity grid. Using innovative subsurface technologies, research and development teams stimulated an existing sub-commercial injection well resulting in a 38 percent increase in power output from brine at Ormat's Desert Peak 2 geothermal power plant in the Brady complex, Churchill County, Nevada, USA.
Support for the project included $5.4 million in direct DOE funding, $2.6 in million investment from Ormat, and more than four years of collaborative work with partners including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey, Sandia National Laboratory, University of Utah EGI, Temple University and TerraTek.
Read More.....
DOE, Ormat and GeothermEx Collaboration Produces Electricity Using In-field EGS - First U.S. EGS Project to be Connected to the Electricity Grid.
 |
| Ormat's Desert Peak 2 geothermal power plant (Courtesy Ormat) |
This is the first EGS project to be connected to the electricity grid. Using innovative subsurface technologies, research and development teams stimulated an existing sub-commercial injection well resulting in a 38 percent increase in power output from brine at Ormat's Desert Peak 2 geothermal power plant in the Brady complex, Churchill County, Nevada, USA.
Support for the project included $5.4 million in direct DOE funding, $2.6 in million investment from Ormat, and more than four years of collaborative work with partners including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, U.S. Geological Survey, Sandia National Laboratory, University of Utah EGI, Temple University and TerraTek.
Read More.....
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Solomon Islands:
Geothermal Resource on Savo Island Could Generate 37 MWe Over 30 years (News Release - PDF)
Geodynamics Limited and its joint venture partner Kentor Energy Pty Ltd, have announced that initial exploration studies have confirmed the presence of a high quality geothermal exploration prospect at their Savo Island Project in the Solomon Islands.
A magneto telluric geophysical survey (MT survey) covering 77 sites on the island has been completed and the results analysed to produce a 3D conceptual model and Initial Inferred Geothermal Resource Assessment of Savo Island.
The independent resource assessment estimates a total median Inferred Geothermal Resource of 269 PJth within the prospecting license boundary. Using the P50 estimate the report concludes that Savo Island has a sufficient Recoverable Thermal Energy that if recovered and converted would be adequate to generate 37 MWe for 30 years.
Read More......
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| Project Site (Courtesy Geodynamics Limited) |
A magneto telluric geophysical survey (MT survey) covering 77 sites on the island has been completed and the results analysed to produce a 3D conceptual model and Initial Inferred Geothermal Resource Assessment of Savo Island.
The independent resource assessment estimates a total median Inferred Geothermal Resource of 269 PJth within the prospecting license boundary. Using the P50 estimate the report concludes that Savo Island has a sufficient Recoverable Thermal Energy that if recovered and converted would be adequate to generate 37 MWe for 30 years.
Read More......
Global:
Top 10 Most Interesting Geothermal Areas in the World (Smashinglists)
Addicted to that “beginning of time” feeling? Can’t get enough of sulfur’s rotten-egg smell? What follows is a list of areas around the world where you can still experience primordial earth goo by morning and be relaxing in a hot spring the same day.
Addicted to that “beginning of time” feeling? Can’t get enough of sulfur’s rotten-egg smell? What follows is a list of areas around the world where you can still experience primordial earth goo by morning and be relaxing in a hot spring the same day.
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| Beppu, Japan (Courtesy Smashinglists) |
USA, California:
Calpine Bids to Provide Power to Sonoma County (Santa Rosa Press Democrat)
Ten companies and one nonprofit agency are competing for an initial contract to provide electricity to Sonoma County homes and businesses through the county's proposed public power agency.
The bids are for a contract of at least three years with an estimated worth of about $340 million, according to county officials. The program seeks to displace PG&E as the area's dominant electricity supplier, a move that supporters say would boost support for renewable energy and spur investment in local power projects.
The responses, received Friday, came mostly from large national and multinational energy suppliers, including Calpine Corp., the Houston-based operator of The Geysers, already the source of about a quarter of California's renewable energy and set for a $700 million, 100 MWe expansion. Last year, officials said the first of two new plants could start production in 2014 if they could land contracts for the energy.
The county is looking for up to 355 MWe, enough for about 220,000 metered residential and commercial customers, or about 80 percent of those served by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in the county.
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The bids are for a contract of at least three years with an estimated worth of about $340 million, according to county officials. The program seeks to displace PG&E as the area's dominant electricity supplier, a move that supporters say would boost support for renewable energy and spur investment in local power projects.
The responses, received Friday, came mostly from large national and multinational energy suppliers, including Calpine Corp., the Houston-based operator of The Geysers, already the source of about a quarter of California's renewable energy and set for a $700 million, 100 MWe expansion. Last year, officials said the first of two new plants could start production in 2014 if they could land contracts for the energy.
The county is looking for up to 355 MWe, enough for about 220,000 metered residential and commercial customers, or about 80 percent of those served by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in the county.
Read More.....
Philippines:
EDC Ordered to Submit Rehab Plan for Leyte Field (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
The Philippines Department of Energy has asked Energy Development Corp., the country’s largest geothermal producer, to submit a “holistic” rehabilitation plan for the Upper Mahiao field in Leyte to prevent the occurrence of a landslide, similar to what happened last month.
An energy official explained that EDC has to first complete the assessment of the hazard-prone areas before it can come up with a rehabilitation plan so that the approach that will be taken will be “holistic and will include prevention of similar or related accidents.”
At present, EDC’s operations at the Upper Mahiao geothermal field in Leyte remain suspended, following the landslide that claimed 14 lives and left eight workers injured last month.
The Upper Mahiao geothermal field is part of EDC’s Leyte Geothermal Production Field, which is the world’s largest wet steamfield. The field also includes the Tongonan 1, Malitbog, Mahanagdong and Leyte optimization steam fields.
Read More......
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| Leyte Geothermal Production Field (Courtesy EDC) |
The Philippines Department of Energy has asked Energy Development Corp., the country’s largest geothermal producer, to submit a “holistic” rehabilitation plan for the Upper Mahiao field in Leyte to prevent the occurrence of a landslide, similar to what happened last month.
An energy official explained that EDC has to first complete the assessment of the hazard-prone areas before it can come up with a rehabilitation plan so that the approach that will be taken will be “holistic and will include prevention of similar or related accidents.”
At present, EDC’s operations at the Upper Mahiao geothermal field in Leyte remain suspended, following the landslide that claimed 14 lives and left eight workers injured last month.
The Upper Mahiao geothermal field is part of EDC’s Leyte Geothermal Production Field, which is the world’s largest wet steamfield. The field also includes the Tongonan 1, Malitbog, Mahanagdong and Leyte optimization steam fields.
Read More......
Japan:
Japan Considering 21 Geothermal Plans after Fukushima (Bloomberg)
Japan is considering at least 21 geothermal projects as it searches for alternative energy sources after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Incentives for clean energy, including above-market rates for power derived from underground sources regardless of plant size, are encouraging the projects, Shinichiro Fukushima, an official in charge of geothermal energy at the ministry, said at a briefing in Tokyo today. The 21 possible projects include seven where small-sized binary turbines may be used, he said.
Before Fukushima and the beginning of the incentive program in July, Japan’s geothermal power development was mainly comprised of large-scale projects concentrated in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions in northern Japan as well as the southern island of Kyushu, Fukushima said.
“Even very small projects are now worth the cost with the introduction of feed-in tariffs,” he said.
Japan has 17 geothermal plants currently in operation with a total capacity of 520 MWe, according to the ministry. The 21 projects now under consideration are at different stages of research, Fukushima said.
Officials are conducting studies to determine the capacity for the projects, according to the ministry.
The feed-in tariff for geothermal is 27.3 yen per kilowatt hour for plants with capacity of 15,000 kilowatts or larger, and 42 yen for smaller plants, both for 15 years.
Incentives for clean energy, including above-market rates for power derived from underground sources regardless of plant size, are encouraging the projects, Shinichiro Fukushima, an official in charge of geothermal energy at the ministry, said at a briefing in Tokyo today. The 21 possible projects include seven where small-sized binary turbines may be used, he said.
Before Fukushima and the beginning of the incentive program in July, Japan’s geothermal power development was mainly comprised of large-scale projects concentrated in the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions in northern Japan as well as the southern island of Kyushu, Fukushima said.
“Even very small projects are now worth the cost with the introduction of feed-in tariffs,” he said.
Japan has 17 geothermal plants currently in operation with a total capacity of 520 MWe, according to the ministry. The 21 projects now under consideration are at different stages of research, Fukushima said.
Officials are conducting studies to determine the capacity for the projects, according to the ministry.
The feed-in tariff for geothermal is 27.3 yen per kilowatt hour for plants with capacity of 15,000 kilowatts or larger, and 42 yen for smaller plants, both for 15 years.
Kenya:
Piping Work on Olkaria to Finish by March 2014 (The Star)
The Chinese firm undertaking the piping work on the 280 MWe geothermal plant in Olkaria has said it will complete the work next year. Sinopec International Petroleum Company won the Sh11.6 billion contract to pipe steam from all the steam wells to the geothermal plant located at Olkaria.
“We expect the piping work on the entire 280 MWe project to be complete by early March, 2014," said Sinopec International deputy director Huang Guo.
The project, will build four additional geothermal power stations with a capacity of 70 MWe each at two powerplants, Olkaria I and Olkaria IV.
Construction work and piping system installation covers over 40 kilometres and includes various pipe sizes which range up to 42 inches in diameter. Wells for producing steam for the project which are funded buy the Kenyan government have already been successfully drilled. There are 57 wells with a steam harvest able to generate 380 MWe.
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“We expect the piping work on the entire 280 MWe project to be complete by early March, 2014," said Sinopec International deputy director Huang Guo.
The project, will build four additional geothermal power stations with a capacity of 70 MWe each at two powerplants, Olkaria I and Olkaria IV.
Construction work and piping system installation covers over 40 kilometres and includes various pipe sizes which range up to 42 inches in diameter. Wells for producing steam for the project which are funded buy the Kenyan government have already been successfully drilled. There are 57 wells with a steam harvest able to generate 380 MWe.
Read More......
Monday, April 8, 2013
Iceland:
Back to Basics Video: What Is Geothermal Energy Anyway? (RenewableEnergyWorld.com)
A tiny country in the North Atlantic Ocean has perfected the art of geothermal discovery, drilling and utilization. Iceland currently derives 25 percent of its electrical power from geothermal energy and the resource also provides more than 90 percent of the country’s heat and hot water. Reykjavik Energy, the utility that provides this baseload renewable energy to Icelanders has put together a fantastically informative video that details how geothermal energy is created. It also shows what other areas of the world have the potential to use geothermal energy to provide heat and power to its inhabitants.
A tiny country in the North Atlantic Ocean has perfected the art of geothermal discovery, drilling and utilization. Iceland currently derives 25 percent of its electrical power from geothermal energy and the resource also provides more than 90 percent of the country’s heat and hot water. Reykjavik Energy, the utility that provides this baseload renewable energy to Icelanders has put together a fantastically informative video that details how geothermal energy is created. It also shows what other areas of the world have the potential to use geothermal energy to provide heat and power to its inhabitants.
USA, Wyoming:
Yellowstone's Hotspot Theory Heats Up (ABC Science)
A new study may have finally resolved debate on how America's famous Yellowstone supervolcano was formed.
The research conducted by scientists including Professor Ross Griffiths of the Australian National University, shows features associated with Yellowstone were caused by a volcanic hot spot affected by a subduction zone.
Reporting in the journal Nature Geoscience, they suggest a mantle plume originated to the northeast of Yellowstone, and is being sucked southwest into the subduction zone caused by the Pacific plate.
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| Yellowstone has some of the highest heat flow measurements in the USA (Courtesy SMU) |
The research conducted by scientists including Professor Ross Griffiths of the Australian National University, shows features associated with Yellowstone were caused by a volcanic hot spot affected by a subduction zone.
Reporting in the journal Nature Geoscience, they suggest a mantle plume originated to the northeast of Yellowstone, and is being sucked southwest into the subduction zone caused by the Pacific plate.
Read More.....
Australia:
Two Asian Groups Approach to Invest in Panax (theindonesiatoday.com)
Panax Geothermal Limited is to be renamed Raya Group Limited
Panax Geothermal Limited, an Australian company with geothermal projects in Indonesia, claims it has been approached by two ‘Asian Groups’ to invest in the company, while Panax will change its name to Raya Group Limited.
“Whilst initial contact has been quite informal, it has highlighted the significance of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Approval to continuing discussions, as project funding would need to be linked to confirmed revenue streams from these assets,” Panax said on its recent filing on Australia Securities Exchange (ASX).
Without disclosing the identities of the Groups, one of them is said to have completed significant due diligence on the portfolio of projects, at their own expense.
While the approach has been made, Panax is still monitoring the status and continuing process of PPA approval, specifically for the Sokoria and Dairi Prima Projects. Documentation is still progressing through the execution stage with the relevant Indonesian government authorities.
Additionally, the Extraordinary General Meeting held last week has approved to change the name of Panax Geothermal Limited to Raya Group Limited. According to the cmpany "Raya is a very well-known word and term in Indonesia, and this was also part of the logic behind it." "Indonesia Raya" is the national anthem of the Republic of Indonesia.
Read More.....
Panax Geothermal Limited is to be renamed Raya Group Limited
“Whilst initial contact has been quite informal, it has highlighted the significance of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Approval to continuing discussions, as project funding would need to be linked to confirmed revenue streams from these assets,” Panax said on its recent filing on Australia Securities Exchange (ASX).
Without disclosing the identities of the Groups, one of them is said to have completed significant due diligence on the portfolio of projects, at their own expense.
While the approach has been made, Panax is still monitoring the status and continuing process of PPA approval, specifically for the Sokoria and Dairi Prima Projects. Documentation is still progressing through the execution stage with the relevant Indonesian government authorities.
Additionally, the Extraordinary General Meeting held last week has approved to change the name of Panax Geothermal Limited to Raya Group Limited. According to the cmpany "Raya is a very well-known word and term in Indonesia, and this was also part of the logic behind it." "Indonesia Raya" is the national anthem of the Republic of Indonesia.
Read More.....
Slovakia:
A Second Geothermal Power Plant Planned in Slovakia (The Slovak Spectator)
Eastern Slovakia is rich in geothermal energy, which makes it suitable for construction of geothermal power stations.
There are now two projects in the pipeline designed to harness this renewable energy source. Following the intention to start a project by natural gas utility Slovensky Plynarensky Priemysel (SPP), Geocom Invest of Košice now wants to build a geothermal power station in the same region.
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| Location of Košice in Slovakia |
There are now two projects in the pipeline designed to harness this renewable energy source. Following the intention to start a project by natural gas utility Slovensky Plynarensky Priemysel (SPP), Geocom Invest of Košice now wants to build a geothermal power station in the same region.
United Kingdom:
Under pressure - UK Deep Geothermal Industry Faces Uncertain Future (Business Green)
When the UK government pulled a multi-million pound grant from Geothermal Engineering Ltd last week, it seemed as if the final nail had been banged into the coffin for the UK's first commercial hot rocks scheme.
The £50m United Downs project was expected to supply 10 MWe of electricity to the grid and 50 MW of renewable heat for local homes and businesses. It could also have helped trigger further private investment in the fledgling industry, which according to estimates could meet one-fifth of the UK's electricity demand, while also providing over 100 GW of heat.
The project had been been granted £6m of funding from the Regional Growth Fund, but the government last week axed the funding because the company failed to secure the necessary additional investment to meet the terms of the grant.
Read More.....
When the UK government pulled a multi-million pound grant from Geothermal Engineering Ltd last week, it seemed as if the final nail had been banged into the coffin for the UK's first commercial hot rocks scheme.
The £50m United Downs project was expected to supply 10 MWe of electricity to the grid and 50 MW of renewable heat for local homes and businesses. It could also have helped trigger further private investment in the fledgling industry, which according to estimates could meet one-fifth of the UK's electricity demand, while also providing over 100 GW of heat.
The project had been been granted £6m of funding from the Regional Growth Fund, but the government last week axed the funding because the company failed to secure the necessary additional investment to meet the terms of the grant.
Read More.....
Philippines:
BacMan’s Unit 1 Resumes Operations (Inquirer.net)
Energy Development Corp. (EDC), has resumed the operations of the 55 MWe Unit 1 of the Bacon-Manito geothermal plants in Albay and Sorsogon.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Monday, EDC said its subsidiary, BacMan Geothermal Inc., had started running Unit 1 on March 27 and was able to ramp up power generation to 55 MWe on Monday (April 8).
BacMan Geothermal, however, intends to shut down Unit 1 again after 30 days of operation to inspect and assess the power facility’s condition.
“Based on the findings of such inspection, BacMan Geothermal will decide whether or not any restrictions to the future operation of Unit 1 will be necessary. The review will also determine the needed time intervals between future inspections of Unit 1,” EDC explained.
EDC resumed the commercial operations of the BacMan facilities on Feb. 25 this year, generating a total of 110 MWe then. Only the BacMan I facility—which has two 55-MWe power units both commissioned in 1993—had been fully rehabilitated. The BacMan II facility, which has one remaining unit with a capacity of 20 MWe unit, has yet to be put online.
Days after it resumed operations, EDC had to shut down the geothermal plants, after a turbine blade at the Unit 2 was sheared off. Unit 1 was similarly shut down even if it did not experience similar problems.
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| Bacon-Manito geothermal plant (Courtesy EDC) |
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Monday, EDC said its subsidiary, BacMan Geothermal Inc., had started running Unit 1 on March 27 and was able to ramp up power generation to 55 MWe on Monday (April 8).
BacMan Geothermal, however, intends to shut down Unit 1 again after 30 days of operation to inspect and assess the power facility’s condition.
“Based on the findings of such inspection, BacMan Geothermal will decide whether or not any restrictions to the future operation of Unit 1 will be necessary. The review will also determine the needed time intervals between future inspections of Unit 1,” EDC explained.
EDC resumed the commercial operations of the BacMan facilities on Feb. 25 this year, generating a total of 110 MWe then. Only the BacMan I facility—which has two 55-MWe power units both commissioned in 1993—had been fully rehabilitated. The BacMan II facility, which has one remaining unit with a capacity of 20 MWe unit, has yet to be put online.
Days after it resumed operations, EDC had to shut down the geothermal plants, after a turbine blade at the Unit 2 was sheared off. Unit 1 was similarly shut down even if it did not experience similar problems.
Read More.....
Global:
The Geothermal Resources Council Announces 2013 Amateur Photo Contest (Renewable Energy World)
The 34th Amateur Photo Contest winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, 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 Member Meeting and Awards Luncheon, the climax to the 37th GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo being held at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA from September 29 –October 2. The theme for this year’s meeting is “A Global Resource, from Larderello to Las Vegas".
The first place winner will receive $150, second place - $100, and third place - $75. Honorable Mention photos will receive certificates.
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The 34th Amateur Photo Contest winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
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| Expansion Pipe-work ~ 1st Place in 2012, Alan Ofsoski Mighty River Power, Rotorua, New Zealand |
The winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Member Meeting and Awards Luncheon, the climax to the 37th GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo being held at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA from September 29 –October 2. The theme for this year’s meeting is “A Global Resource, from Larderello to Las Vegas".
The first place winner will receive $150, second place - $100, and third place - $75. Honorable Mention photos will receive certificates.
Read More.....
Kenya:
Kenya Power Agrees PPA with Longonot Geothermal Developer (Citizen News)
Kenya Power and Africa Geothermal International Kenya Limited (AGIL) have today signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for development of a 140 MWe geothermal project in Longonot.
The PPA will see AGIL develop, construct, own, operate and maintain the geothermal project with Kenya Power purchasing the generated power.
The PPA - which has a 25 year term - will start after the power plant’s commercial operation date scheduled for 2018.
Project development and construction will be carried out in the interim period.
The Longonot Geothermal Project is located directly adjacent to the Olkaria geothermal complex. AGIL has performed all of the surface exploration and development activities to ready the project for drilling expected to commence in early 2014.
Read More......
Kenya Power and Africa Geothermal International Kenya Limited (AGIL) have today signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for development of a 140 MWe geothermal project in Longonot.
The PPA will see AGIL develop, construct, own, operate and maintain the geothermal project with Kenya Power purchasing the generated power.
The PPA - which has a 25 year term - will start after the power plant’s commercial operation date scheduled for 2018.
Project development and construction will be carried out in the interim period.
The Longonot Geothermal Project is located directly adjacent to the Olkaria geothermal complex. AGIL has performed all of the surface exploration and development activities to ready the project for drilling expected to commence in early 2014.
Read More......
Friday, April 5, 2013
USA, California:
Resource Assessment & Optimization Workshop and Tour to The Geysers Geothermal Field
Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront
Sacramento, California, USA
June 10-12, 2013
Price per person:
Sponsor the Workshop (PDF) Workshop Flyer (PDF)
GRC has secured a discounted room rate of $139 (plus room tax and fees) for workshop attendees at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront. Hotel stay includes full breakfast buffet from 6:30am - 9:30am and "Manager's Reception" from 5:30pm - 7:30pm everyday. Reserve your hotel room using the group code: "GRC" or call (800) 498-5237 and ask for the GRC/Geothermal Resources Council discount rate. Don't delay, discounted room rate expires May 19, 2013.
Hotel room reservation
Sacramento, California, USA
June 10-12, 2013
Price per person:
- GRC Member: $375
- Non-member: $425
- Students (academic identification required): $50
- Optional Field Trip to The Geysers: $75
Sponsor the Workshop (PDF) Workshop Flyer (PDF)
GRC has secured a discounted room rate of $139 (plus room tax and fees) for workshop attendees at the Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront. Hotel stay includes full breakfast buffet from 6:30am - 9:30am and "Manager's Reception" from 5:30pm - 7:30pm everyday. Reserve your hotel room using the group code: "GRC" or call (800) 498-5237 and ask for the GRC/Geothermal Resources Council discount rate. Don't delay, discounted room rate expires May 19, 2013.
Hotel room reservation
USA, California:
Outlook for Coso Geothermal Power Holdings Remains a Concern (Yahoo! Finance)
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the rating on Coso Geothermal Power Holdings LLC's (CGP) $629 million ($492 million outstanding) pass-through certificates due 2026 at 'CC'. The ratings affirmation reflects the continued expectation that default is probable, as operating cash flows and reserve funds will be insufficient to meet long-term financial obligations.
Coso has been unable to reverse a steady decline in geothermal resource output, and reduced cash flow was insufficient to meet the debt portion of the most recent lease rent payment in January 2013. Approximately $33.6 million of operating cash flow went toward the $43.4 million January payment and the $9.7 million shortfall was drawn from the letter of credit-funded senior rent reserve.
Read More.....
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the rating on Coso Geothermal Power Holdings LLC's (CGP) $629 million ($492 million outstanding) pass-through certificates due 2026 at 'CC'. The ratings affirmation reflects the continued expectation that default is probable, as operating cash flows and reserve funds will be insufficient to meet long-term financial obligations.
Coso has been unable to reverse a steady decline in geothermal resource output, and reduced cash flow was insufficient to meet the debt portion of the most recent lease rent payment in January 2013. Approximately $33.6 million of operating cash flow went toward the $43.4 million January payment and the $9.7 million shortfall was drawn from the letter of credit-funded senior rent reserve.
Read More.....
Mexico:
Mexican Geothermal Energy Association Issues a Call for Papers for Annual Congress
Call for papers deadline is Friday June 28, 2013.
Call for papers deadline is Friday June 28, 2013.
The Mexican Geothermal Energy Association (Asociación Geotérmica Mexicana) will hold its 21st Annual Congress, October 23-26, 2013 in Michoacán, Mexico.
The initial program includes a pre-congress workshop on geochemical and isotopic geothermal techniques on October 23. The Congress will take place October 24-25 with oral presentation of technical papers. A post-congress field trip to the Paricutín Volcano will follow on October 26.
The initial program includes a pre-congress workshop on geochemical and isotopic geothermal techniques on October 23. The Congress will take place October 24-25 with oral presentation of technical papers. A post-congress field trip to the Paricutín Volcano will follow on October 26.
Indonesia:
Exploring Indonesia’s Rich Geothermal Potential (Jakarta Globe)
Indonesia has been known globally for its serious concern towards the climate change issue. Two years after hosting the 2007 Bali Climate Change Conference, Indonesia pledged to reduce 26 percent to 41 percent the greenhouse gas emissions from business as usual by 2020.
Developing renewable energy and promoting energy efficiency are two of the seven main actions which were set up by the Indonesian government to reach the ambitious target.
Fortunately, Indonesia has abundant sources of clean and sustainable energy such as solar, hydrothermal and geothermal. These sources are expected to be able to support the country’s emission reduction target. Among all of the renewable energy potentials endowed, one of the most prospective to be explored is the geothermal energy.
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| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
Developing renewable energy and promoting energy efficiency are two of the seven main actions which were set up by the Indonesian government to reach the ambitious target.
Fortunately, Indonesia has abundant sources of clean and sustainable energy such as solar, hydrothermal and geothermal. These sources are expected to be able to support the country’s emission reduction target. Among all of the renewable energy potentials endowed, one of the most prospective to be explored is the geothermal energy.
Read More.....
Philippines:
Basic Energy Corp wins 3 Geothermal Energy Contracts on Luzon (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Basic Energy Corp has bagged three geothermal service contracts from the Philippines Department of Energy to explore and develop three geothermal concession areas in Luzon.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Friday, Basic Energy identified these three projects as the Iriga, Mariveles and East Mankayan geothermal power projects.
Basic Energy earlier said that these three geothermal projects were in line with the company’s business thrust this year to look into new projects in renewable energy development and production.
Currently, the company has a planned 20 MWe Mabini geothermal power project in Batangas. While it has been continuing discussions with other companies for a potential joint venture, Basic Energy has been undertaking the necessary exploratory works within the site to fulfill its obligations under its geothermal service contract.
Read More.....
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Friday, Basic Energy identified these three projects as the Iriga, Mariveles and East Mankayan geothermal power projects.
Basic Energy earlier said that these three geothermal projects were in line with the company’s business thrust this year to look into new projects in renewable energy development and production.
Currently, the company has a planned 20 MWe Mabini geothermal power project in Batangas. While it has been continuing discussions with other companies for a potential joint venture, Basic Energy has been undertaking the necessary exploratory works within the site to fulfill its obligations under its geothermal service contract.
Read More.....
France:
Le Fracking for Geothermal Heat Drawing Ire of French Oil (Bloomberg)
It’s an existential question in France: When is fracking not fracking?
The country is pushing ahead with plans to harness geothermal energy from smoldering rock deep in the earth’s crust using drilling methods the oil industry says are like hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which France outlawed in 2011.
Environment Minister Delphine Batho awarded two geothermal exploration licenses in February and said 18 more are in review. Some will permeate rock using a process called “stimulation” that blasts acid and water into fissures to release volcanic heat. That may be seen as similar to how U.S. explorers use chemical cocktails to fracture fossil fuels from shale rock.
France’s Socialist-led government grew enthusiastic about generating power from underground heat reservoirs as President Francois Hollande pledged to lower dependence on atomic power. The country banned fracking for its “serious health and environmental risks,” and canceled shale exploration licenses held by Total SA (FP), its biggest oil company, and U.S.-based Schuepbach Energy LLC. The French oil-industry lobby disagrees.
Read More.....
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| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
The country is pushing ahead with plans to harness geothermal energy from smoldering rock deep in the earth’s crust using drilling methods the oil industry says are like hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, which France outlawed in 2011.
Environment Minister Delphine Batho awarded two geothermal exploration licenses in February and said 18 more are in review. Some will permeate rock using a process called “stimulation” that blasts acid and water into fissures to release volcanic heat. That may be seen as similar to how U.S. explorers use chemical cocktails to fracture fossil fuels from shale rock.
France’s Socialist-led government grew enthusiastic about generating power from underground heat reservoirs as President Francois Hollande pledged to lower dependence on atomic power. The country banned fracking for its “serious health and environmental risks,” and canceled shale exploration licenses held by Total SA (FP), its biggest oil company, and U.S.-based Schuepbach Energy LLC. The French oil-industry lobby disagrees.
Read More.....
Thursday, April 4, 2013
USA:
IRS Boosts 2013 Renewable-Energy Tax Credit Because of Inflation (Businessweek)
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is increasing the Production Tax Credit (PTC) available this year for energy generated by wind, geothermal, solar and closed- loop biomass because of inflation.
The credit will increase to 2.3 cents a kilowatt-hour from 2.2 cents, according to a notice in the Federal Register yesterday. The subsidy applies to the 2013 calendar year, according to the IRS.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is increasing the Production Tax Credit (PTC) available this year for energy generated by wind, geothermal, solar and closed- loop biomass because of inflation.
The credit will increase to 2.3 cents a kilowatt-hour from 2.2 cents, according to a notice in the Federal Register yesterday. The subsidy applies to the 2013 calendar year, according to the IRS.
Global:
Renewable Energy World 2013 Projects of the Year Awards (Renewable Energy World)
Vote for your favorite Geothermal Power project.
The Renewable Energy World Network Editors have announced that the Projects of the Year Award Ceremony will now take place in December, 2013 along with the Power Engineering Projects of the Year at the now co-located Renewable Energy World Conference and Expo and Power-Gen International.
Any project, from any part of the world is now eligible to receive an award. Projects must have come online between August 1st, 2012 and July 31st, 2013.
Nominations are being accepted through August 31, 2013.
Read More......
Vote for your favorite Geothermal Power project.
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| Last year's winner, the John L. Featherstone (Hudson Ranch I) Plant |
Any project, from any part of the world is now eligible to receive an award. Projects must have come online between August 1st, 2012 and July 31st, 2013.
Nominations are being accepted through August 31, 2013.
Read More......
Indonesia:
Ormat to Outfit 330 MWe Geothermal Power Plant in Indonesia (News Release - Electric Light & Power)
Sarulla Operations Ltd. signed operations and energy sales contracts for the 330 MWe Sarulla geothermal power project in Tapanuli Utara, North Sumatra in Indonesia.
Ormat Technologies designed the power plant and will supply it with geothermal energy converters. Ormat International Inc. holds a 12.75 percent equity stake in the Sarulla Operations, which owns and operates the Sarulla project.
The Sarulla project is the largest single contract geothermal power project to capitalize on the large-scale potential of highly productive Indonesian geothermal resources. The project will be implemented in three phases of 110 MWe each, utilizing both steam and brine extracted from the geothermal field to increase the power plant's efficiency.
Read More.....
Ormat Technologies designed the power plant and will supply it with geothermal energy converters. Ormat International Inc. holds a 12.75 percent equity stake in the Sarulla Operations, which owns and operates the Sarulla project.
The Sarulla project is the largest single contract geothermal power project to capitalize on the large-scale potential of highly productive Indonesian geothermal resources. The project will be implemented in three phases of 110 MWe each, utilizing both steam and brine extracted from the geothermal field to increase the power plant's efficiency.
Read More.....
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
USA, California:
Lake County Board of Supervisors Supports Bottle Rock Power Permit Extension (Willits News)
Bottle Rock Power could be on its way to continuing geothermal-energy activities in The Geysers for another three decades.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) made an intended decision Tuesday to deny Friends of Cobb Mountain's appeal of the county planning commission's Feb. 28 approval of extending a Bottle Rock Power LLC (BRP) use permit until 2043.
Friends of Cobb Mountain, a nonprofit group, challenged the commissioners' decision last month, arguing they didn't follow state environmental law and failed to adequately address issues related to the payment for final decommissioning of the BRP steam field.
The commission found the 30-year permit extension was exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in part because the company did not propose to expand the existing use on the property, located on High Valley Road in Cobb.
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| Bottle Rock Power Plant (Courtesy BRP) |
The Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) made an intended decision Tuesday to deny Friends of Cobb Mountain's appeal of the county planning commission's Feb. 28 approval of extending a Bottle Rock Power LLC (BRP) use permit until 2043.
Friends of Cobb Mountain, a nonprofit group, challenged the commissioners' decision last month, arguing they didn't follow state environmental law and failed to adequately address issues related to the payment for final decommissioning of the BRP steam field.
The commission found the 30-year permit extension was exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in part because the company did not propose to expand the existing use on the property, located on High Valley Road in Cobb.
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USA, Nevada:
NV Energy to Decommission Coal plants, Shift to Gas and Renewables (equities.com)
NV Energy will roll out a major policy initiative today, announcing that it will shutter its coal-fired plants, increase investment in renewable energy and create thousands of construction jobs over the next 12 years.
Under the plan, Nevada's coal plants would begin closing by the end of next year, and the company would accelerate investment in wind, solar, geothermal and natural gas to replace the coal energy going offline.
The utility plans to unveil the proposal it's calling "NVision" on Wednesday at the Legislature as an amendment to Senate Bill 123.
"This does three things: it retires coal from Nevada, builds renewables, and it creates jobs," said Tony Sanchez, NV Energy senior vice president.
In place of coal, NV Energy wants to invest in a 60-40 split of natural gas and renewables. NV Energy would construct, acquire or contract for 600 megawatts of renewable energy in Nevada during the next five years.
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Under the plan, Nevada's coal plants would begin closing by the end of next year, and the company would accelerate investment in wind, solar, geothermal and natural gas to replace the coal energy going offline.
The utility plans to unveil the proposal it's calling "NVision" on Wednesday at the Legislature as an amendment to Senate Bill 123.
"This does three things: it retires coal from Nevada, builds renewables, and it creates jobs," said Tony Sanchez, NV Energy senior vice president.
In place of coal, NV Energy wants to invest in a 60-40 split of natural gas and renewables. NV Energy would construct, acquire or contract for 600 megawatts of renewable energy in Nevada during the next five years.
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Indonesia:
Pertamina Geothermal Energy’s Top Executives Fired for Poor Performance (Jakarta Post)
The State-owned Enterprises Ministry as sole shareholder has dismissed four senior executives — including the CEO — of PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) due to poor performance by the company’s board of executives.
The minister, Dahlan Iskan, said on Tuesday that he had asked PGE president director Slamet Riyadi, planning and development director Zainal Ilmie Bachrun, operations director M. Irhas and finance director Narendra to quit their jobs.
The four executives, according to Dahlan, had been “slow” and “disappointing” in leading the company, highlighting the stalled development of the Sarulla geothermal power plant in North Sumatra as a key example.
In general, he said, PGE, a subsidiary of state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina, had failed to meet the expectations of constructing geothermal-fired power plants in Indonesia.
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The minister, Dahlan Iskan, said on Tuesday that he had asked PGE president director Slamet Riyadi, planning and development director Zainal Ilmie Bachrun, operations director M. Irhas and finance director Narendra to quit their jobs.
The four executives, according to Dahlan, had been “slow” and “disappointing” in leading the company, highlighting the stalled development of the Sarulla geothermal power plant in North Sumatra as a key example.
In general, he said, PGE, a subsidiary of state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina, had failed to meet the expectations of constructing geothermal-fired power plants in Indonesia.
Read More......
Australia:
1MWe Habanero Pilot Plant- Commencement of Commissioning Operations (Audio - Geodynamics)
Geoff Ward, Geodynamics CEO & Managing Director, gives listeners insight to the purpose of the 1MWe Pilot Plant that has been built near Innamincka. He outlines the work that will be undertaken in the next few weeks and discusses the claim for a significant R&D tax refund. He discusses the significance of this milestone, the work that will be undertaken in the next weeks, and the information they hope to gain from the trial. News Release (PDF)
• Commissioning operations underway at 1MWe Habanero Pilot Plant
• Full commissioning of pilot plant scheduled for end April
• Trial of 1 MW Habanero Pilot Plant to run until August
• Fully funded to complete commissioning and trial activities
Geoff Ward, Geodynamics CEO & Managing Director, gives listeners insight to the purpose of the 1MWe Pilot Plant that has been built near Innamincka. He outlines the work that will be undertaken in the next few weeks and discusses the claim for a significant R&D tax refund. He discusses the significance of this milestone, the work that will be undertaken in the next weeks, and the information they hope to gain from the trial. News Release (PDF)
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