Iceland:

BMW Goes Green With Geothermal Computers (Car and Driver)

Save for a nonsensical first drive of a new Subaru, we don’t include Iceland in our general coverage. But the tiny Nordic isle has been drawing BMW’s R&D budget for—thing of all things—carbon-free computers.

BMW’s eco-friendly agenda for its i3 and i8 electric cars has seeped into places where even the most Californian of Californians doesn’t check—the servers processing CAD models, crash simulations, aerodynamics, and other data-heavy computing required for their development. In Iceland, geothermal heat and hydroelectric dams keep 1300 servers humming for BMW day and night, with naturally cold air to chill all the rigs. If that sounds expensive, in Iceland—where active volcanoes keep piping hot water under the surface and power two-thirds of the country’s energy usage—it’s easy.

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Science:

New Research Shows How Water is Transferred into our Planet's Interior (Projects)

The Earth's interior could contain more than three times the amount of water in all our oceans combined, existing within the structures of silicate materials that are stable at the prevailing conditions deep inside the Earth. New research from ETH Zürich has helped to elucidate exactly how deep water gets transported into the Earth's interior.

Water is fundamental for processes that occur at the Earth's surface, but also plays a critical role in many geological processes occurring deep inside of it that shape its evolution. Small amounts of water incorporated into the structure of minerals have a major effect on their stability, behavior and phase equilibria. Global processes such as mantle convection, plate tectonics and naturally occurring catastrophic events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are strongly influenced by the activity of this water.

Water is reintroduced into the Earth’s interior by hydrated tectonic (oceanic) plates that return into the mantle in subduction zones, and released when hydrous minerals/phases are decomposed due to the high pressure and temperature of the Earth’s interior. Much of this water returns to the surface by volcanism, but a large fraction of is retained in newly formed high pressure hydrous phases that are stable at much higher depths, opening the possibility for water to recirculate deeper into the mantle beyond 400 km depth. However, the exact amount of water stored in the solid Earth, and how (and how much) of this water is recycled back to the surface, remains obscure.

Read the full online article here.

USA:

U.S. House Recommends More Money for Geothermal Technologies Program (United States Congress)

House Appropriations Committee recommends $46 Million for FY2014, up from $37.8 in 2013

The U.S. House Appropriations Committee approved a $34 billion spending bill for the Department of Energy (DOE) and Army Corps of Engineers Wednesday.

For the Geothermal Technologies program the Committee recommends $46,000,000 for Geothermal Technologies, $198,000 above fiscal year 2014 and $15,500,000 below the budget request.

Within available funds, the recommendation provides $27,000,000 for Enhanced Geothermal Systems, of which $21,000,000 is for site selection and characterization activities for the Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy project.

The budget for the Geothermal Technologies program in recent years is as follows: 2010 - $43.1; 2011 - $38.0; 2012 - $37.8; 2013 - $37.8; 2014 - $46.0 (recommended).

The Committee recommends $1,789,000,000 for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, $112,686,000 below fiscal year 2014 and $527,749,000 below the budget request.

The Committee recommends $369,500,000 for Renewable Energy, $80,292,000 below fiscal year 2014 and $151,800,000 below the budget request.

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate which is more likely to increase the spending rather than make cuts.

USA:

New Energy Maps Show Cool Things About Renewables (Climate Central)

When the U.S. Energy Information Administration launched its new U.S. Energy Mapping System last fall and upgraded it for use on mobile devices in early June, it powered a system allowing anyone to visualize some of the reams of data the EIA compiles on all things energy-related in the country.

That mapping system has a lot to show about renewables — critical to reducing climate change-driving greenhouse gas emissions — and the spread of renewables development across the continent.

The U.S. Has Great Geothermal Potential; Most Of It Is Untapped

Nevada, California, Utah, New Mexico, western Colorado are all places with large geothermal resources (heat from places where molten rock comes relatively close to the earth’s surface). But nationwide, there are only a handful of geothermal power plants, which in 2012 produced about 15.5 million megawatt hours of electricity, mostly in California, where geothermal accounts for roughly 5 percent of the state’s power generation, according to EIA data.

Geothermal power generation has been slow, according to EIA data, mainly because of the cost and risk involved in building new geothermal power plants, which can take up to eight years longer to complete than wind and solar power generating facilities.

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Commonwealth of Dominica:

Dominica Reports First Commercial Geothermal Well (DA Vibes)

A six day flow test to determine the generation capacity of a geothermal production well in Laudat, Dominica has been completed.

Results from the flow test of the first commercial geothermal well indicate that the well is productive and can be used for electricity generation.

The test report also indicates that Dominica could generate over 10 MWe.

Drilling, testing and monitoring consultant, vice president of Geothermal Resource Group , Will Osborn, a GRC Member, reported at a press conference on June 16, 2014 that the flow test conducted between June 10 to 16 was successful.

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Canada:

Saskatchewan Geothermal Project Now Seeking Investors (Estevan Mercury)

The broadening of Estevan’s energy portfolio is entering its next phase as the city could one day be a model for geothermal development.

Moving power production in the Energy City away from fossil fuels, the Deep Earth Energy Production (DEEP) Corporation is entering its proof of concept phase for its proposed geothermal production facilities south of Estevan in south-eastern Saskatchewan.

The $2 million feasibility study, funded entirely by the federal government and SaskPower, is complete and the DEEP team is now looking for investors to help see the project to fruition. The Government of Canada is betting on geothermal, backing the initiative by supporting 50 per cent of the cost up to $20 million.

Kirsten Marcia, CEO of DEEP

Estevan native and GRC Member Kirsten Marcia is a geoscientist and the CEO behind DEEP, and presented the DEEP case to local industry professionals in a keynote speech at the inaugural Estevan Energy Expo at Affinity Place last week.

“Geothermal is a really unique resource,” said Marcia, noting it produces zero emissions. While that is what it shares with other renewable resources, what sets it apart is its ability to provide base-load power. “Geothermal is more base load than hydro. Once you develop it, each project can go for 20 or 40 years.”

Marcia expects DEEP’s first project near Estevan to begin producing power by early 2017. After Project 1 is complete, she said they will be able to implement subsequent projects much quicker.

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Mexico

Senado Avala Leyes de Industria Eléctrica, Energía Geotérmica y Aguas Nacionales, México  (Piensa en Geotermia)

Mexico Senate Committees Approve Electricity, Geothermal Laws

El senado de México acaba de avalar las leyes de Industria Eléctrica, Energía Geotérmica y las modificaciones pertenecientes a la ley de Aguas Nacionales.

Two Mexican senate committees have approved secondary legislation relating to electricity and geothermal energy. Under the legislation energy ministry (Sener) will be in charge of awarding contracts to private firms to provide electricity generation services, as well as the occupation or expropriation of buildings necessary for the development of the electricity sector.

Leer Mas......                             Read More.......

USA, Utah:

Utah Student Looks Into Geothermal Energy Using Supercritical CO2 (Utah State Today)

Blake Thomas

A graduate student from a Utah university is looking into the feasibility of Logan City using geothermal energy as part of a $4,000 DEED (Demonstration of Energy and Efficiency Developments) grant from the American Public Power Association.

Blake Thomas is a master’s student in the Department of Environment and Society at Utah State University. He said he’ll explore whether geothermal energy is feasible in the land surrounding Logan, just north of Salt Lake City, along with economic and transportation costs.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity to explore the feasibility of carbon dioxide-based geothermal energy for Logan,” says Thomas. “If a viable option, it offers substantial advantages over fossil fuels and would make Logan the first community in Utah to use this source of power.

Read More.....

USA, California:

Tesla Said to be Eyeing Salton Sea's Lithium (The Desert Sun)

Lithium could be sourced from geothermal power plant partner

A Tesla Motors employee recently visited the Imperial Valley while the automaker considers Southern California as a potential source of lithium for batteries, a board member of the Imperial Irrigation District said Tuesday.

Tesla is looking to secure additional sources of lithium as the Palo Alto-based electric car maker moves forward with plans for its "Gigafactory," the world's biggest plant to produce lithium-ion batteries. And while the location of that factory remains unclear, one potential source of lithium appears to be Simbol Materials, which has a small plant in Calipatria demonstrating a new technology that extracts lithium from the brine used to generate geothermal energy.

Simbol Materials' demonstration plant is located at Energy­Source's Featherstone geothermal plant near the Salton Sea. It extracts lithium and other minerals after the hot brine has been used to generate energy.

Read More......

USA, California:

Salton Sea Slated for Federal Funding (The Desert Sun)

Monies could open the door for more government spending on Salton Sea restoration including opportunities for geothermal energy

The Army Corps of Engineers is budgeting $200,000 next year for work relating to the Salton Sea, a step that local officials say may clear the way for more federal government involvement in projects aimed at protecting habitats and keeping dust down as the lake recedes.

Although the amount of proposed federal spending next year is relatively small, the inclusion of a Salton Sea study for the first time in the Corps of Engineers’ work plan signals that the federal government is increasingly making the lake a priority, said Phil Rosentrater, deputy director of the Riverside County Economic Development Agency.

He and other local officials hope the Army Corps of Engineers’ involvement could help open the door for future financial support from Washington.

“It is the key that unlocks the door for the rest of the funding,” said Bruce Wilcox, environmental manager for Salton Sea projects for the Imperial Irrigation District.

He said the federal government’s growing role also fits with other initiatives, including a plan promoted by Imperial Irrigation District to develop more geothermal energy plants around the Salton Sea.

Read More.....

Norway:

Nextdrill Project Drills for Heat, Deep in the Earth Below Norway (Gemini)

SINTEF’s project manager Alexandre Kane checks out a drill-bit
that the Swedish company Sandvik has developed for mining
operations. (Photo Courtesy SINTEF/Thor Nielsen)

Backed by a troop of industrial and technology companies the Nextdrill research project, is going ahead at full speed to develop drilling tools that will make it profitable to exploit true geothermal heat.

The immediate aim is to drill wells to depths of five to six kilometres, where we encounter temperatures that are high enough to allow the heat to be used for district heating and electricity generation.

The Nextdrill project members – Norwegian research organisation SINTEF, the Swedish company Sandvik and Germany’s H.C. Starck – are collaborating on the development of materials for a drill-bit with a long working life.

Another participant is the Norwegian technology company Resonator, which is in the process of developing an electric percussion rotary drill, a tool that crushes rock by dealing it hammer-like blows as the drill-bit turns. Electrical operation offers the possibility of remote control and more energy-efficient drilling systems than technology based on today’s pneumatic or hydraulic systems.

In the course of this year the Nextdrill project will carry out its first small-scale drilling trials near Ås in Akershus County, south of Oslo. In August and again in November, a specially designed version of Resonator’s percussion rotary drill will tackle hard rock. It will be fitted in turn with commercially available drill-bits and bits made of the highly wear-resistant materials that are being developed by the project.

Read More.....

USA, Arizona, California:

Arizona Utility Contracts to Buy More Geothermal Power from CalEnergy (azcentral.com)

Salt River Project is increasing the amount of electricity it contracts to purchase from geothermal power plants in Southern California.

SRP added 37 MWe to its existing 50 MWe contract. One megawatt is enough electricity to power about 250 homes at once, when a power plant is running.

The geothermal power plants run by CalEnergy are in the Salton Sea area. The contracts begin in 2016 and increase over time until SRP will be receiving 87 MWe from the company in 2020. That amount of power will be enough for nearly 22,000 homes at once. The contract runs to 2039.

Read More.....

Science:

Scientists Discover an Ocean 400 Miles Beneath Our Feet that Could Fill Our Oceans Three Times Over (ExtremeTech)

After decades of theorizing and searching, scientists are reporting that they’ve finally found a massive reservoir of water in the Earth’s mantle — a reservoir so vast that could fill the Earth’s oceans three times over. This discovery suggests that Earth’s surface water actually came from within, as part of a “whole-Earth water cycle,” rather than the prevailing theory of icy comets striking Earth billions of years ago. As always, the more we understand about how the Earth formed, and how its multitude of interior layers continue to function, the more accurately we can predict the future. Weather, sea levels, climate change — these are all closely linked to the tectonic activity that endlessly churns away beneath our feet.

Basically, the new theory is that the Earth’s mantle is full of a mineral called ringwoodite. We know from experiments here on the surface that, under extreme pressure, ringwoodite can trap water.

Read More......

USA, Montana:

Montana Utility Seeks 45 MW Renewable Energy (reNews)

US utility Northwestern Energy has issued a request for proposals for up to 45 MW of community-owned renewable energy generation in Montana.

The regulated investor-owned utility is required to purchase energy from qualified community projects that have a total generating capacity under 25 MW with a majority ownership stake by in-state residents or entities.

The projects will help the utility meet its Montana energy resource portfolio requirements with targeted commercial operation dates by the end of 2015.

NorthWestern will consider both power purchase agreements and build-transfer arrangements. Proposals are due 14 July.

In relation to geothermal procurement the RFP asks applicants to provide any engineering studies or research indicating the needed geothermal resources are available at the project site and the extent to which such research and studies provides certainty regarding the expected project output. Provide third-party resource evaluation reports where available. Also include a description of the technology to be employed, including the expected plant efficiency, and other technological information such as whether the plant will be a closed or open-loop system and whether a scrubbing system will be employed.

In particular, address how the plant output may change over time and what levels of output depletion might occur as the geothermal resource is tapped and utilized.

Read More.....

USA, Washington, DC:

2014 EIA Energy Conference

July 14 and 15, Washington, DC

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) will hold its 2014 EIA Energy Conference July 14 and 15 at the JW Marriott in Washington, DC. The EIA Energy Conference has become a premier forum for addressing energy issues in the U.S. and worldwide. This event provides a unique opportunity to meet and network with fellow energy experts and decision makers.

Breakout session topics will include:

• Asian energy demand outlook 
• Energy in Latin America 
• Renewable energy: from alternative to conventional, does policy still matter? 

The conference attracts U.S. and international attendees from government, industry, non-profit organizations, the media, and academia. Registration......

More information......

USA, Nevada:

Register Today at Early Bird Rate for the U.S. National Geothermal Summit

The U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA)'s fourth annual National Geothermal Summit will be held on Tuesday, August 5 and Wednesday, August 6 at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno, NV. This year's Summit will focus on policies, regulations, utilities, and technology moving forward geothermal development in Nevada, California and the western states.

Topics to be covered include federal leasing and permitting: performance and improvement; state PUC and utility officials presenting on their outlook for geothermal procurement; achieving the potential of the Salton Sea; moving geothermal forward in Nevada and California; public and private utilities and geothermal power; political and tax experts discussing the outlook for federal and state tax incentives for geothermal; sage grouse, adopting new US reporting methodology for geothermal energy; and more.

Register.....

USA, California:

Opinion: Hueso’s Geothermal Plan: Good for Energy and Salton Sea (U-T San Diego)

Kevin E. Kelley, GM, Imperial Irrigation District

Kevin E. Kelley, GM,
Imperial Irrigation District

Regarding the June 10 editorial “Geothermal mandate: Ben Hueso’s folly” and SB1139, the editorial’s conclusion that procuring geothermal will increase rates is simply inaccurate. Our complex energy system makes it easy for detractors to make unfounded claims. Californians deserve facts.

Current state policies regulating how we evaluate the true costs of energy production puts geothermal power at a competitive disadvantage. This is foolish, especially when one considers the benefits of geothermal: no combustion, almost zero greenhouse gas emissions, and reliable energy supply to our grid 365 days a year. Furthermore, the mineral byproduct of geothermal extraction is lithium, which can be used to power phones and automobiles, further opening economic opportunities and paving the way for a low-carbon future.

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Technology:

Hot Rocks are a Core Asset (eco-business.com)

New engineering techniques mean that hot rocks in the Earth’s crust are second only to hydroelectric schemes as the most productive source of renewable energy, with huge potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Many countries with volcanoes have long used hot rocks and steam to generate electricity, but new engineering methods promise a boom in geothermal energy.

The deeper you drill into the Earth’s crust, the hotter the rocks get − and the heat that is radiating upwards from the core of the planet is constantly replaced. Japan, Iceland, Italy, New Zealand and the US, among other nations with volcanoes and hot underground water, have long exploited this for generating electricity and heating.

But now engineers have found that they do not need to look for naturally-occurring hot water. They can inject cold liquids into the hot rocks and bring it back to the surface through a second borehole to generate electricity. Unlike other renewables that can be variable, the hot rocks produce constant power 24 hours a day.

Read More......

USA:

New Industry Paper Examines Reports on Geothermal Power Costs and Benefits (InvestorIdeas.com - press release)

Geothermal energy is an affordable power source, according to an analysis of several government and private sector reports published in 2014. The U.S. Geothermal Energy Association released a new paper today titled "The Economic Costs and Benefits of Geothermal Power (PDF)" that examines the public economic costs and benefits of geothermal energy.

Geothermal power "compares favorably with other technologies currently available according to three difference analyses published in 2014," the authors state.

The paper also looks at the direct economic benefits of geothermal power. Unlike other renewables, geothermal power produced on federal lands is based upon leases that are sold competitively, generating bonus bids, and subsequent production is subject to royalty payments. According to the Department of the Interior, geothermal generated $15 million in fiscal year 2014. Also, state lands involved in geothermal power production generate additional revenues, often dedicated to support education. California, for example, reports $4 million received from geothermal production involving state lands.

Read More......

USA, Montana:

Geothermal Energy has Potential in Big Sky Country (Great Falls Tribune)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

Amid the oil boom in eastern Montana and North Dakota, and low natural gas and electricity prices in the Northwest, whatever happened to other forms of energy?

That’s a question I posed to Enrique Cooper of Lima, Peru, a Chilean-born consultant who visited Great Falls this month and who is well-versed in large-scale geothermal energy.

Montana would be in the medium category of being a candidate for a geothermal power plant that would use hot water, steam or brine sources deep in the earth to turn turbines to create electricity, Cooper said.

Cooper met recently with a state economic development official in Helena, and with Montana Public Service Commissioner Travis Kavulla. Cooper was impressed with the knowledge state government has of geothermal energy.

Read More.....

USA, California:

Solar Has Had its Day in the Sun – It’s Time to Level the Playing Field (Fox and Hounds Daily)

Thanks in part to state and federal tax benefits, as well as strong state clean energy policies, the large-scale solar energy industry has boomed. By the end of the decade, commercial solar is expected to make up about seven percent of our state’s electricity supply. This is in stark contrast to other types of renewables whose portion of the energy mix is projected to decline, due to waning tax credits and expiring contracts. Still, solar energy developers have been working behind the scenes to sneak continuation of an industry-specific property tax exemption into the state budget deal, further tipping the playing field in their direction.

According to California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) projections, the contribution of utility-scale solar energy projects to the state’s renewable resource electricity supply is projected to increase more than 1,200 percent between 2012 and 2020. The original intent of the property tax exemption was to help launch what was once a fledgling industry. But that time has come and gone, and today solar is thriving.

The outlook is not so sunny for other renewables.

Read More......

Philippines:

AboitizPower Exploring Davao Geothermal Sites (BusinessWorld Online)

Aboitiz Power Corp. said it is exploring potential geothermal sites of about 20,000 hectares on the boundaries of Davao City, Davao del Sur and North Cotabato for power projects with a combined output of 200 MWe.

According to a company presentation over the weekend, a copy of which was obtained by BusinessWorld, the Energy department awarded AboitizPower subsidiary AP Renewables, Inc. exploration rights to two areas of about 10,000 hectares each.

One is between Mt. Talomo in Davao City and Tico, part of Magpet town in North Cotabato. The other area is on the boundary of Davao City and Davao del Sur near a hydroelectric project operated by another AboitizPower company, Hedcor, Inc.

Read More......

USA, Idaho:

State Researchers Unearth Regional Geothermal Resource (Post Register)

The Idaho Geological Survey has unearthed a previously unrecognized high-temperature geothermal resource near Soda Springs.

Discovery of the energy asset came through a recently completed national database, created with the help of Idaho researchers.

A University of Idaho survey team spent several years compiling some 7,000 records to contribute to the National Geothermal Data System on behalf of the Gem State. The data system was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Energy to compile all forms of data related to geothermal energy.

“Each state’s geological survey combed through it’s records and the records of other agencies for anything relevant to the exploration, development, research or utilization of geothermal heat,” UI research geologist and GRC Member John Welhan said. “It spanned the gamut from recreational uses to greenhouse warming to complex high-temperature heating systems.”

While compiling Idaho’s data points, UI researchers discovered documents from the 1970s and 1980s regarding oil and gas drilling in the Blackfoot and Soda Springs area. No petroleum products were found, but the drilling did reveal large underground springs. The pockets are spread over 200 square miles and range from 8,000 to 13,000 feet deep. The water temperature is 300 to 400 degrees.

Read More......

Global:

Travelers Urged to Visit Portland Just for the Health of It (Portland  Business Journal)

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Expo - September 28 - October  1
Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon, USA

(Courtesy Portland  Business Journal)

Portland has landed near the top of a list of areas deemed as potential vacation spots that are both fun and healthy.

The NerdWallet researchers dubbed Portland the third healthiest vacation spot in the U.S. The team based its accolades on such factors as the availability of healthy food, whether travelers can get around the city on foot and, yes, whether visitors can avoid harmful UV rays.

New York topped the list followed by San Francisco. NerdWallet limited its list to the nation's 25 largest cities.

Portland ranked immediately ahead of Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

USA, California:

Notice of Competitive Lease Sale Geothermal Resources

Thursday, September 11, 2014 for sale of leases in Imperial County

United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, California State Office

The BLM, California State Office has announced announce an offer for competitive sale of 6 parcels containing 14,306.83 acres of Federal lands in Imperial County, California for geothermal leasing.

When: The competitive oral sale will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2014. The sale room will open at 8:00 am for registration and assignment of bidder numbers.

Where: The sale will be held at The Bureau of Land Management, California State Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. Onsite parking is available.

More Information.....

Global:

The GRC Awards - Seeking the Best in Global Geothermal - Deadline for Nominations is June 27

The 33rd Annual Award winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA.

Last year's GRC Award winners.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) reminds the global geothermal community that the deadline for nominations for this year’s GRC Awards is June 27. The awards recognize distinguished colleagues in the geothermal community from around the world and have been a highlight of the geothermal calendar since the late 1970’s.

The winners will honored at the GRC Awards Luncheon, the climax to the GRC Annual Meeting being held at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon, USA from September 28 –October 1. The theme for this year’s meeting is Geothermal: A Global Solution.

The Joseph W. Aidlin Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the Geothermal Resources Council and to the development of geothermal resources.

The Geothermal Pioneer Award is given for outstanding achievements in the development of geothermal resources. It recognizes the pioneering efforts of members of the geothermal community who have made lasting contributions to the industry, worldwide.

The Henry J. Ramey, Jr. Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of geothermal reservoir engineering.

The Ben Holt Geothermal Power Plant Award honors outstanding achievement in the field of geothermal power plant design and construction.

The Special Achievement Award recognizes special or outstanding achievements in any aspect of geothermal energy development and related areas.

“The recipients of these awards often have a lifetime of achievement in the international geothermal academic, scientific and commercial communities”, said GRC Executive Director Steve Ponder. “The GRC Awards recognizes the contributions of these individuals to the global geothermal sector”.

More information on the GRC Awards, including a nomination form, can be found on the GRC website [www.geothermal.org]. The deadline for nominations is June 27, 2014.

USA, California:

Opinion: Geothermal Bill Deserves Support (Sacramento Bee)

James C. Hanks, President, 
Imperial Irrigation District, Imperial

Re "Senate passes bill to make electricity even more expensive" (Dan Walters, June 9): Dan Walters' June 9 broadside against geothermal energy misses the mark in at least two critical ways. For one, the addition of 500 megawatts to the grid from this new and virtually non-emissive baseload energy over the next decade represents a modest amount that would be justified even if it were only to counterbalance an over-reliance on intermittent resources such as wind and solar.

Likening Sen. Ben Hueso's bill and its call for the procurement of new geothermal energy to California's failed attempt at deregulation, as Walters does, is hyperbole-run-amok.

For another, whether new geothermal resources are developed at the Salton Sea, the unhealthy status quo at this troubled inland body of water cannot stand. Sen. Hueso clearly recognizes this inescapable fact, even if Walters doesn't and should be commended, not castigated, for doing something about it.

Global:

The Geothermal Resources Council 2014 Amateur Photo Contest - Deadline August 31

The 35th Amateur Photo Contest winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA.

1st Place 2013: "Geothermal Sheep" by
Hildur lngvarsdottir, Reykjavik, Iceland.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) reminds contestants that the deadline for this year’s Amateur Photo Contest is August 31. 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 38th GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo being held at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon, USA from September 28 –October 1. The theme for this year’s meeting is “Geothermal: A Global Solution”.

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

Photographs on any subject related to geothermal energy can be submitted such as geothermal energy production, EGS, Direct Use and geothermal heat pumps. These can include photos of well testing, drilling, operation of geothermal equipment, newly developed equipment, or plant operation, construction of a geothermal plant or plant site, and geological areas or surface manifestations (holding potential for geothermal exploration or development).

More information on the GRC Amateur Photo Contest, including a submission form, can be found on the GRC website [www.geothermal.org]. The deadline for submissions is August 31, 2014.

USA, Washington:

AltaRock Energy, Inc. Starts Search for Chief Financial Officer

We are launching a search for a CFO @altarock - candidates with #geothermal / alt energy experience should apply. cc @GRC2001 @geoenergist
— Aaron Mandell (@AaronMandell) June 13, 2014

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Seattle, AltaRock Energy, Inc. is a full-service geothermal energy technology and services company. AltaRock’s experienced team, innovative technology and creative approach turns under performing assets into highly profitable energy projects, building and operating the geothermal power plants of the future.

Their projects include Newberry Volcano EGS Demonstration in Oregon.

USA:

Michigan Students Showcase Geothermal Technology in Final of National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition (DOE)

Black Pine Engineering's pilot compressor in California. (Courtesy Black Pine Engineering)

In April the student team of Black Pine Engineering from Michigan State University took top honors at the Eastern Midwest regional competition of the Energy Department’s National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition.

Black Pine Engineering took the top regional student prize of $100,000 for its Woven Wheel System, an advanced turbomachinery system composed of carbon fiber, used for retrofitting geothermal power plants.

However, yesterday REEcycle from the University of Houston won the Energy Department’s National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition. The competition, now in its third year, is part of President Obama’s Startup America Initiative,  which aims to celebrate, inspire and accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation.

Read More.....

USA, California:

Officials Voice Concern Over Casa Diablo Geothermal Expansion Plans (Sierra Wave)

Mammoth Community Water District (MCWD) today released a letter from the Town of Mammoth Lakes (Mammoth) detailing concerns with a proposed geothermal plant expansion project, which could jeopardize the region’s water supply.

The project, owned by Ormat Technologies Inc. and known as Casa Diablo IV Geothermal Energy Project (Casa Diablo IV), proposes pumping 29,000 acre feet of hot water from below the cold groundwater zone.

Mammoth depends on this cold aquifer to fulfill the water supply needs of the community, and this project directly threatens that precious water supply at a time when California is experiencing a serious statewide drought.

Read More.....

USA, California:

It’s Our Responsibility to Protect Geothermal Energy, a Clean Energy Resource (Lake County News)

Congressman Mike Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

Congressman Mike Thompson
(D-St. Helena) 

Geothermal is one of California’s greatest resources – a natural bounty of renewable energy in our own backyard. It is a renewable resource that has been developed and sustained for half a century.

We need to make sure our regulatory system and contracting practices do not put this valuable and unique resource at risk.

Miles beneath the surface of Lake and Sonoma counties lies what is known as The Geysers, the world’s largest geothermal resource. Continuously producing clean, reliable power around the clock The Geysers provides enough energy to power a city the size of San Francisco.

Renewables including geothermal, solar, wind and biomass are expected to comprise 33 percent of our energy use by 2020. As state legislators contemplate increasing this requirement and seek to further reduce carbon emissions to battle climate change there is no doubt we will need existing and new renewable power, like The Geysers.

While geothermal is essential and complimentary to the overall California energy mix, geothermal development has not kept pace with other renewable resources. Worse, energy agencies predict that utilities’ contracting of geothermal energy will drop significantly within the next few years.

So what’s going on here? Read More......

Japan, France:

Hitachi, Mitsubishi Heavy to Ally in Siemens-Led Alstom Bid (Businessweek)

Hitachi Ltd. will team up with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. in a bid for Alstom SA’s power business, strengthening the partnership in energy charted by the two Japanese companies in recent years.

The Japanese duo would join the Siemens AG-led attempt to counter a $17 billion offer by General Electric Co. for the French company.

The plan is a “good thing” for Hitachi, Katsumi Nagasawa, president of Hitachi’s power systems unit, said today in Tokyo. The bid won’t affect Hitachi’s alliance with GE in nuclear energy, he added.

Alstom is a big player in the global geothermal energy market. Recently, Alstom has announced buying an interest in a Turkish geothermal energy company and has been tapped to build the 25 MWe Los Humeros III - Phase A geothermal plant in Mexico.

Alstom and Mitsubishi Hitachi Systems Americas are both scheduled to showcase their products at the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo, the trade show at the GRC Annual Meeting, September 28 - October 2 at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon, USA.

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USA, Alaska:

Diesel Off in Remote Alaska – Geothermal Energy (Anchorage Daily News)

A US Coast Guard icebreaker attempts to lead a Russian
tanker through the thickening ice to the remote Alaskan community
of Nome (Image: Petty officer 1st class Sara Francis, US Coast Guard)  

Geothermal energy isn't the first thing that springs to mind when I hear of Nome, Alaska. I think of the event the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race commemorates: a 1925 relay of sled dog drivers and their teams who delivered diptheria serum to the stricken gold-rush town, braving blizzards. I think of the extremely harsh winter of 2012, when the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Healy escorted the Russian fuel tanker Renda through winter sea ice to deliver 1.3 million gallons of fuel to Nome after a fall fuel delivery failure.

It's not easy living in a remote city in Alaska. For power and heating needs, Nome relies primarily on diesel-driven generators. That makes the cost of living very high and planning ahead a struggle.

Nome pays one price for per gallon of fuel a year, and it's upwards of $6. It's not surprising that developing alternative energy sources is looked on favorably. Already a wind farm helps provide supplement power. And now, a diverse group is working toward developing geothermal energy to serve the city of Nome.

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USA:

The Role of Renewables in the New EPA Emissions Rule (Utility Dive)

Energy industry leaders are focusing on five words among the nearly two thousand pages of documents in the just-released Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions reduction proposal: “best system of emissions reduction.”

"Best system of emissions reduction" is not just about cost but includes a range of environmental and health concerns, Solar Electric Power Association President/CEO Julia Hamm told Utility Dive. By including these externalities, the new regulations could “accomplish the same objective as a national clean energy standard.”

For geothermal, the integrated planning model (IPM) total generation target across all affected states was 16,516 gigawatt-hours in all years.

Much of this draft proposal will change as states “true up” their renewables mandates, noted U.S. Geothermal Energy Association Executive Director Karl Gawell, but adoption will open “significant new potential for renewables.” Because the EPA analysis does not recognize the value of geothermal as a base load technology to displace coal, Gawell noted, “we think geothermal will have a better chance to gain market share than they analyze……[and] could mean as much as 4,000 megawatts of new geothermal.”

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El Salvador:

Geothermal Diploma Course Starts in El Salvador (Nordic Development Fund)

The Nordic Development Fund (NDF) participated in the official launch of the 2014 Geothermal Diploma Course on 6 June in El Salvador. The event is organised by the National Energy Council, University of El Salvador, and the geothermal company LAGEO. The event brought together national authorities, representatives of international development finance institutions, geothermal specialists, and the 26 students, who are from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Peru.

The regional training facility is based at the University of El Salvador and financed by NDF and IDB. There is great interest in geothermal energy in many countries in Latin America but local technical capacity is weak. The regional training facility was set up to address this issue. It is estimated that Latin American has a 6,000 MW geothermal potential of which 43% is in Central America.

During the 5 months of training, the students will be trained in topics such as: Exploration geology, geochemistry and geophysics, drilling techniques for geothermal wells, geothermal plant planning, environmental and social management of geothermal projects. In addition, students will have field experience through visits and internships at different geothermal exploration sites in El Salvador.

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USA, Nevada:

Alternative Earth Resources to Sell Project Assets to Ormat (4-traders - News Release)

Alternative Earth Resources Inc. (AER), based in Vancouver, Canada, has announced that it has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Ormat Nevada Inc. whereby Ormat has the right, following a due diligence review, to purchase all of AER's Crump Geyser (50% interest), North Valley and New Truckhaven geothermal project assets for a cash payment of US$1,500,000. AER has received a $50,000 deposit in respect of this LOI.

A definitive Asset Sale Agreement (ASA), to replace the LOI by June 30, 2014, is subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of AER and Ormat, the approval of the shareholders of AER at a Special Meeting to be in late July, 2014, and the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. The ASA, if approved, is expected to close on or about July 31, 2014.

In addition to project assets covered under the ASA, AER had cash and cash equivalent assets of US$1.2 million as of March 31, 2014. The asset sale transaction will free up additional cash of US$175,000 currently pledged for project drilling bonds and will remove a liability for project well abandonment costs of approximately US$450,000.

Alternative Earth Resources intends to pursue other opportunities in the mineral resource development sector.

Spain, Portugal:

La Energía Geotérmica de la Península Ibérica Puede Generar Cinco Veces la Capacidad Eléctrica Actual (El Servicio de Información y Noticias Científicas)

Geothermal Energy on the Iberian Peninsula can Generate Five Times the Current Electricity Capacity

Map of surface heat flow in the Iberian peninsula. / UVa-www.lacasig.com

Investigadores de la Universidad de Valladolid han estimado cuánta electricidad se podría obtener con el calor que se almacena bajo los diez primeros kilómetros del territorio peninsular. Los resultados indican que alrededor de 700 gigavatios, lo que quintuplica toda la capacidad eléctrica instalada en la actualidad. Galicia, Castilla y León, Andalucía y Cataluña son las comunidades con el mayor potencial.

Researchers at the University of Valladolid have estimated how much electricity could be obtained from geothermal heat under the first five miles of the Iberian Peninsula. The results indicate that there is about 700 gigawatts available, which is five times the entire installed capacity existing today. Galicia, Castilla y Leon, Andalusia and Catalonia are the regions with the greatest potential.

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Taiwan:

Academics Tout Geothermal Energy on Taiwan (Taipei Times)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

Several academics and specialists yesterday said Taiwan has the natural resources to develop geothermal energy, but there are still many obstacles that need to be overcome, including strict regulations and a lack of government funding.

While government officials from related agencies say they look favorably upon developing geothermal energy, legislation needs to be amended and a Bureau of Energy official said it would be difficult to replace nuclear power in the short term.

The remarks were made at a public hearing on developing geothermal energy in Yilan held by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chen Ou-po (陳歐珀) at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday.

Song Sheng-rong (宋聖榮), a professor at National Taiwan University’s Department of Geosciences, said an estimated 33,640 megawatts of electricity could be generated by using geothermal energy in four main areas — Hualien and Taitung, Nantou, Yilan and the Tatun (大屯) Volcano Group in Taipei.

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USA, Washington D.C.

Geothermal Energy: Opportunities and Challenges in the Developing World (Society for International Development)

Kara Dewhurst, Chief Social Scientist, Dewhurst Group; PhD candidate
at the University of Virginia & Warren Dewhurst, Managing Director, Dewhurst Group

On June 4, 2014, the Energy & Infrastructure Workgroup of the Society for International Development - Washington, DC Chapter, held an event entitled "Geothermal Energy: Opportunities and Challenges in the Developing World”.

Dr. Kevin Wheeler, The Kaizen Company, moderated the event. He began by describing the importance of geothermal energy around the globe, indicating that there are both economic and societal questions surrounding geothermal energy and how to sustainably integrate it into communities.

Warren Dewhurst, Dewhurst Group, provided a brief introduction to geothermal energy. Thermal energy, stored in the Earth’s crust, can be used directly for heating and cooling or for electricity through power plants. This taps thermal reservoirs of hot water/steam that are converted into electricity using turbines. The total heat from the Earth is estimated at 42 million megawatts of power. In the United States, geothermal energy is most predominant on the west coast.

Click here to watch a recording of this event.
View speaker presentation slides: Kara Dewhurst, Warren Dewhurst, and Britt Shaw

Climate Change:

Low Carbon Energy Saves Money in the Long Run – Study (Responding to Climate Change)

Fuel savings will pay for higher up-front costs of renewable energy, say consultants

Low carbon energy coupled with efficiency saves money compared with burning fossil fuels, especially in the longer run, a study by  Ernst and Young said on Tuesday.

EU commitment to cut carbon emissions has faltered in the aftermath of a financial crisis which has focused concerns over lower energy prices in the United States and China.

Staying the course would benefit the bloc, however, in the medium and long-run, said Tuesday’s report, “Macroeconomic impacts of the low carbon transition”.

Decarbonization scenarios analysed by the European Commission would also see an increase in Europe’s fuel bill compared to today, but to a much lower extent than under Business-As-Usual (BAU).

The Commission’s Energy Roadmap 2050 predicts that in 2050, compared to BAU the EU could save between € 518 billion and € 550 billion Macro-economic impacts of the low carbon transition annually by taking a strong decarbonization pathway. This can be achieved through a combination of energy efficiency and the promotion of a diverse portfolio of lowcarbon generation technologies across Europe, including wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, biomass and other promising options.

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USA, Nevada:

National Geothermal Academy - 10-day Geoscience Course Begins

June 11-20, 2014
University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) in Reno, Nevada

The National Geothermal Academy is today starting a 10-day intensive Geoscience Course focused on geothermal geology, geochemistry, and geophysics taught by experts in the field. The course is open to students and professionals from around the world. The course is being taught at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) in Reno, Nevada June 11-20, 2014.

Classroom instruction is at UNR’s Redfield campus in south Reno. An afternoon at Steamboat Springs geothermal complex and a three-day field trip to Long Valley caldera are included with the course. This is an intensive course that runs from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day.

The NGA is intended for outstanding undergraduates, graduate students, and professionals. Strong academic preparation in quantitative fields is expected. This course is open to both domestic and international applicants.

2014 Information flyer

Argentina:

YPF Tecnología Se Interesa Por La Geotermia, Argentina - Argentinian JV Company Eyeing Geothermal Development in the Country  (Piensa en Geotermia)

Gustavo Bianchi, presidente de YPF Tecnología SA, ha manifestado su interés por aprovechar la geotermia en Jujuy, Argentina.

The Argentinian venture Y-TEC is interested in developing further the geothermal capacity and estimate that between 2 and 4 MW can be generated in Jujuy.

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East Africa:

UNEP Catalyzes Investments to Fast-track Development of Geothermal Energy in Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda (4th Estate Wire)

High level geothermal experts from Africa, Europe, Iceland, New Zealand and North America, are gathering at UN Gigiri complex in Nairobi from 10-11 June 2014, to review and evaluate the results of surface exploration studies and a conceptual model of the geothermal prospects in the region, at the initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through the African Rift Geothermal Development Facility (ARGeo) Project.

The technical review meeting of the Silali and Tendaho projects in Kenya and Ethiopia aims at optimizing the information and quality of the conceptual model of the system that will allow for accurate siting of exploratory wells that minimizes risks of drilling of dry wells while increasing the chances of drilling high productive wells.

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Indonesia:

Draft Bill on Geothermal will Address Issue of Power Shortages (English Hukumonline)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

The Indonesian Government is optimistic that the Draft Bill on Geothermal will be passed this month before the previously set target of 1 July 2014. Represented by Jero Wacik, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Government has said that the Draft Bill will help with the current national power deficit by encouraging the construction of geothermal power plants.

Mr. Wacik further explained that the Draft Bill will incorporate provisions to establish an attractive power purchase price scheme for geothermal project investors including feed in tariffs. He believes that the feed in tariffs will encourage more investor to invest in the geothermal sector.

“Prospective investors will surely always calculate the power purchase price so they can adjust investment costs. By providing an attractive feed in tariff scheme, this will surely stimulate investment flows,” said Mr. Wacik.

At present, geothermal-driven electrical supply is still considerably low. Records from the ESDM showed that until May 2014 Indonesia only produced geothermal electricity totaling 1,300 MW from a potential geothermal resource estimated at 28,000 MW.

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Climate Change:

IRENA: 9 Times More Geothermal Needed to Avoid ‘Climate Catastophe’ (PV-Tech)

Geothermal deployment needs to increase 9 times over by 2030 to avoid "climate catastrophe", a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has warned.

Launched in New York last week, the report, ‘REmap 2013’, aims to show a 36% share of renewables in the energy mix by 2030 is feasible, affordable and will mitigate climate change risks – keeping carbon pollution below 450ppm to keep within a ‘safe’ 2 degrees Celsius rise in global temperatures.

Based on the IRENA model, wind energy needs to increase the most, by a factor of 15, and solar second, by a factor of 12. Geothermal needs to grow nine times over, hydro to double, biomass by a factor of 1.5 and tidal generation to increase by less than 0.1.

IRENA has calculated the switch to renewables also provides US$740 billion of savings each year on environmental costs from burning fossil fuels – cancelling out the investments costs required to reach 36% renewables.

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USA:

Clean Energy Investment in the United States - The View to 2030 (Center For American Progress)

The United States has attracted capital in clean energy markets for more than a decade. Renewable energy, or RE, investment in U.S. wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal power has increased nearly 250 percent since 2004, reaching 36.7 billion in 2013. These numbers only represent part of clean energy’s full investment potential as new regulations on carbon emissions and advances in technology will significantly increase demand for low-carbon fuels.

Public and private analyses of future energy use both foresee a surge in natural gas and RE. Relative to 2011 levels, the U.S. Energy Information Administration, or EIA, projects that natural gas consumption will grow 12.2 percent by 2030, even as low prices, debate about exports, and future carbon constraints create an uncertain trajectory for future natural gas development. EIA also predicts that 50.2 percent of new electricity consumption will come from natural gas and 46.6 percent from renewables by 2030.  Report.... (PDF)

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