- It's Time To Renew Your GRC Membership! GRC Memberships are by calender year & will expire December 31, 2013.
- GRC Board Of Directors Election Will Start December 1, 2013. Have you sent in your Member Consent Form in order to vote online?
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Global:
GRC Update
Philippines:
Advisory on Donations for Victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)
Our thoughts continue to be with the folk in the Visayas region of the Philippines after the Typhoon struck earlier this week.
In response to several queries regarding possible recipients of donations for those affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. would like to inform the public that donations may be sent through the following means:
Read More......
 |
| A map of geothermal energy facilities on Leyte Island showing the proximity to the devastated Tacloban City (Courtesy ThinkGeoEnergy) |
In response to several queries regarding possible recipients of donations for those affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. would like to inform the public that donations may be sent through the following means:
Read More......
United Kingdom:
Geothermal Engineering Ltd. Wins £800,000 Government Grant (ThinkGeoEnergy)
London based Geothermal Engineering Ltd. has announced it “has been awarded a grant of £800,000 from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DEEC) to work on new methods of deep geothermal heat extraction. The grant will enable the company to design and trial the new system early in 2014.
Dr Ryan Law, Managing Director of Geothermal Engineering Ltd said that, “We are pleased that DECC saw the potential in the system we are proposing and very much look forward to completing a successful field trial early in 2014. We are already in discussions with a number of parties that are interested in deploying this new type of heat system and hope that this will be a game changer for the UK deep geothermal heat industry.”
 |
| Geothermal Engineering's flagship UK project is a deep geothermal power plant located at the United Downs Site, near Redruth in Cornwall. (Courtesy GEL) |
Dr Ryan Law, Managing Director of Geothermal Engineering Ltd said that, “We are pleased that DECC saw the potential in the system we are proposing and very much look forward to completing a successful field trial early in 2014. We are already in discussions with a number of parties that are interested in deploying this new type of heat system and hope that this will be a game changer for the UK deep geothermal heat industry.”
USA, Hawaii:
Hawaii Embraces Geothermal – Cautiously (OilPrice.com)
In the ongoing energy debate about fossil fuels versus renewables, solar and wind renewable sources have a shortcoming – the sun doesn’t always shine, the wind doesn’t always blow.
Three renewable resources, in contrast, can provide electricity 24/7 – hydroelectric, wave and geothermal. A major plus side for all three is that, like nuclear power, they emit zero greenhouse gases.
While geothermal use is still a fraction of wind and solar , it is drawing increasing interest in the year of its centenary, when the world’s first commercial geothermal power plant opened in 1913 in Larderello in the Tuscany region of northwestern Italy, generating 250 kilowatts.
Because Hawaii is isolated from the U.S. mainland, its energy infrastructure and consumption are unique among the states. With its mild tropical climate, in 2010 Hawaii had the third lowest per capita energy use in the country.
If that’s the good news for Hawaiians, the bad news is that in 2010 Hawaii imported 94 percent of its energy and had the highest electricity prices in the USA. Accordingly, geothermal power would seem to be the answer to a power company’s prayers.
Read More......
Three renewable resources, in contrast, can provide electricity 24/7 – hydroelectric, wave and geothermal. A major plus side for all three is that, like nuclear power, they emit zero greenhouse gases.
While geothermal use is still a fraction of wind and solar , it is drawing increasing interest in the year of its centenary, when the world’s first commercial geothermal power plant opened in 1913 in Larderello in the Tuscany region of northwestern Italy, generating 250 kilowatts.
Because Hawaii is isolated from the U.S. mainland, its energy infrastructure and consumption are unique among the states. With its mild tropical climate, in 2010 Hawaii had the third lowest per capita energy use in the country.
If that’s the good news for Hawaiians, the bad news is that in 2010 Hawaii imported 94 percent of its energy and had the highest electricity prices in the USA. Accordingly, geothermal power would seem to be the answer to a power company’s prayers.
Read More......
USA, Idaho, Wyoming:
US OKs 1.5GW Western Wire (reNews)
The US Interior Department has approved the 1500 MW Gateway West transmission line project in southern Wyoming and southern Idaho, said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.
“The line will strengthen the Western grid, bringing a diversified portfolio of conventional and renewable energy (including geothermal energy) to meet the region’s projected growth in electricity demand,” said Jewell.
The 990-mile high-voltage line is one of seven priority projects of President Barack Obama administration’s Rapid Response Team for Transmission, which aims to improve the overall quality and timeliness of electric transmission infrastructure permitting.
Read More......
Transmission line will connect geothermal rich Idaho to the national grid
“The line will strengthen the Western grid, bringing a diversified portfolio of conventional and renewable energy (including geothermal energy) to meet the region’s projected growth in electricity demand,” said Jewell.
The 990-mile high-voltage line is one of seven priority projects of President Barack Obama administration’s Rapid Response Team for Transmission, which aims to improve the overall quality and timeliness of electric transmission infrastructure permitting.
Read More......
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
USA:
McGinness Hills Geothermal Power Plant is a Geothermal Project of the Year (Renewable Energy World)
The award winners were announced and recognized at the co-located Renewable Energy World North America Conference and Expo and Power-Gen International in Orlando, Florida.
Resource exploration is considered done of the major barriers to geothermal development. Even if resources are visible above ground, successful construction is not always a guarantee, which is why the McGinness Hills Geothermal Power Plant developed by GRC Member Ormat is such a notable project. Not only was the project located amidst protected wildlife, it was also a “blind resource” due to its lack of surface hot springs and fumaroles, which is extremely difficult to pinpoint and develop.
Read More.....
Ormat Plant in Nevada, is a Renewable Energy World and Power Engineering Project of the Year Award Winner
 |
| (Courtesy Ormat) |
Resource exploration is considered done of the major barriers to geothermal development. Even if resources are visible above ground, successful construction is not always a guarantee, which is why the McGinness Hills Geothermal Power Plant developed by GRC Member Ormat is such a notable project. Not only was the project located amidst protected wildlife, it was also a “blind resource” due to its lack of surface hot springs and fumaroles, which is extremely difficult to pinpoint and develop.
Read More.....
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:
St. Vincent’s Volcano Holds More Promise Than Peril (IPS-Inter Press Service)
Weary of sky-high electricity prices, St. Vincent is following in the footsteps of another, decidedly un-tropical island nearly 4,000 miles away in its quest to harness clean geothermal power.
A contingent of Icelandic scientists is here until December, investigating the mountainous nation’s geothermal potential, estimated at 890 MW.
The source is the island’s La Soufrière volcano, which has erupted three times since 1902. There is a steaming resurgent dome in the crater and numerous hot springs in river valleys on the western side of the volcano. Of additional interest are three striking features near Wallibou Beach, in an area locally known as “Hot Waters,” and a circular feature near Morgans Wood near Trinity Falls.
“They will go into the Soufrière mountains, doing some surface exploration work. This is like hiking, just scientists walking around with some measuring devices and measuring resistivity of the earth, of the volcano, and by doing that, they will get an indication if there is a possible resource in the area,” Gunnar Orn Gunnarsson, chief operating officer of Reykjavik Geothermal, told IPS.
Read More.....
A contingent of Icelandic scientists is here until December, investigating the mountainous nation’s geothermal potential, estimated at 890 MW.
The source is the island’s La Soufrière volcano, which has erupted three times since 1902. There is a steaming resurgent dome in the crater and numerous hot springs in river valleys on the western side of the volcano. Of additional interest are three striking features near Wallibou Beach, in an area locally known as “Hot Waters,” and a circular feature near Morgans Wood near Trinity Falls.
“They will go into the Soufrière mountains, doing some surface exploration work. This is like hiking, just scientists walking around with some measuring devices and measuring resistivity of the earth, of the volcano, and by doing that, they will get an indication if there is a possible resource in the area,” Gunnar Orn Gunnarsson, chief operating officer of Reykjavik Geothermal, told IPS.
Read More.....
Switzerland:
St Gallen Geothermal Project Produces Hot Water and Natural Gas (20 Minutes)
Die Verantwortlichen des St. Gallen Geothermie-Projekts sind "ausserordentlich glücklich". Bei Tests konnten heisses Wasser und Erdgas gefördert werden. Weitere Beben blieben aus.
The leaders of the St. Gallen geothermal project are "extremely happy" as during testing, hot water and methane gas have been produced. Earthquakes did not materialize. Initial findings suggest a "significant influx" of hot water. The temperature at depth is about 140 to 145 degrees.
Read More.....
Die Verantwortlichen des St. Gallen Geothermie-Projekts sind "ausserordentlich glücklich". Bei Tests konnten heisses Wasser und Erdgas gefördert werden. Weitere Beben blieben aus.
The leaders of the St. Gallen geothermal project are "extremely happy" as during testing, hot water and methane gas have been produced. Earthquakes did not materialize. Initial findings suggest a "significant influx" of hot water. The temperature at depth is about 140 to 145 degrees.
Read More.....
Mexico:
Alstom Agrees to Build $40 Million Geothermal Project in Mexico (Bloomberg)
Alstom SA, the French maker of power equipment, has been awarded a 30 million-euro ($40.3 million) contract to build a geothermal plant for Mexico’s state-run utility Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE).
The Los Humeros III – Phase A power project in the eastern municipality of Chignautla will have 25 MWe of capacity, Paris-based Alstom said today in a statement. It’s expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2016.
Read More.....
The Los Humeros III – Phase A power project in the eastern municipality of Chignautla will have 25 MWe of capacity, Paris-based Alstom said today in a statement. It’s expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2016.
Read More.....
Philippines:
Leyte Geothermal Plants Reported Operational but Transmission Lines are Down (New York Times)
A major concern is the widespread lack of electricity in the areas devastated by typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. In the past, the area around the city of Tacloban has been rich in power. Geothermal plants on the opposite side of Leyte Island are the largest of their kind in Southeast Asia, and are a major source of electricity for the surrounding islands.
But since the storm, Leyte and neighboring Samar Island have been without electricity. Bohol Island is also largely in the dark. The cause is the widespread damage to power lines caused by the force of the typhoon’s storm surge.
“Leyte is the hardest hit,” said Cynthia Alabanza, a spokeswoman for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the privately owned operator of the country’s major power transmission networks. “Almost all the backbone lines are damaged. We have at latest count 118 toppled towers along eight major power highways.”
So far the geothermal plants seem operational, Ms. Alabanza said, but sending power out of them is impossible due to major damage to trunk lines.
Read More......
"So far the geothermal plants seem operational but sending power out of them is impossible due to major damage to trunk lines."
A major concern is the widespread lack of electricity in the areas devastated by typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. In the past, the area around the city of Tacloban has been rich in power. Geothermal plants on the opposite side of Leyte Island are the largest of their kind in Southeast Asia, and are a major source of electricity for the surrounding islands.
But since the storm, Leyte and neighboring Samar Island have been without electricity. Bohol Island is also largely in the dark. The cause is the widespread damage to power lines caused by the force of the typhoon’s storm surge.
“Leyte is the hardest hit,” said Cynthia Alabanza, a spokeswoman for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the privately owned operator of the country’s major power transmission networks. “Almost all the backbone lines are damaged. We have at latest count 118 toppled towers along eight major power highways.”
So far the geothermal plants seem operational, Ms. Alabanza said, but sending power out of them is impossible due to major damage to trunk lines.
Read More......
USA, Oregon:
AltaRock Gathering Cash for Spring (Bend Bulletin)
Field work in the geothermal project on Newberry Volcano is on hold until spring, but that doesn't mean that GRC Member Susan Petty isn't busy.
Petty, president of AltaRock Energy in Seattle, is trying to secure millions of dollars in funding by April to ensure the next step in the enhanced geothermal systems project goes as planned after the snow thaws.
“We have to raise a fair amount of money, about $5 million to do this next phase," said Petty, who is also the chief technology officer for the company. In total the project will cost more than $40 million.
Read More.....
 |
| (Courtesy Bend Bulletin) |
Newberry geothermal pilot project needs infusion for spring restart
Field work in the geothermal project on Newberry Volcano is on hold until spring, but that doesn't mean that GRC Member Susan Petty isn't busy.
Petty, president of AltaRock Energy in Seattle, is trying to secure millions of dollars in funding by April to ensure the next step in the enhanced geothermal systems project goes as planned after the snow thaws.
“We have to raise a fair amount of money, about $5 million to do this next phase," said Petty, who is also the chief technology officer for the company. In total the project will cost more than $40 million.
Read More.....
Philippines:
Philippines Geothermal Company Assesses Typhoon Damage (Business Mirror)
First Gen Corp. (FGP), parent company of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is now assessing the extent of damage to its assets destroyed by Supertyphoon Yolanda (international code name Haiyan), including its geothermal plant in Leyte.
First Gen President Francis Giles B. Puno said here on Tuesday that they are not only focused on bringing back the facilities to normal, but also aid in the relief missions and repair of transmission line towers that destroyed parts of Western Visayas region feared to have claimed 10,000 people.
“In our case come of our power plants were damaged in the storm. So we will have to go through a process of repairing all the damaged portions of the plants,” the top executive said.
“It’s not only our plants, but also the transmission line system, wherein you have a number of towers that basically was destroyed. So I think it will be a situation where the Lopez Group will be very proactive in assisting not only in the repair of our own assets, including our plants in Leyte, but also could extent possible where we can assist also in the relief efforts as an immediate step, and then also with respect to getting more power connected to the load centers,” he added.
Read More.....
 |
| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
First Gen President Francis Giles B. Puno said here on Tuesday that they are not only focused on bringing back the facilities to normal, but also aid in the relief missions and repair of transmission line towers that destroyed parts of Western Visayas region feared to have claimed 10,000 people.
“In our case come of our power plants were damaged in the storm. So we will have to go through a process of repairing all the damaged portions of the plants,” the top executive said.
“It’s not only our plants, but also the transmission line system, wherein you have a number of towers that basically was destroyed. So I think it will be a situation where the Lopez Group will be very proactive in assisting not only in the repair of our own assets, including our plants in Leyte, but also could extent possible where we can assist also in the relief efforts as an immediate step, and then also with respect to getting more power connected to the load centers,” he added.
Read More.....
USA:
Geothermal's Place in the U.S. Power Grid (Fierce Energy)
As states like California move forward with more aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) and seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, state officials need to consider the full value of the power sources they use, which is critical to ensuring that consumers get the most affordable overall system cost and recognizing the different reasons for choosing clean power sources.
The California PUC recently noted active questions before policy makers in California and elsewhere, specifically: How increasing amounts of intermittent generation are impacting grid reliability, quantifying the impact and benefits of various resources to integrate intermittent generation, and what new policies should be adopted to manage the changing electric grid?
New research from the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) and Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) (PDF) looks at geothermal as an alternative to intermittent renewable resources.
Read More......
 |
| U.S Geothermal's Raft River geothermal plant in Southern Idaho (Roxie Crouch Willard, UT) |
The California PUC recently noted active questions before policy makers in California and elsewhere, specifically: How increasing amounts of intermittent generation are impacting grid reliability, quantifying the impact and benefits of various resources to integrate intermittent generation, and what new policies should be adopted to manage the changing electric grid?
New research from the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) and Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) (PDF) looks at geothermal as an alternative to intermittent renewable resources.
Read More......
Monday, November 11, 2013
Philippines:
EDC Continues to Power Visayas Region Amidst Typhoon Yolanda (Philippine Information Agency)
As Typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in the Visayas region it also destroyed power lines which led to heavy and rotating brownouts.
Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC) Palinpinon 1 and 2 power plants also experienced a temporary outage due to the widespread destruction in the Visayas power grid at the height of the super typhoon, EDC public relations officer Frances Ariola said.
“This incident damaged one of EDC’s geothermal steam pipes. The damage has caused steam to escape and create an unusually loud noise at around 6:00 p.m. as the power plants tried to power up and go back to the system to prevent further brownouts,” Ariola explained.
Read More.....
As Typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc in the Visayas region it also destroyed power lines which led to heavy and rotating brownouts.
Energy Development Corporation’s (EDC) Palinpinon 1 and 2 power plants also experienced a temporary outage due to the widespread destruction in the Visayas power grid at the height of the super typhoon, EDC public relations officer Frances Ariola said.
“This incident damaged one of EDC’s geothermal steam pipes. The damage has caused steam to escape and create an unusually loud noise at around 6:00 p.m. as the power plants tried to power up and go back to the system to prevent further brownouts,” Ariola explained.
Read More.....
Philippines:
Typhoon Haiyan: Thousands feared dead in Philippines (BBC News)
Around 10,000 people may have died in just one area of the Philippines hit by Typhoon Haiyan, according to officials.
One of the worst storms on record, it destroyed homes, schools and an airport in the eastern city of Tacloban.
Neighbouring Samar island was also badly affected, with reports of 300 people dead and 2,000 missing.
The Philippine government has so far only confirmed the deaths of 151 people throughout the country, but hundreds of thousands have been displaced.
Read More.....
The global geothermal energy community extends its thoughts and prayers to the people of the Philippines at this time
 |
| A map of geothermal energy facilities on Leyte Island showing the proximity to the devastated Tacloban City (Courtesy ThinkGeoEnergy) |
One of the worst storms on record, it destroyed homes, schools and an airport in the eastern city of Tacloban.
Neighbouring Samar island was also badly affected, with reports of 300 people dead and 2,000 missing.
The Philippine government has so far only confirmed the deaths of 151 people throughout the country, but hundreds of thousands have been displaced.
Read More.....
Philippines:
SM Group Mulls IPO for Geothermal Joint Venture with Chevron (InterAksyon)
The SM group may take its geothermal power joint venture with Chevron public, a ranking official of the listed Philippine conglomerate said.
SM Investments Corp chief financial officer Jose Sio last week told reporters that the conglomerate is exploring various options for the geothermal venture, including an initial public offering (IPO) or consolidating it with APC Group Inc.
SM, through All First Equity Holdings, has partnered with Chevron to form a 60-40 joint venture in favor of the Philippine company for the latter's geothermal power business in the Philippines.
Chevron has two geothermal projects - the Tiwi and Makiling-Banahaw power plants - under management. The partnership is looking at other projects in Cebu, Kalinga, Samar, Bohol and Palawan.
SM may also inject its minority stake in Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp into APC.
Read More.....
SM Investments Corp chief financial officer Jose Sio last week told reporters that the conglomerate is exploring various options for the geothermal venture, including an initial public offering (IPO) or consolidating it with APC Group Inc.
SM, through All First Equity Holdings, has partnered with Chevron to form a 60-40 joint venture in favor of the Philippine company for the latter's geothermal power business in the Philippines.
Chevron has two geothermal projects - the Tiwi and Makiling-Banahaw power plants - under management. The partnership is looking at other projects in Cebu, Kalinga, Samar, Bohol and Palawan.
SM may also inject its minority stake in Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp into APC.
Read More.....
Philippines:
Energy Development Corp : UL IPPA Bidding – Bulk Energy (4-traders - press release)
Unified Leyte Geothermal Energy Inc. (ULGEI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), was declared as one of the seven Highest Ranking Bidders for the maximum allowable 40 MW per bidder in the Selection and Appointment of the Independent Power Producer Administrators (IPPA) for the Strips of Energy of the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plants (ULGPPs), as conducted by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) on November 7, 2013.
On November 8, the following day, ULGEI was also declared as the Highest Ranking Bidder to administer the Bulk Energy of the ULGPPs, which is the capacity in excess of the 240 MW allotted for the Strips of Energy. Among the bids received, it was inly ULGEI 's that hurdled the floor established by PSALM.
The PSALM Privatization, Bids and Award Committee will now proceed with the post qualification process that may serve as basis to declare such Highest Ranking Bidders as Winning Bidders and award to them the Bulk and Strips of Energy subject of their respective bids. Once declared as the Winning Bidder for the Bulk Energy, ULGEI will assume the responsibility for trading/marketing the entire Unified Leyte capacity upon the expiration of outstanding transition supply contracts.
Unified Leyte Geothermal Energy Inc. (ULGEI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), was declared as one of the seven Highest Ranking Bidders for the maximum allowable 40 MW per bidder in the Selection and Appointment of the Independent Power Producer Administrators (IPPA) for the Strips of Energy of the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plants (ULGPPs), as conducted by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) on November 7, 2013.
On November 8, the following day, ULGEI was also declared as the Highest Ranking Bidder to administer the Bulk Energy of the ULGPPs, which is the capacity in excess of the 240 MW allotted for the Strips of Energy. Among the bids received, it was inly ULGEI 's that hurdled the floor established by PSALM.
The PSALM Privatization, Bids and Award Committee will now proceed with the post qualification process that may serve as basis to declare such Highest Ranking Bidders as Winning Bidders and award to them the Bulk and Strips of Energy subject of their respective bids. Once declared as the Winning Bidder for the Bulk Energy, ULGEI will assume the responsibility for trading/marketing the entire Unified Leyte capacity upon the expiration of outstanding transition supply contracts.
Technology:
How Geothermal Energy Works (ImageMaker Advertising Inc.)
Geothermal energy gives us a steady supply of electrical power, with minimal environmental impact! This video describes the basic process.
Geothermal Energy, How Geothermal energy works. from ImageMaker Advertising Inc. on Vimeo.
Geothermal energy gives us a steady supply of electrical power, with minimal environmental impact! This video describes the basic process.
Geothermal Energy, How Geothermal energy works. from ImageMaker Advertising Inc. on Vimeo.
Webinar:
Webinar - Geothermal: Competing With Other Renewable And Non-Renewable Technologies
Tuesday, November 19, 2013 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM GMT
The prevailing issue with exploiting geothermal resources lies in higher development costs and a marginally higher risk profile. Even with advanced technology, who is willing to take the risk?
Join Green Power Conferences for a free webinar focusing on how to make geothermal more competitive in global energy markets. Register here......
Saturday, November 9, 2013
USA, Hawaii:
Geothermal is a Red-Hot Topic (Hawaii Business Magazine)
Some things are almost impossible to oppose: Mom, apple pie and renewable energy. After all, renewable energy promises independence from world oil prices, fewer greenhouse gases and, possibly, lower prices.
For many people in Hawaii, geothermal perfectly fulfills that promise – energy that is relatively cheap, plentiful and always on.
For others, especially people living close to the existing geothermal energy site in the Puna District of Hawaii Island, geothermal energy is not a promise but a threat – a dangerous experiment that could injure and kill.
Read More.....
Many people in Hawaii think geothermal electricity is a great renewable-energy idea, unless you happen to live in Puna, the epicenter of both geothermal and the opposition to it.
Some things are almost impossible to oppose: Mom, apple pie and renewable energy. After all, renewable energy promises independence from world oil prices, fewer greenhouse gases and, possibly, lower prices.
For many people in Hawaii, geothermal perfectly fulfills that promise – energy that is relatively cheap, plentiful and always on.
For others, especially people living close to the existing geothermal energy site in the Puna District of Hawaii Island, geothermal energy is not a promise but a threat – a dangerous experiment that could injure and kill.
Read More.....
Friday, November 8, 2013
Technology:
LSU Researcher Collaborates with Chevron Exploring EGS Methods (Louisiana State University)
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), can harvest energy from hot dry rocks beneath the Earth’s surface in artificially created reservoirs. The idea is to generate a network of cracks in the rocks, then inject cold water and let it circulate through the cracked formation. The resulting steam can then be used to produce electricity.
The lack of predictive understanding and numerical simulation of the techniques employed for creating these networks of fractures is what brought Blaise Bourdin, associate professor in the LSU Department of Mathematics and an adjunct faculty at the LSU Center for Computation & Technology (CCT), to this problem.
It turns out the way cracks for geothermal systems are generated is very similar to the way reservoir engineering in the petroleum industry is done, so this research can be applied when drilling for oil and gas.
Read More.....
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), can harvest energy from hot dry rocks beneath the Earth’s surface in artificially created reservoirs. The idea is to generate a network of cracks in the rocks, then inject cold water and let it circulate through the cracked formation. The resulting steam can then be used to produce electricity.
 |
| Blaise Bourdin, associate professor in the LSU Department of Mathematics |
It turns out the way cracks for geothermal systems are generated is very similar to the way reservoir engineering in the petroleum industry is done, so this research can be applied when drilling for oil and gas.
Read More.....
USA, Oregon:
Tapping Geothermal's Potential in Oregon (Bend Bulletin)
Energy industry officials meet in Bend to discuss industry
In the last decade, numerous tests by geologists, energy companies and government agencies have shown the same thing: Southern, Eastern and some parts of Central Oregon are hotbeds of geothermal activity.
But in many cases, strict regulations and a lack of demand has made tapping into those resources a challenge.
More than 30 renewable energy experts from around the state met in Bend on Thursday to discuss ongoing projects, along with the potential and challenges facing Oregon's fledgling geothermal industry energy.
For five years, Nevada geothermal company Ormat Technologies has been studying the area around Glass Buttes, about 80 miles southeast of Bend. Wells dug 30 years ago by a petroleum company found 200-degree water about 2,000 feet below the surface in the area. Patrick Walsh, Ormat's chief geologist, said the company thinks it can find 300-degree water by drilling down to 3,000 feet.
Philippines:
PSALM Names Top Bidders for Unified Leyte IPPAs (BusinessWorld Online Edition)
In a statement on Friday, PSALM said the auction, which took place Nov. 7-8 in Makati City, was successful.
The state-run firm auctioned off Unified Leyte’s contracted capacity in “strips” and “bulk”, with a total of 200 MW in strips for the IPPAs. Bidders could submit offers for strips ranging from one to 40 MW.
The remaining 40 MW capacity of the power plant was auctioned off as “bulk energy”.
The output of the power plant can be traded by the winning bidders in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market upon registration with the market operator, PSALM said.
(Click below to see the list of bidders......)
Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) has named the highest bidders for the independent power producer administrator (IPPA) contracts of the Unified Leyte geothermal power plant’s contracted capacity.
In a statement on Friday, PSALM said the auction, which took place Nov. 7-8 in Makati City, was successful.
The state-run firm auctioned off Unified Leyte’s contracted capacity in “strips” and “bulk”, with a total of 200 MW in strips for the IPPAs. Bidders could submit offers for strips ranging from one to 40 MW.
The remaining 40 MW capacity of the power plant was auctioned off as “bulk energy”.
The output of the power plant can be traded by the winning bidders in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market upon registration with the market operator, PSALM said.
(Click below to see the list of bidders......)
Global:
Demand for Inexpensive, On-site Power Generation Energises the CHP Market (Frost & Sullivan)
The escalating costs of the fuels used to generate electricity have spawned a need for technology that can improve the efficiency of fuel conversion. This has, in turn set the stage for combined heat and power (CHP) to emerge as the distributed power generation technology of choice. CHP not only generates on-site power, but also meets the heating and cooling requirements of industries and enterprises at reasonable costs.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Markets, finds that the market earned revenues of US$4.26 billion in 2012 and estimates this to generate US$4.91 billion in 2017. The study covers Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region across the application sectors of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional.
The efficiency of electricity derived from the grid is only around 30 percent due to heavy losses incurred during transportation. Owing to this, end users in Europe and Asia are increasingly turning to distributed generation. Another reason for their preference for distributed generation is the looming shortage of power generation capacity and the utilities' inability to meet the growing demand from various sectors.
Read More......
Environmental concerns add heft to the case for combined heat and power equipment
 |
| (Courtesy EPA.gov) |
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Markets, finds that the market earned revenues of US$4.26 billion in 2012 and estimates this to generate US$4.91 billion in 2017. The study covers Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region across the application sectors of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional.
The efficiency of electricity derived from the grid is only around 30 percent due to heavy losses incurred during transportation. Owing to this, end users in Europe and Asia are increasingly turning to distributed generation. Another reason for their preference for distributed generation is the looming shortage of power generation capacity and the utilities' inability to meet the growing demand from various sectors.
Read More......
Global:
Renewable Energy in the Mining Industry (Navigant Research)
The mining industry is under continued pressure from shareholders and external stakeholders to reduce dependence on traditional energy resources. In countries where mining represents a significant percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), it can also be a significant draw on the country’s electricity grid infrastructure. Even through the global economic downturn, interest in the deployment of renewables remained.
Now the industry has reached a tipping point and is transitioning from using solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies in demonstration projects to an increased focus on larger scale deployments. When combined with the increased use of innovative finance mechanisms, such as Power Purchase Agreements, the use of renewable energy in the mining industry will pick up significantly in the medium term.
Read More.....
Solar PV, Wind Power, Geothermal, Fuel Cells, and Solar Thermal in the Global Mining Industry
The mining industry is under continued pressure from shareholders and external stakeholders to reduce dependence on traditional energy resources. In countries where mining represents a significant percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), it can also be a significant draw on the country’s electricity grid infrastructure. Even through the global economic downturn, interest in the deployment of renewables remained.
Now the industry has reached a tipping point and is transitioning from using solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies in demonstration projects to an increased focus on larger scale deployments. When combined with the increased use of innovative finance mechanisms, such as Power Purchase Agreements, the use of renewable energy in the mining industry will pick up significantly in the medium term.
Read More.....
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Kenya:
Kenya’s First Carbon Credits from Geothermal Energy Pay for Schools (World Bank)
Last month, I drove through dust on bumpy dirt roads from Nairobi to visit the Oloirowua Primary School in Suswa, 140 kilometers northwest of the Kenya capital. The school sits on the vast savannah near Hell’s Gate National Park, an area with substantial geothermal potential.
Here, KenGen, Kenya’s electric generating company, has built the country’s largest geothermal plant with support from the World Bank. It’s part of the utility’s effort to “green the grid.”
At the school, classes are being taught outdoors and kids sit under a few trees with notebooks in their laps. Their old and crumbling school will soon be replaced by a new building that will accommodate 200 students. Their faces light up when they talk about the new school, and I feel thankful for being able to work with projects like this where I see the direct effects of our work on kids’ education.
The money to build the school comes from the sale of carbon credits. KenGen received the credits for investing in renewable energy that displaces dirtier sources such as coal in the national grid, and the company then sells them to the World Bank’s Community Development Carbon Fund (CDCF). The fund pays KenGen a premium on the credits, but in return requires that part of the revenue stream from the credits is used for social co-benefits.
Read More.....
Here, KenGen, Kenya’s electric generating company, has built the country’s largest geothermal plant with support from the World Bank. It’s part of the utility’s effort to “green the grid.”
At the school, classes are being taught outdoors and kids sit under a few trees with notebooks in their laps. Their old and crumbling school will soon be replaced by a new building that will accommodate 200 students. Their faces light up when they talk about the new school, and I feel thankful for being able to work with projects like this where I see the direct effects of our work on kids’ education.
The money to build the school comes from the sale of carbon credits. KenGen received the credits for investing in renewable energy that displaces dirtier sources such as coal in the national grid, and the company then sells them to the World Bank’s Community Development Carbon Fund (CDCF). The fund pays KenGen a premium on the credits, but in return requires that part of the revenue stream from the credits is used for social co-benefits.
Read More.....
USA, Hawaii:
HELCO to Announce Selection of Final RFP Award Group Nov. 30 (ThinkGeoEnergy)
Hawaiian Electric Light Company (HELCO) has provided an update on timing for the process for the bidding on a Request for Proposals on a 50 MW geothermal development on the Island of Hawaii. They expect to announce the final award group of companies on November 30, 2013.
Read More.....
Read More.....
Kenya:
Regional Geothermal Course Kicks Off in Naivasha (Kenya Broadcasting Corporation)
The course is conducted by Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) in collaboration with the United Nations University Geothermal Training program (UNU-GTP) of Iceland and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC).
The training has attracted participants from 18 African countries among them, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Djibouti, Zambia, DR Congo, Comoros, Eritrea, Cameroon, Niger, Mozambique, Malawi, Burundi, Yemen and Kenya and Sudan. These are countries that lie along the Great Rift.
Read More.....
The training has attracted participants from 18 African countries among them, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Djibouti, Zambia, DR Congo, Comoros, Eritrea, Cameroon, Niger, Mozambique, Malawi, Burundi, Yemen and Kenya and Sudan. These are countries that lie along the Great Rift.
Read More.....
Indonesia:
Red Tape Holding Geothermal Back in Race to Replace Coal (Jakarta Globe)
The government needs to streamline regulations and provide financial incentives for investors to boost development of geothermal energy, an industry expert has said.
“Government is the single prime mover to accelerate geothermal progress,” said deputy chairman of the Indonesia Geothermal Association Sanusi Satar to reporters on Wednesday.
Sanusi noted that the government, through state utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara, is the single largest purchaser of electricity generated by private companies in the country, and has the power to set purchase price.
“The problem is that there is a six-to-seven year period between the tender and start of geothermal operations. A lot can happen within that period, except our cost going down,” he said.
Read More.....
“Government is the single prime mover to accelerate geothermal progress,” said deputy chairman of the Indonesia Geothermal Association Sanusi Satar to reporters on Wednesday.
Sanusi noted that the government, through state utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara, is the single largest purchaser of electricity generated by private companies in the country, and has the power to set purchase price.
“The problem is that there is a six-to-seven year period between the tender and start of geothermal operations. A lot can happen within that period, except our cost going down,” he said.
Read More.....
USA:
New Report Offers Policy Recommendations for the Nation’s Energy Future (Renewable Energy Focus.com)
The October edition of The Electricity Journal features a comprehensive clean energy-related report designed to serve as a toolkit to help energy decision-makers determine the policies needed to allow for a successful transformation of America’s electricity system. Dubbed “America’s Power Plan (PDF),” the report was developed by Energy Innovation, in partnership with the Energy Foundation.
A dedicated interactive website is available featuring videos, blog posts, and opinion pieces from the contributing authors to America's Power Plan.
The report's strongest recommendation, is for policymakers — governors, legislators, and public utilities commissioners — to face the challenge directly, openly and forthwith. PUCs can open proceedings on how to build the electric system of the 21st century. Ensure that these conversations include experts in new technology, in systems optimization, and on the demand side as well as the supply side. Challenge participants to find solutions that meet all three public goals: minimize costs, increase reliability and reduce environmental damage. Insist that they demonstrate how new proposals bring in innovation. Stress-test recommendations for flaws. Launch and accelerate pilot programs, test markets and more.
Read More.....
A dedicated interactive website is available featuring videos, blog posts, and opinion pieces from the contributing authors to America's Power Plan.
The report's strongest recommendation, is for policymakers — governors, legislators, and public utilities commissioners — to face the challenge directly, openly and forthwith. PUCs can open proceedings on how to build the electric system of the 21st century. Ensure that these conversations include experts in new technology, in systems optimization, and on the demand side as well as the supply side. Challenge participants to find solutions that meet all three public goals: minimize costs, increase reliability and reduce environmental damage. Insist that they demonstrate how new proposals bring in innovation. Stress-test recommendations for flaws. Launch and accelerate pilot programs, test markets and more.
Read More.....
Technology:
Scientific Drilling Tool Helps Wellbore Placement
Scientific Drilling, a directional drilling services company, is officially launching it's MagTraC MWD Ranging™ service today.
This unique solution targets the industry’s toughest wellbore placement and risk mitigation challenges. By isolating the earth’s naturally occurring magnetic field from its magnetic interference signature, the distance and direction to the target well or casing is determined. MagTraC utilizes the raw data obtained from Measurement While Drilling (MWD) telemetry ensuring there are no disruptions to the operation.
MagTraC MWD Ranging™ Brochure (PDF) Read More......
Scientific Drilling, a directional drilling services company, is officially launching it's MagTraC MWD Ranging™ service today.
This unique solution targets the industry’s toughest wellbore placement and risk mitigation challenges. By isolating the earth’s naturally occurring magnetic field from its magnetic interference signature, the distance and direction to the target well or casing is determined. MagTraC utilizes the raw data obtained from Measurement While Drilling (MWD) telemetry ensuring there are no disruptions to the operation.
MagTraC MWD Ranging™ Brochure (PDF) Read More......
USA, California:
Yesterday, Geothermal Energy Was Number One in California
The weather here in California has been warm and dry for a few weeks now. A high pressure system sits over the west coast and refuses to budge. This leads to calm, occasionally cloudy days, quite common at this time of year before the storm season begins.
This affects electricity generation especially wind and solar. When the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine these renewable energy providers suffer.
Geothermal energy was the number one renewable energy provider - and this is not the only day when it supports the economy here in California.
The weather here in California has been warm and dry for a few weeks now. A high pressure system sits over the west coast and refuses to budge. This leads to calm, occasionally cloudy days, quite common at this time of year before the storm season begins.
This affects electricity generation especially wind and solar. When the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine these renewable energy providers suffer.
 |
| (Courtesy CAISO) |
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) measures the output from renewable energy providers to the State grid. As you can see in the graph on the left it never got windy in California yesterday. There was enough sun to energize solar panels for 11 hours. The weather wasn't cooperating.
However, geothermal energy was still plugging away, supplying a constant supply of clean, dependable, renewable energy 24/7, 365 days a year.
 |
| (Courtesy CAISO) |
In fact, yesterday in California, geothermal energy was the biggest provider of electricity to the CAISO grid, with almost 20,000 MWh. Solar energy (PV and thermal) peaked at 11 in the morning and only supplied 19,000 MWh. Wind was a distant sixth among all renewables.
Geothermal energy was the number one renewable energy provider - and this is not the only day when it supports the economy here in California.
USA, California:
The Santa Rosa Geysers Recharge Project Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary (City of Santa Rosa)
Santa Rosa’s Subregional Water Reuse System is responsible for the recovery and advanced treatment of approximately 17 million gallons per day of wastewater from Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sebastopol, and the South Park Sanitation District. In a normal year, approximately one-third of the advanced treated recycled water is used for agricultural and urban irrigation and the other two-thirds is delivered to Calpine’s Geysers steamfields via the Geysers Recharge Project pipeline.
To date, the Geysers Recharge Project pipeline has delivered over 42 billion gallons of Santa Rosa’s recycled water to Calpine’s geothermal steamfields. The nearly 13 million gallons a day of recycled water delivered through the pipeline boosts Calpine’s power production by 100 megawatts, equivalent to providing power to nearly 125,000 homes.
Read More.....
The nearly 13 million gallons a day of recycled water delivered through the pipeline boosts Calpine’s power production by 100 megawatts, equivalent to providing power to nearly 125,000 homes.
Santa Rosa Utilities is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Santa Rosa Geysers Recharge Project -- a 41-mile long recycled water pipeline that connects Santa Rosa’s Subregional Water Reuse System to Calpine Corporation’s Geysers geothermal steamfields in the Mayacmas Mountains.Santa Rosa’s Subregional Water Reuse System is responsible for the recovery and advanced treatment of approximately 17 million gallons per day of wastewater from Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sebastopol, and the South Park Sanitation District. In a normal year, approximately one-third of the advanced treated recycled water is used for agricultural and urban irrigation and the other two-thirds is delivered to Calpine’s Geysers steamfields via the Geysers Recharge Project pipeline.
To date, the Geysers Recharge Project pipeline has delivered over 42 billion gallons of Santa Rosa’s recycled water to Calpine’s geothermal steamfields. The nearly 13 million gallons a day of recycled water delivered through the pipeline boosts Calpine’s power production by 100 megawatts, equivalent to providing power to nearly 125,000 homes.
Read More.....
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Technology:
New Report Highlights Values of Geothermal in Today's Renewable Power Market - Press Conference
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) and Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) have released a new, joint report titled "The Values of Geothermal Energy: A Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Power Provides to the Future U.S. Power System (PDF)."
A press conference on November 6 offered journalists a discussion with geothermal business leaders about their company’s experience, the values their projects bring that aren’t currently recognized, and what the impact could be if full value of geothermal were more fully recognized by states and PUCs.
Taking part in the 49 minute conference were:
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) and Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) have released a new, joint report titled "The Values of Geothermal Energy: A Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Power Provides to the Future U.S. Power System (PDF)."
A press conference on November 6 offered journalists a discussion with geothermal business leaders about their company’s experience, the values their projects bring that aren’t currently recognized, and what the impact could be if full value of geothermal were more fully recognized by states and PUCs.
Taking part in the 49 minute conference were:
- Karl Gawell, Executive Director, Geothermal Energy Association
- Ben Matek, Industry Analyst, Geothermal Energy Association
- Steve Ponder, Executive Director, Geothermal Resources Council
- Brian Schmidt, Librarian, Geothermal Resources Council
- Richard Campbell, Vice President of Renewable Generation, CH2M HILL
- Louis E Capuano Jr., President & CEO, Capuano Engineering Company
- Doug Glaspey, President, COO and Director, U.S. Geothermal Inc.
- Craig Mataczynski, CEO, Gradient
- Bob Sullivan, VP of Business Development, Ormat
USA, Nevada:
Ormat Technologies Management Discusses Q3 2013 Results - Earnings Call Transcript (Seeking Alpha)
Hosting the call are Dita Bronicki, Chief Executive Officer; Yoram Bronicki, President and Chief Operating Officer; Doron Blachar, Chief Financial Officer; and Smadar Lavi, Vice President of Corporate Finance and Investor Relations.
Accompanying Slide Show (PDF) Read More......
Accompanying Slide Show (PDF) Read More......
USA, Oregon:
Sustainability at Oregon Institute of Technology (Green Build TV)
In addition to having one of the top engineering programs in the country, the Oregon Institute of Technology is a shining example of eco-friendly sustainability and renewable energy use. OIT introduced the very first Bachelor of Science program in Renewable Energy Systems. Their renowned Geo-Heat Center also serves as a national hub for geothermal information and development. Oregon’s elected leaders also chose OIT to be home to the Oregon Renewable Energy Center.Given the long history of the use of geothermal as an energy resource in Klamath Falls, it is only fitting that the Oregon Institute of Technology built the very first university-based geothermal combined heat and power plant in the world.
Since 1964, OIT has been using geothermal to provide heat for the entire campus. The first low-temperature power plant was installed in April 2009 and it provides about 10% of OIT’s electricity. A second, much larger 1.75 MW geothermal power plant has also been added on campus and is scheduled to be completed by December 2013.
Climate Change:
Concentrations of Warming Gases Break Record (BBC News)
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), atmospheric CO2 grew more rapidly last year than its average rise over the past decade.
Concentrations of methane and nitrous oxide also broke previous records
Thanks to carbon dioxide and these other gases, the WMO says the warming effect on our climate has increased by almost a third since 1990.
The WMO's annual greenhouse gas bulletin measures concentrations in the atmosphere, not emissions on the ground.
Read More.....
The levels of gases in the atmosphere that drive global warming increased to a record high in 2012.
Concentrations of methane and nitrous oxide also broke previous records
Thanks to carbon dioxide and these other gases, the WMO says the warming effect on our climate has increased by almost a third since 1990.
The WMO's annual greenhouse gas bulletin measures concentrations in the atmosphere, not emissions on the ground.
Read More.....
Technology:
GRC Y GEA Publican Un Informe Sobre Los Beneficios De La Energía Geotérmica En Estados Unidos (Piensa en Geotermia)
Un informe conjunto realizado por el Geothermal Resources Council y la U.S. Geothermal Energy Association, se destaca la energía geotérmica como una opción segura, económica y limpia para proporcionar energía de carga base para el sistema de energía en los Estados Unidos.
En un nuevo informe conjunto realizado por el Geothermal Resources Council y la U.S. Geothermal Energy Association destacan a la energía geotérmica como una opción segura, económica y limpia para proporcionar energía de carga base para el sistema de energía de los Estados Unidos.
El informe, que también es interesante en el contexto internacional está disponible en el siguiente enlace.
Fuente: “The Values of Geothermal Energy – a Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Provides to the Future U.S. Power System” (PDF)
En un nuevo informe conjunto realizado por el Geothermal Resources Council y la U.S. Geothermal Energy Association destacan a la energía geotérmica como una opción segura, económica y limpia para proporcionar energía de carga base para el sistema de energía de los Estados Unidos.
El informe, que también es interesante en el contexto internacional está disponible en el siguiente enlace.
Fuente: “The Values of Geothermal Energy – a Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Provides to the Future U.S. Power System” (PDF)
Technology:
If We Can Bury Carbon Dioxide, Why Not Use It to Make Electricity? (MIT Technology Review)
Researchers might have found a way to economically capture carbon dioxide from power plants and permanently store it underground. The idea is to turn carbon dioxide storage sites into geothermal power plants.
If it works, the technology would provide both the electricity needed to pump carbon dioxide underground and a source of revenue to offset the high cost of capturing carbon dioxide at power plants, compressing it, and shipping it to storage sites.
That technology, known as carbon capture and storage, or CCS, will be essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But because large-scale CCS would be prohibitively expensive, development of the technology has been too slow to meet climate change targets, according to the International Energy Agency.
Read More......
A startup is trying to demonstrate that carbon dioxide can be used to make clean geothermal power economical and far more widespread.
 |
| (Courtesy University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science) |
If it works, the technology would provide both the electricity needed to pump carbon dioxide underground and a source of revenue to offset the high cost of capturing carbon dioxide at power plants, compressing it, and shipping it to storage sites.
That technology, known as carbon capture and storage, or CCS, will be essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But because large-scale CCS would be prohibitively expensive, development of the technology has been too slow to meet climate change targets, according to the International Energy Agency.
Read More......
Commonwealth of Dominica:
Production Drilling Starting on Dominica (Iceland GeoSurvey)
Production drilling for geothermal energy is recommencing on the volcanic island of Dominica in the Caribbean. During this phase of the geothermal project two wells will be drilled to a depth of 1200-1800 m.
Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR) has designed two new wells for the government of Dominica, one of which is a reinjection well, whilst the other is a production well. Drilling is expected to start next week. Iceland Drilling will be in charge of the drilling and ÍSOR will carry out consulting during the drilling operations, which include borehole geology, borehole loggings, discharge measurements and environmental monitoring, i.e. measurements of hydrogen sulphide. Two to three employees from ÍSOR are expected to stay on the island until March next year.
Read More......
Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR) has designed two new wells for the government of Dominica, one of which is a reinjection well, whilst the other is a production well. Drilling is expected to start next week. Iceland Drilling will be in charge of the drilling and ÍSOR will carry out consulting during the drilling operations, which include borehole geology, borehole loggings, discharge measurements and environmental monitoring, i.e. measurements of hydrogen sulphide. Two to three employees from ÍSOR are expected to stay on the island until March next year.
Read More......
Indonesia:
Philippines a Symbol for Local Geothermal (Jakarta Globe)
Indonesia does not have to look very far to find the best way to tap geothermal energy, which potentially is located in protected, remote forests.
As Indonesia struggles to find a balance between the development of geothermal resources, forest conservation, and development, the Philippines has shown how that can be achieved.
The Philippines gets 14 percent of its electricity supply from geothermal power plants and the nation is the second-largest producer in the world of such energy by capacity, after the United States.
Indonesia can only tap 1.4 percent of its estimated 28,994 megawatts in reserves — the largest in the world — as the country is yet to resolve issues such as conflicting laws that forbid geothermal exploitation in conservation areas, pricing, and opposition from indigenous people.
Read More......
Indonesia does not have to look very far to find the best way to tap geothermal energy, which potentially is located in protected, remote forests.
As Indonesia struggles to find a balance between the development of geothermal resources, forest conservation, and development, the Philippines has shown how that can be achieved.
The Philippines gets 14 percent of its electricity supply from geothermal power plants and the nation is the second-largest producer in the world of such energy by capacity, after the United States.
Indonesia can only tap 1.4 percent of its estimated 28,994 megawatts in reserves — the largest in the world — as the country is yet to resolve issues such as conflicting laws that forbid geothermal exploitation in conservation areas, pricing, and opposition from indigenous people.
Read More......
Australia:
Geodynamics Extends Offer for KUTh Energy, at 57% (Proactive Investors Australia)
Geodynamics has extended its takeover offer for fellow geothermal company KUTh Energy after crossing the 50% acceptance mark on 30 October 2013.
Since then, it has increased its interest to 57.62% representing 84,080,309 shares in KUTh.
KUTh’s directors support Geodynamics’ bid of one share for every five-and-a-half KUTh shares and have lodged Bid Acceptance documents for their stakes.
The deal will deliver Geodynamics a portfolio of geothermal energy projects and prospects held by KUTh Energy in the Pacific Islands.
Since then, it has increased its interest to 57.62% representing 84,080,309 shares in KUTh.
KUTh’s directors support Geodynamics’ bid of one share for every five-and-a-half KUTh shares and have lodged Bid Acceptance documents for their stakes.
The deal will deliver Geodynamics a portfolio of geothermal energy projects and prospects held by KUTh Energy in the Pacific Islands.
Technology:
Joint GRC-GEA Report Extols Benefits of Geothermal Energy
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) and the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) have released a new, joint report titled "The Values of Geothermal Energy: A Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Power Provides to the Future U.S. Power System (PDF)."
Prepared by our own Brian Schmidt, GRC Librarian, and Ben Matek, GEA's Industry Analyst, the new report documents the many benefits of geothermal power.
"Geothermal power offers both firm and flexible solutions to the changing U.S. power system by providing a range of services including but not limited to baseload, regulation, load following or energy imbalance, spinning reserve, non-spinning reserve, and replacement or supplemental reserve," the report begins.
The report can be downloaded from www.geothermal.org/pdfs/Values_of_Geothermal_Energy.pdf
Prepared by our own Brian Schmidt, GRC Librarian, and Ben Matek, GEA's Industry Analyst, the new report documents the many benefits of geothermal power.
"Geothermal power offers both firm and flexible solutions to the changing U.S. power system by providing a range of services including but not limited to baseload, regulation, load following or energy imbalance, spinning reserve, non-spinning reserve, and replacement or supplemental reserve," the report begins.
The report can be downloaded from www.geothermal.org/pdfs/Values_of_Geothermal_Energy.pdf
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
USA, Nevada:
Ormat Technologies Reports 2013 Third Quarter Results (Wall Street Journal - Press Release)
Ormat Technologies, Inc. today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2013. Operational highlights and recent developments:
Ormat Technologies, Inc. today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2013. Operational highlights and recent developments:
- Increased electricity generation by 5.0% to 985,531 MWh, driven by new capacity coming on line at Olkaria III Plant 2 in Kenya, and increased generation at the McGuiness Hills plant;
- Successfully completed the world's largest binary geothermal plant, the 100 MW Ngatamariki in New Zealand, under a $142.0 million EPC contract;
- Secured a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Southern California Public Power Authority to supply power from the Heber 1 geothermal plant in California beginning December 16, 2015. The new PPA replaces the Standard Offer Contract No. 4 (SO#4), which is tied to natural gas prices, with fixed-price contract at a higher rate;
- Entered into a joint development agreement with eBay to develop a 5 MW recovered energy generation power plant in Utah to supply cleaner electricity to eBay's new data center; and
- Signed an agreement for a greenfield development of the Hu'u Dompu geothermal prospect in Indonesia.
USA, Nevada:
Yehudit (Dita) Bronicki to Retire from Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ - Press Release)
Ormat Technologies, Inc. today announced that Mrs. Yehudit (Dita) Bronicki, the company's chief executive officer, has decided to retire from her position of CEO, effective June 30, 2014.
Mrs. Bronicki will continue to serve as a director of the company following her planned retirement as CEO. Mrs. Bronicki's decision to retire will bring to a close a remarkable career of 48 years of continuous management service to Ormat and its shareholders.
The company further announced that Mr. Gillon Beck has decided to step down from his position of chairman of the board of directors of the company appointing Yoram Bronicki as the succeeding chairman, with such appointment being effective June 30, 2014. Mr. Beck will continue to serve as a director of the company after he steps down from his position as chairman. Upon assuming the position of the chairman of the board Mr. Yoram Bronicki will relinquish his position as president and chief operating officer of the company.
Read More.....
Mrs. Bronicki will continue to serve as a director of the company following her planned retirement as CEO. Mrs. Bronicki's decision to retire will bring to a close a remarkable career of 48 years of continuous management service to Ormat and its shareholders.
The company further announced that Mr. Gillon Beck has decided to step down from his position of chairman of the board of directors of the company appointing Yoram Bronicki as the succeeding chairman, with such appointment being effective June 30, 2014. Mr. Beck will continue to serve as a director of the company after he steps down from his position as chairman. Upon assuming the position of the chairman of the board Mr. Yoram Bronicki will relinquish his position as president and chief operating officer of the company.
Read More.....
Indonesia:
Editorial: Indonesia Needs to Pursue Geothermal (Jakarta Globe)
As Indonesia struggles to develop a comprehensive and sustainable energy policy, it might take a look at its northern neighbor for some guidance and success stories. The Philippines has many similar characteristics to Indonesia — it has thousands of islands, a high poverty rate, a booming economy, and a shortage of electricity.
Indonesia can no longer rely on fossil fuels alone to generate power for its economy and its people.
Geothermal energy has long been touted as a possible alternative. After all Indonesia has the highest reserves of geothermal energy in the world, but only taps 1.4 percent of this energy. The Philippines, on the other hand, gets 14 percent of its energy needs from geothermal sources, making it the second-largest geothermal producer in the world, behind only the United States.
Read More.....
 |
| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
Indonesia can no longer rely on fossil fuels alone to generate power for its economy and its people.
Geothermal energy has long been touted as a possible alternative. After all Indonesia has the highest reserves of geothermal energy in the world, but only taps 1.4 percent of this energy. The Philippines, on the other hand, gets 14 percent of its energy needs from geothermal sources, making it the second-largest geothermal producer in the world, behind only the United States.
Read More.....
USA, Arizona:
Apple to Build Factory in Arizona, Run on Renewables Including Geothermal Energy (Bloomberg)
Apple and the state of Arizona have announced a second Apple factory in the US - in Mesa, Arizona - as Apple works to bring some manufacturing back to its home country. The factory will be in partnership with GT Advanced, which will "own and operate furnaces and related equipment" at the Apple facility.
"This new plant will make components for Apple products and it will run on 100 per cent renewable energy from day one, as a result of the work we are doing with Salt River Project (SRP) to create green energy sources to power the facility."Apple announced in a statement. SRP has a contract with EnergySource to supply geothermal energy from the John L. Featherstone geothermal plant and the planned Hudson Ranch II plant in the Imperial Valley in Southern California.
According to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer “[Apple's] investment in renewable energy will also be greening our power grid, and creating significant new solar and geothermal power sources for the state."
Read More.....
Local utility will supply renewable energy, including geothermal energy
"This new plant will make components for Apple products and it will run on 100 per cent renewable energy from day one, as a result of the work we are doing with Salt River Project (SRP) to create green energy sources to power the facility."Apple announced in a statement. SRP has a contract with EnergySource to supply geothermal energy from the John L. Featherstone geothermal plant and the planned Hudson Ranch II plant in the Imperial Valley in Southern California.
According to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer “[Apple's] investment in renewable energy will also be greening our power grid, and creating significant new solar and geothermal power sources for the state."
Read More.....
USA, Alaska:
Will Pilgrim Hot Springs Solve Nome’s Energy Needs? (Alaska Dispatch)
After drilling several test holes at a hot springs near Nome, scientists and prospective developers of a planned geothermal electric project still haven’t found the energy they need. But they may be getting close.
A production-size hole -- big enough to be turned into a working geothermal power plant -- was drilled in September. It produced plenty of water, one of the requirements for a planned 2 MWe power plant. But the water wasn’t quite hot enough. Two smaller holes were later drilled into the tundra at Pilgrim Hot Springs, 60 miles northeast of Nome, in mid-October to test for hotter water temperatures, but scientists aren’t sure yet if the site will produce fluid near 190 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the threshold for a geothermal plant to produce enough energy at the site to make it a worthwhile endeavor.
Read More.....
 |
| Pilgrim Hot Springs Area (Courtesy ACEP UAF) |
A production-size hole -- big enough to be turned into a working geothermal power plant -- was drilled in September. It produced plenty of water, one of the requirements for a planned 2 MWe power plant. But the water wasn’t quite hot enough. Two smaller holes were later drilled into the tundra at Pilgrim Hot Springs, 60 miles northeast of Nome, in mid-October to test for hotter water temperatures, but scientists aren’t sure yet if the site will produce fluid near 190 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the threshold for a geothermal plant to produce enough energy at the site to make it a worthwhile endeavor.
Read More.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)