Our gift to the world on Earth Day
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Global Geothermal News:
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Global Geothermal News is the award-winning news website from the Geothermal Resources Council a trusted source for information.
Get a summary of the very latest geothermal energy news from around the world delivered by email every day. Subscribe now!
WGC 2015:
World Geothermal Congress 2015
Wednesday 22nd April
- 08:30 - 10:10
- Panel Discussion - Community and indigenous involvement in geothermal projects
- Concurrent Sessions
- 10:10 - 10:40 Morning Tea
- 10:40 - 12:20 Concurrent Sessions
- 12:20 - 13:20 Lunch & Exhibition Viewing
- 13:20 - 15:00 Concurrent Sessions
- 15:00 - 15:30 Afternoon Tea
- 15:30 - 17:10 Concurrent Sessions
New Zealand:
Low Hydro Levels No Threat - Geothermal Energy More than makes Up the Difference (Radio New Zealand)
New Zealand electricity companies are cruising into winter relatively unfazed by low water levels in hydro lakes. Changes to the rules of the industry and heavy development of geothermal energy have given household electricity users a buffer against dry weather that they did not have in the past.
Official statistics show the boom in geothermal electricity is helping. In six years, more than $2 billion was invested in geothermal electricity, doubling its capacity to over 1000 megawatts. And since the earth's core is always hot, electricity can be constantly produced using geothermal tools, no matter what the weather.
Read More.......
As much of New Zealand continues to enjoy an Indian summer, the dry conditions mean New Zealand's hydro lakes have only two-thirds of the water they usually have at this time. Not much water is flowing in to replenish them - only 70 percent of the seasonal average.
Official statistics show the boom in geothermal electricity is helping. In six years, more than $2 billion was invested in geothermal electricity, doubling its capacity to over 1000 megawatts. And since the earth's core is always hot, electricity can be constantly produced using geothermal tools, no matter what the weather.
Read More.......
USA:
The 60-page (10 Mb) National Geothermal Data System (NGDS) Atlas conveys the nature, quality and quantity of geothermal-related data available for all 50 U.S. states through the NGDS Catalog. Each U.S. state is portrayed in the Atlas in a succinct summary that includes that state’s contribution to the NGDS Catalog and an at-a-glance data wheel to characterize the types and volumes of data available.
NGDS CATALOG - The NGDS catalog exposes over 10 million data records and will grow as our contributors from industry, state surveys, and Department of Energy funded repositories continue to collect and add data. The Atlas illustrates the breadth and diversity of NGDS holdings, which range broadly from legacy data PDF documents to Excel data tables, to geologic map services, to well log data, to geochemical analyses and more.
Global:
The Latest News from the Leading Geothermal Energy Magazine (GRC)
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has made available the latest GRC Bulletin, the definitive voice of the global geothermal energy industry, published continuously since 1972.
A free article from the GRC Bulletin - Volume 44, No. 2 - March/April 2015
The Bulletin is free with GRC Membership or subscribe (PDF) to six issues a year for $90 in the USA or $140 worldwide.
The GRC has generously provided 4 pages from the latest issue for free. However, the full issue is 48 pages!
In this issue, there is an insiders view of the Sarulla Project in Indonesia, a call for action for co-production with the oil & gas industry and an overview of the geothermal potential in Peru by Susan Hodgson.
Join the GRC or subscribe to get the complete issue.
In this issue, there is an insiders view of the Sarulla Project in Indonesia, a call for action for co-production with the oil & gas industry and an overview of the geothermal potential in Peru by Susan Hodgson.
Join the GRC or subscribe to get the complete issue.
Global:
Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy 2015 Worldwide Review
This paper presents a review of the worldwide applications of geothermal energy for direct utilization, and updates the previous survey carried out in 2010. We also compare data from 1995, 2000 and 2005 presented at World Geothermal Congresses in Italy, Japan and Turkey, respectively (WGC95, WGC2000, and WGC2005).
An estimation of the installed thermal power for direct utilization at the end of 2014 is used in this paper and equals 70,329 MWt, almost a 45% increase over the 2010 data, growing at a compound rate of 7.7% annually with a capacity factor of 0.265.
Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy 2015 Worldwide Review, John W. Lund, Tonya (Toni) Boyd.
Presentation made by John W. Lund and Tonya L. Boyd at the World Geothermal Congress
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| Summary of the various categories of direct-use worldwide for the period 1995-2015. |
An estimation of the installed thermal power for direct utilization at the end of 2014 is used in this paper and equals 70,329 MWt, almost a 45% increase over the 2010 data, growing at a compound rate of 7.7% annually with a capacity factor of 0.265.
Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy 2015 Worldwide Review, John W. Lund, Tonya (Toni) Boyd.
Global:
Geothermal Power Generation in the World 2010-2015 Update Report
New data has been taken from WGC2015 Country Update reports, private communications from IGA members and Affiliated Organizations, and we would like to acknowledge all IGA friends for their valuable help. Other updates have been collected from websites of private and public organizations involved in geothermal development. Plants under construction, which are expected to be commissioned in 2015, are included in the installed capacity.
An increase of about 1,7 GW in the five year term 2010-2015 has been achieved (about 16%), following the rough standard linear trend of approximately 350 MW/year, with an evident increment of the average value of about 200 MW/year in the precedent 2000-2005 period.
Geothermal Power Generation in the World - 2010–2015 Update Report, Ruggero BERTANI
Presentation made by Ruggero Bertani at the World Geothermal Congress
An increase of about 1,7 GW in the five year term 2010-2015 has been achieved (about 16%), following the rough standard linear trend of approximately 350 MW/year, with an evident increment of the average value of about 200 MW/year in the precedent 2000-2005 period.
Geothermal Power Generation in the World - 2010–2015 Update Report, Ruggero BERTANI
USA, Nevada:
Dajin Finds Significant Lithium at Known Geothermal Area (BayStreet)
Dajin Resources Corp. of Vancouver, Canada reports that the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Dajin Resources (US) Corp. has confirmed the presence of near surface lithium on Dajin's 100% owned Alkali Lake project in Esmeralda County, Nevada.
The property is located approximately 7 miles (12 km) northeast of Rockwood Lithium's Clayton Valley lithium operation, the only producing brine based lithium mine in operation in North America. The Rockwood Lithium operation was recently acquired by Albemarle Corp., the world's largest producer of lithium products, as part of a $6.2 billion transaction.
Like Clayton Valley, Alkali Lake is a classic, fault bounded closed basin where evaporation exceeds precipitation. Alkali Lake is in a known geothermal area and contains volcanic rocks with high lithium values. Just as with circulating basin waters, deep fluids, particularly hot ones associated with the geothermal resource, dissolve rocks, liberating boron, lithium and other elements such as sodium and chloride. These minerals are brought to the surface as springs emanating from the faults bounding the playa. The location of a closed basin in an arid environment with a geothermal system and plentiful sources of Lithium suggest that Alkali Lake may host significant Lithium rich brines.
Read More.......
The property is located approximately 7 miles (12 km) northeast of Rockwood Lithium's Clayton Valley lithium operation, the only producing brine based lithium mine in operation in North America. The Rockwood Lithium operation was recently acquired by Albemarle Corp., the world's largest producer of lithium products, as part of a $6.2 billion transaction.
Like Clayton Valley, Alkali Lake is a classic, fault bounded closed basin where evaporation exceeds precipitation. Alkali Lake is in a known geothermal area and contains volcanic rocks with high lithium values. Just as with circulating basin waters, deep fluids, particularly hot ones associated with the geothermal resource, dissolve rocks, liberating boron, lithium and other elements such as sodium and chloride. These minerals are brought to the surface as springs emanating from the faults bounding the playa. The location of a closed basin in an arid environment with a geothermal system and plentiful sources of Lithium suggest that Alkali Lake may host significant Lithium rich brines.
Read More.......
Indonesia:
Indonesian Government Gets Serious About Renewable Energy Development (Jakarta Post)
Following a major overhaul in the country’s fuel subsidy program, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is now striving to explore new and renewable energy resources.
Indonesia is currently heavily dependent on fossil fuel, particularly oil and coal, despite possessing abundant potential sources of renewable energy, primarily geothermal and solar energy.
Located in the “ring of fire”, the country is rich with volcanoes providing abundant geothermal sources. In addition, the country also receives sunlight throughout the year, making it ripe for solar power development.
Despite this potential, efforts to exploit these resources have been few and far between.
Read More........
Estimated 28.8 GW of new geothermal energy potential
Indonesia is currently heavily dependent on fossil fuel, particularly oil and coal, despite possessing abundant potential sources of renewable energy, primarily geothermal and solar energy.
Located in the “ring of fire”, the country is rich with volcanoes providing abundant geothermal sources. In addition, the country also receives sunlight throughout the year, making it ripe for solar power development.
Despite this potential, efforts to exploit these resources have been few and far between.
Read More........
China:
China Could Get Most of its Energy from Renewables by 2050 (Environment & Energy Publishing)
Renewable energy could economically provide China the majority of its energy by midcentury, according to a new report.
The "China 2050 High Renewable Energy Penetration Scenario and Roadmap Study" from the China National Renewable Energy Centre models energy trends in China, stipulating a goal of high renewable energy penetration with the constraints of pollution, emissions, technology and economics.
The study found that wind, solar, hydropower, biomass and geothermal energy could produce 60 percent of China's total energy and generate 85 percent of its electricity in 35 years while maintaining stability on the grid.
Starting on this path would likely make China's greenhouse gas emissions peak sooner than 2030 under the climate change deal President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping negotiated last year.
Read More.......
The "China 2050 High Renewable Energy Penetration Scenario and Roadmap Study" from the China National Renewable Energy Centre models energy trends in China, stipulating a goal of high renewable energy penetration with the constraints of pollution, emissions, technology and economics.
The study found that wind, solar, hydropower, biomass and geothermal energy could produce 60 percent of China's total energy and generate 85 percent of its electricity in 35 years while maintaining stability on the grid.
Starting on this path would likely make China's greenhouse gas emissions peak sooner than 2030 under the climate change deal President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping negotiated last year.
Read More.......
USA:
Heat Exchange Industry News (Geothermal Exchange Organization)
The latest GEO Industry News is now available from the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO).
GEO Industry News is an electronic publication of GEO, the Geothermal Exchange Organization, a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association based in Springfield, Illinois, USA that advocates the environmental, energy efficiency and economic benefits of geothermal heat pump systems for heating and cooling applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in the USA.
GEO Industry News is an electronic publication of GEO, the Geothermal Exchange Organization, a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association based in Springfield, Illinois, USA that advocates the environmental, energy efficiency and economic benefits of geothermal heat pump systems for heating and cooling applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in the USA.
GEO Industry News (PDF)
Global:
2015 Geothermal Resources Council Scholarships - Deadline for Applications is May 4
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC), a non-profit educational association dedicated to the promotion of geothermal energy and associated technologies around the world, reminds applicants of the deadline for the 2015 GRC Scholarship Awards.
A total of $15,000 in educational awards to be given to six students in the global geothermal energy community
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| Nastaran Arianpoo of the University of British Columbia, Canada receives her 2014 GRC Scholarship award from GRC President Louis E. Capuano, Jr. |
To qualify for one of these awards a student must be a GRC member (student memberships are only $5 per year) as well as a student in an accredited academic institution. Selection of recipients will be based upon a variety of factors, including the individual’s academic record, student activities, geothermal industry experience, and career goals.
Monday, April 20, 2015
WGC 2015:
World Geothermal Congress 2015
Tuesday 21st April
- 08:30 - 10:10 Concurrent Sessions
- 10:10 - 10:40 Morning Tea
- 10:40 - 12:20 Concurrent Sessions
- 12:20 - 13:20 Lunch & Exhibition Viewing
- 13:20 - 15:00 Concurrent Sessions
- 15:00 - 15:30 Afternoon Tea
- 15:30 - 17:10 Concurrent Sessions & Poster Session
- 19:00 - 22:00 Congress Dinner
Earth Day 2015:
Happy Earth Day 2015 (U.S. Geological Survey)
The USGS is joining people across the world to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2015. To help build environmental awareness, the USGS has outlined some of the critical issues facing our planet as well as science projects underway to address these challenges. Starting with science provides a valuable foundation for managers, policymakers, and other decision makers to make the most informed decisions to protect our changing world.
Deep within the Earth’s crust lies an extremely important but underutilized renewable energy resource: geothermal energy. In 2008, the USGS released a national assessment of geothermal power resources, showing more than 550,000 Megawatts–electric power–generating potential. Since then, the USGS has continued to research and assess geothermal power potential all over the country.
“Interest in geothermal energy has rapidly grown. Recent permitting activity has seen dozens of applications for geothermal leases. All of this is based on the fundamental resource assessment efforts of the USGS – without that basic research, the benefits of this renewable energy resource would be achieved much more slowly and at much greater expense.” — GRC Member William Glassley, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Davis.
Read More.......
Deep within the Earth’s crust lies an extremely important but underutilized renewable energy resource: geothermal energy. In 2008, the USGS released a national assessment of geothermal power resources, showing more than 550,000 Megawatts–electric power–generating potential. Since then, the USGS has continued to research and assess geothermal power potential all over the country.
“Interest in geothermal energy has rapidly grown. Recent permitting activity has seen dozens of applications for geothermal leases. All of this is based on the fundamental resource assessment efforts of the USGS – without that basic research, the benefits of this renewable energy resource would be achieved much more slowly and at much greater expense.” — GRC Member William Glassley, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Davis.
Read More.......
Science & Technology:
CO2 Storage and Geothermal Co-Production Has a Bright Future (New Scientist)
So say Tom Buscheck from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California and his colleagues who presented a design for this type of energy storage at the European Geosciences Union general assembly last week in Vienna, Austria.
Their design would be able to store the excess energy produced by renewable and conventional power sources when demand is low and, at the same time, lock up the major cause of global warming – carbon dioxide.
"The only way you can decarbonise the fossil-fuel energy systems is if you can devise an approach where the economics makes sense," says Buscheck, who thinks their design, which is funded by the Geothermal Technologies Office at the US Department of Energy, does just that.
Buscheck team's proposes storing that excess energy in two forms: pressure and heat. Excess electricity would power a pump that injects supercritical CO2– a hybrid state of liquid and gas – into underground brine in sedimentary rocks between 5 and 10 kilometres below the surface. Supercritical CO2 can drive turbines much more efficiently than steam and can take a lot of squeezing and heating – improving its capacity to store energy.
USA:
U.S. Census Bureau Facts for Features: Earth Day: April 22, 2015 (SYS-CON Media - press release)
April 22, 2015, marks the 45th anniversary of Earth Day ― a day intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. The day came from reaction to a massive oil spill in waters near Santa Barbara, California, in 1969. In honor of Earth Day ― and Earth Week (April 16-22) ― this edition of Profile America Facts for Features includes examples of Census Bureau statistics pertaining to energy and the environment.
$9.8 billion
Revenues in 2012 for electric power generation industries that use renewable energy resources, such as hydro, wind, geothermal, biomass, solar and other electric power generation. This figure is up 49.0 percent from $6.6 billion in 2007.
697
The number of wind, geothermal, biomass, solar and other electric power generation business establishments in 2012, up from 312 in 2007.
1,220
The number of employees in geothermal electric power generation in 2012.
USA, Hawaii:
University of Hawaii to Start Hualalai Geothermal Study (KITV Honolulu)
In search of a natural power source on the Big Island the University of Hawaii gets the green light to conduct a hi-tech geothermal study.
KITV4's Mike Cherry reports how it could lead to man-made activity on another big island volcano.
The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, researcher Nicole Lautze, with the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, said in her application. Lautze said that the Hualalai exploration is the first exploration permit in what will be an overall effort referred to as the “Geothermal Resources Exploration Plan for Hawaii.”
Read More.......
KITV4's Mike Cherry reports how it could lead to man-made activity on another big island volcano.
The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, researcher Nicole Lautze, with the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, said in her application. Lautze said that the Hualalai exploration is the first exploration permit in what will be an overall effort referred to as the “Geothermal Resources Exploration Plan for Hawaii.”
Read More.......
Philippines:
PetroEnergy Looking for Other Geothermal Sites on Luzon (BusinessWorld Online Edition)
Following the successful operations of its first energy venture, listed firm PetroEnergy Resources Corp. (PERC) is now setting its sights on other sites that can support more geothermal energy projects.
“We are looking at other areas in Luzon for other geothermal projects,” PERC Vice-President Francisco G. Delfin, Jr. said during a plant tour on Wednesday last week. “Why Luzon? Because the power market is still here. There’s a huge potential here,” Mr. Delfin added.
The official said studies and internal discussions on the next project are ongoing but noted that “everything is very preliminary.”
PERC, through 65%-owned Maibarara Geothermal, Inc. (MGI), owns and operates a 20-MW geothermal plant in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. MGI is also in the process of expanding the power plant by another 10 MW, which would entail an investment of up to P1.3 billion.
Read More......
“We are looking at other areas in Luzon for other geothermal projects,” PERC Vice-President Francisco G. Delfin, Jr. said during a plant tour on Wednesday last week. “Why Luzon? Because the power market is still here. There’s a huge potential here,” Mr. Delfin added.
The official said studies and internal discussions on the next project are ongoing but noted that “everything is very preliminary.”
PERC, through 65%-owned Maibarara Geothermal, Inc. (MGI), owns and operates a 20-MW geothermal plant in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. MGI is also in the process of expanding the power plant by another 10 MW, which would entail an investment of up to P1.3 billion.
Read More......
Science & Technology:
New Geothermal Energy “Shortcut” Could Be Global Energy Game Changer (CleanTechnica)
If you don’t know your free air gravity from your Bouguer maps, now is a good time to find out. When combined, the global maps form a one-two punch that could knock the geothermal industry out of the ballpark, so to speak.
Although the geothermal industry has stalled out here in the U.S., globally, the geothermal energy sector has been growing steadily, and the two maps provide a tool that could cut way down on exploratory expenses and help the industry really take off.
Read More.........
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| GOCE Free Air Gravity Disturbance Map |
Although the geothermal industry has stalled out here in the U.S., globally, the geothermal energy sector has been growing steadily, and the two maps provide a tool that could cut way down on exploratory expenses and help the industry really take off.
Read More.........
Philippines:
Four Groups Compete to Run Unified Leyte Geothermal Power (GMA News)
Four groups are interested in running the day-today affairs of the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plants, The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp. said on Monday.
The four investor groups have accomplished the requirements to bid in the selection and appointment of an Independent Power Producer Administrator for the bulk energy of the power plant complex, according to PSALM.
The investors vying for Unified Leyte include SPC Power Corporation, Therma Central Visayas Inc., Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corporation and Unified Leyte Geothermal Energy Inc.
PSALM will have a pre-bid conference for the four prospective bidders on May 6. The bidding and bid evaluation for the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power is on August 12.
Read more.......
The four investor groups have accomplished the requirements to bid in the selection and appointment of an Independent Power Producer Administrator for the bulk energy of the power plant complex, according to PSALM.
The investors vying for Unified Leyte include SPC Power Corporation, Therma Central Visayas Inc., Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corporation and Unified Leyte Geothermal Energy Inc.
PSALM will have a pre-bid conference for the four prospective bidders on May 6. The bidding and bid evaluation for the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power is on August 12.
Read more.......
World Geothermal Congress 2015:
New Zealand Boasts its Geothermal Energy Capacity at WGC 2015 (UPI.com)
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| New Zealand Energy Minister Simon Bridges delivered keynote address at World Geothermal Congress. |
New Zealand is ready to help lead an international movement toward including more geothermal energy in its renewable portfolio, the energy minister said Monday.
New Zealand Energy Minister Simon Bridges delivered the keynote address to delegates gathered in Melbourne, Australia, for the World Geothermal Congress. New Zealand, Bridges said, has contributed roughly 25 percent of the growth in geothermal energy capacity over the past five years.
"We are now the fifth largest geothermal power generator in the world," he said.
USA, Nevada::
Ram Power, Corp. Announces Private Placement and Recapitalization Transaction (Canada NewsWire - press release)
Ram Power, Corp. announced Friday that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Goodwood Inc. in respect of an equity financing and recapitalization transaction.
The Transaction negotiated on an arm's-length basis, represents the culmination of an extensive review of alternatives by Ram Power's independent directors and, in the view of Ram Power and Goodwood, will have the effect of substantially recapitalizing Ram Power and placing it on a solid financial footing going forward.
The Transaction Agreement provides for a private placement offering by the company of up to 18,598,500,000 subscription receipts at a price per Subscription Receipt of CDN$0.004 for aggregate proceeds of up to approximately US$60 million, each Subscription Receipt entitling the holder to receive, without payment of additional consideration, one pre-consolidation common share in the capital of Ram Power for each Subscription Receipt held, upon satisfaction of certain release conditions, such Private Placement being expected to be completed on or about April 30, 2015 with the proceeds being held in escrow pending satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions.
Brilliant Resources Inc. also announced that, consistent with its plans announced on April 10, 2015 to become a Tier 1 investment company under the rules of the TSX Venture Exchange, it has conditionally agreed to invest CDN$10 million as part of the US$60 million Ram Power subscription receipt financing. Upon closing of the Ram Power Financing, Brilliant will acquire 2.5 billion subscription receipts of Ram Power at a purchase price of CDN$0.004 per subscription receipt, which will entitle Brilliant to receive upon exchange 1,250,000 post-consolidation common shares of Ram Power (at a deemed price of CDN$8 per share).
Read More.......
Financing will raise up to US$60 million
The Transaction negotiated on an arm's-length basis, represents the culmination of an extensive review of alternatives by Ram Power's independent directors and, in the view of Ram Power and Goodwood, will have the effect of substantially recapitalizing Ram Power and placing it on a solid financial footing going forward.
The Transaction Agreement provides for a private placement offering by the company of up to 18,598,500,000 subscription receipts at a price per Subscription Receipt of CDN$0.004 for aggregate proceeds of up to approximately US$60 million, each Subscription Receipt entitling the holder to receive, without payment of additional consideration, one pre-consolidation common share in the capital of Ram Power for each Subscription Receipt held, upon satisfaction of certain release conditions, such Private Placement being expected to be completed on or about April 30, 2015 with the proceeds being held in escrow pending satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions.
Brilliant Resources Inc. also announced that, consistent with its plans announced on April 10, 2015 to become a Tier 1 investment company under the rules of the TSX Venture Exchange, it has conditionally agreed to invest CDN$10 million as part of the US$60 million Ram Power subscription receipt financing. Upon closing of the Ram Power Financing, Brilliant will acquire 2.5 billion subscription receipts of Ram Power at a purchase price of CDN$0.004 per subscription receipt, which will entitle Brilliant to receive upon exchange 1,250,000 post-consolidation common shares of Ram Power (at a deemed price of CDN$8 per share).
Read More.......
USA:
Apple Releases its 2015 Environmental Responsibility Report (iLounge)
Apple has released its Environmental Responsibility Report for 2015, providing an update on the company’s progress toward becoming more eco-friendly during the 2014 fiscal year. The report emphasizes Apple’s use of clean energy sources like solar, wind, bio gas fuel cells and geothermal to power all of its U.S. data centers and 87 percent of those worldwide, but admits the company and its suppliers still emitted 34.2 metric tons of greenhouse gases last year, mostly from manufacturing processes.
At its Reno, Nevada, data center, Apple worked with the local utility to codevelop a 20-megawatt solar array using C7 solar panels, a new kind of photovoltaic panel with curved mirrors that concentrates sunlight. The solar array has an annual production capacity of over 43 million kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy. When additional energy is needed, the data center uses local geothermal energy purchased from the utility or other solar resources.
The 39th GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Expo will be held September 20-23 at the Peppermill Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada, USA. This is the biggest annual event in the geothermal energy industry.
Read More.......
Uses geothermal energy at its Reno data center
At its Reno, Nevada, data center, Apple worked with the local utility to codevelop a 20-megawatt solar array using C7 solar panels, a new kind of photovoltaic panel with curved mirrors that concentrates sunlight. The solar array has an annual production capacity of over 43 million kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable energy. When additional energy is needed, the data center uses local geothermal energy purchased from the utility or other solar resources.
The 39th GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Expo will be held September 20-23 at the Peppermill Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada, USA. This is the biggest annual event in the geothermal energy industry.
Read More.......
Science & Technology:
Sustainable "Vertical City" Envisioned for the Sahara - Powered by Geothermal (Gizmag)
Parisian architecture firm OXO Architectes, in association with Nicolas Laisné Associés, recently revealed its proposal for a futuristic mixed-use tower – or "vertical city" – that promotes sustainable high density living in the Sahara desert. The conceptual project calls for the tower to be run using renewable sources including rainwater collection, solar power, and geothermal energy.
The sustainable technology slated for the build is very ambitious. According to the brief, up to 45,000 cubic meters (1,589,160 cubic ft) of rainwater would be collected annually in an area known for its aridity and used for various purposes. Most significantly, it would be injected roughly 4 km (2.4 miles) deep underground, at which point the earth's heat would turn the water into steam. This steam would then channeled to the surface and used to power a generator that produces electricity and heats water for the tower's heating systems. The same rainwater would also be used to irrigate the internal vertical garden and for toilet needs, with greywater recycled too.
Read More.......
The sustainable technology slated for the build is very ambitious. According to the brief, up to 45,000 cubic meters (1,589,160 cubic ft) of rainwater would be collected annually in an area known for its aridity and used for various purposes. Most significantly, it would be injected roughly 4 km (2.4 miles) deep underground, at which point the earth's heat would turn the water into steam. This steam would then channeled to the surface and used to power a generator that produces electricity and heats water for the tower's heating systems. The same rainwater would also be used to irrigate the internal vertical garden and for toilet needs, with greywater recycled too.
Read More.......
USA:
Geothermal Energy = 52% of New Electricity Generation Capacity in February (CleanTechnica)
Continuing a trend, renewable energy sources dominated new electricity generation capacity additions in the United States in February 2015.
If you just looked at the utility-scale side of the equation, renewables still would have accounted for >94% of new electricity generation capacity, with geothermal accounting for 52%, wind 24%, and solar 18%. Natural gas just added 5 megawatts of capacity in February according to FERC.
The geothermal contribution came from Ormat’s 45 MW McGinnis Hills Geothermal Phase 4 expansion Project in Lander County, Nevada.
Looking at all installed electricity generation capacity on the grid at the end of February, renewables = 17.5%, with 8.5% of that coming from hydropower, 5.6% from wind, 1.6% from solar, 1.4% from biomass, 0.3% from geothermal, and 0.1% from waste heat.
Read More.......
Geothermal energy delivered the second most new megawatts in February - over half of new generation
If you just looked at the utility-scale side of the equation, renewables still would have accounted for >94% of new electricity generation capacity, with geothermal accounting for 52%, wind 24%, and solar 18%. Natural gas just added 5 megawatts of capacity in February according to FERC.
The geothermal contribution came from Ormat’s 45 MW McGinnis Hills Geothermal Phase 4 expansion Project in Lander County, Nevada.
Looking at all installed electricity generation capacity on the grid at the end of February, renewables = 17.5%, with 8.5% of that coming from hydropower, 5.6% from wind, 1.6% from solar, 1.4% from biomass, 0.3% from geothermal, and 0.1% from waste heat.
Read More.......
Philippines:
Under Their Feet: A Filipino Village Taps Geothermal Energy (Worldcrunch)
Along a walking path is a bubbling pool of steaming hot ground water. People here used to cook their food in this, but now a project is underway to turn that same heat into power for Montelago and many other communities.
In the hills above the village, engineers from the company Emerging Power are lowering a drill deep into the rock. "This area is magmatic, not volcanic," explains project manager Fidel Correa. "There is lava underneath, at about 30,000 to 40,000 meters."
Nearby, chainsaw-wielding men are clearing patches of the forest. Here is where the turbines and other machines will be installed once geothermal energy production begins.
Correa explains that what I’m standing in front of is just a test well. "We would want to know what the temperatures would be at 1,000, 1,200 meters," Correa says. "That would give us an idea of how much power we could get. We were shooting for 40 megawatts to supply the whole of Mindoro Island with electric from geothermal power."
Read More........
Locals used to cook their food in bubbling pools of steaming groundwater. Now a project is underway to turn it into electricity.
In the hills above the village, engineers from the company Emerging Power are lowering a drill deep into the rock. "This area is magmatic, not volcanic," explains project manager Fidel Correa. "There is lava underneath, at about 30,000 to 40,000 meters."
Nearby, chainsaw-wielding men are clearing patches of the forest. Here is where the turbines and other machines will be installed once geothermal energy production begins.
Correa explains that what I’m standing in front of is just a test well. "We would want to know what the temperatures would be at 1,000, 1,200 meters," Correa says. "That would give us an idea of how much power we could get. We were shooting for 40 megawatts to supply the whole of Mindoro Island with electric from geothermal power."
Read More........
World Geothermal Congress 2015:
World Geothermal Congress 2015
The World Geothermal Congress 2015 opened today in Melbourne, Australia.
The World Geothermal Congress 2015 opened today in Melbourne, Australia.
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| (Courtesy ThinkGeoEnergy) |
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| (Courtesy ThinkGeoEnergy) |
Sunday, April 19, 2015
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WGC 2015:
World Geothermal Congress 2015
Monday 20th April
- 08:30 - 10:10 Opening Session
- Simon Bridges - New Zealand’s Energy and Resources Minister
- 10:10 - 10:40 Morning Tea
- 10:40 - 12:20 Keynote Speakers
- Dr Roland Horne* - Introduction to the World Geothermal Congress 2015 Technical Program
- Dr Juliet Newson - The Future of Geothermal Energy
- Dr Ruggero Bertani - Geothermal Power Generation in the World - 2010–2015 Update Report
- Dr John Lund* & Toni Boyd* - Direct Utilization of Geothermal Energy 2015 Worldwide Review
- Graeme Beardsmore* - Australia: Country Update
- Brian Carey - 2015 New Zealand Country Update
- 12:20 - 13:20 Lunch & Exhibition Viewing
The 'New Zealand Story' is showing in the plenary from 12:25 - 12:55 during the lunch break - 13:20 - 15:00 Concurrent Sessions
- 15:00 - 15:30 Afternoon Tea
- 15:30 - 17:10 Concurrent Sessions
- 17:30 - 19:00 Welcome Carnivale
* GRC Member
Saturday, April 18, 2015
World Geothermal Congress:
World Geothermal Congress Opens in Australia
Held once every five years, the World Geothermal Congress gives the geothermal energy industry an opportunity to check on progress and envision the future for the industry.
The event is co-hosted by the International Geothermal Association, with 5,000 members representing 33 national and international geothermal associations and members in 67 countries. The Geothermal Resources Council provides around 20% of the membership.
Five days of technical sessions will include papers on scientific, technical, business and societal topics. The Congress will also provide many networking opportunities through special interest group meetings, social and cultural events, field trips and short courses in Australia and New Zealand.
Global:
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Get a summary of the very latest geothermal energy news from around the world delivered by email every day. Subscribe now!
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Get a summary of the very latest geothermal energy news from around the world delivered by email every day. Subscribe now!
Friday, April 17, 2015
United Kingdom:
UK Coal Miners Investigating Geothermal Energy (Resource)
Water from derelict UK coal mines could be used as a source of geothermal energy, according to a two-year joint study by Nottingham Trent University and Alkane Energy.
Researchers found that lukewarm water could be ‘condensed’ to provide additional heating, or cooling to local buildings.
A ground source heat pump takes water from an abandoned mine shaft and brings it to the surface where the heat can be extracted using a heat exchanger.
This is condensed and enters a heating system similar to central heating where the water is heated to a higher temperature, whilst the groundwater is replaced in the mine where it is then reheated by the geothermal energy.
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| Professor Amin Al-Habaibeh of Nottingham Trent University led the study |
Researchers found that lukewarm water could be ‘condensed’ to provide additional heating, or cooling to local buildings.
A ground source heat pump takes water from an abandoned mine shaft and brings it to the surface where the heat can be extracted using a heat exchanger.
This is condensed and enters a heating system similar to central heating where the water is heated to a higher temperature, whilst the groundwater is replaced in the mine where it is then reheated by the geothermal energy.
USA:
Energy Department Extends Deadline for Geothermal Technologies Office Director Position (EERE/GTO)
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy, is seeking applications for the permanent position of Director to lead a national program in the development of innovative geothermal technologies that advance geothermal's role in the U.S. energy portfolio. The program includes enhanced geothermal systems, hydrothermal systems and exploration, low-temperature technologies, and analysis.
The announcement is open through April 30, 2015.
With a technical portfolio of more than 150 projects, recent initiatives include play fairway mapping for geothermal systems and a novel field observatory for research into new mechanisms for rock stimulation and geothermal reservoir creation. The position also includes responsibility for a new and exciting Department of Energy initiative in subsurface science and engineering that crosscuts multiple sectors including oil and gas and environmental management, and which has an overall theme of adaptive control of subsurface fractures and fluid flow.
The announcement has been extended through April 30, 2015. Please find complete details and the application process at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/399393200.
The announcement has been extended through April 30, 2015. Please find complete details and the application process at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/399393200.
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Canada:
Opinion: Lots of Potential, Still No Geothermal (Power Engineering)
With the international geothermal energy industry experiencing near record growth in 2014, it is curious that not a single megawatt of geothermal power is being produced in Canada.
In fact, Canada is nearly the only developed country on the Pacific Rim not producing geothermal power. This is despite British Columbia possessing world-class resources that have been identified by CanGEA's internationally peer veviewed Geothermal Favorability Maps and Resource Estimates. Indeed, this viability should not come as a surprise since Western Canada is dotted with over 150 known hot springs, which are surface manifestations of geothermal activity.
Read More.......
In fact, Canada is nearly the only developed country on the Pacific Rim not producing geothermal power. This is despite British Columbia possessing world-class resources that have been identified by CanGEA's internationally peer veviewed Geothermal Favorability Maps and Resource Estimates. Indeed, this viability should not come as a surprise since Western Canada is dotted with over 150 known hot springs, which are surface manifestations of geothermal activity.
Read More.......
Turkey, Italy:
Exergy To Build Two 25 MW Geothermal Power Plants In Turkey (News Release)
Italian company EXERGY have announced the sale of two 25 MW geothermal plants to Kipaş Holding - a Turkish owner and operator of geothermal power plants. Already the owner of four geothermal plants, Kipaş continue to expand their profitable venture with this partnership.
The first unit will be delivered at the start of 2016 and will make use of a 2 pressure level cycle, where higher efficiency will be achieved by using EXERGY’s Radial Outflow Turbine.
Read More........
Italian company EXERGY have announced the sale of two 25 MW geothermal plants to Kipaş Holding - a Turkish owner and operator of geothermal power plants. Already the owner of four geothermal plants, Kipaş continue to expand their profitable venture with this partnership.
The first unit will be delivered at the start of 2016 and will make use of a 2 pressure level cycle, where higher efficiency will be achieved by using EXERGY’s Radial Outflow Turbine.
Read More........
Philippines:
PetroEnergy Raising P600-M for Geothermal Expansion Project (Manila Bulletin)
Filipino listed firm PetroEnergy Resources Corporation will be raising P600-million via stock rights offering to partly bankroll its expansion projects.
PetroEnergy vice president Francisco G. Delfin has noted that the proceeds of the offer will partly bankroll their expansion projects – primarily the 10 MW expansion of the Maibarara geothermal plant.
Company officials have indicated that they will reach decision point soon on the Maibarara plant expansion. The geothermal plant was initially developed at 20 MW capacity, but based on assessment, the steam extraction from the field could still be optimized.
Read More.........
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| Maibarara geothermal plant (Courtesy PetroEnergy) |
PetroEnergy vice president Francisco G. Delfin has noted that the proceeds of the offer will partly bankroll their expansion projects – primarily the 10 MW expansion of the Maibarara geothermal plant.
Company officials have indicated that they will reach decision point soon on the Maibarara plant expansion. The geothermal plant was initially developed at 20 MW capacity, but based on assessment, the steam extraction from the field could still be optimized.
Read More.........
Science:
Goce Gravity Boost to Geothermal Hunt (BBC News)
The hunt for sources of geothermal energy is getting a boost from new observations of the Earth made from space.
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| The Goce satellite |
Information about variations in gravity across the planet could help prospectors find promising locations where sub-surface heat can be exploited to generate electricity.
The data comes from Europe's Goce satellite. It mapped Earth's gravity field from 2009 to 2013 at high resolution.
This keen sensing is now expected to narrow the search for prime spots to put future power stations.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has released the information in a special global atlas.
In parallel, Goce scientists have been discussing the work here at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna, Austria.
Science:
New Tool Sheds Light on Global Geothermal Energy Potentials (IRENA)
Online maps promise to decrease investment risk and increase development of geothermal energy
A new tool to investigate global geothermal energy potentials is now available online, just ahead of next week’s World Geothermal Congress in Melbourne, Australia. The new and freely available gravity anomaly maps, the product of collaboration between the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the European Space Agency (ESA), offer a new technique to gauge geothermal potentials around the world.
As geothermal energy exists underground, it is extremely difficult to measure. Accordingly, exploration is expensive, time consuming, and risky for investors and governments. This new technique, using Global Bouguer and Free Air Gravity Anomaly Maps, enables prospectors to gauge geothermal potentials at minimum risk and minimum cost.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Iceland:
In a Melting Iceland, Drilling Deep to Stem Climate Change (Phys.org)
Tiny Iceland is a prime exemplar of the complexities wrought by warming climate. It is 11 percent covered by ice, but it is basically also one very large, very active volcanic system. The island has seen fast-increasing temperatures since the 1970s, and glaciers–a big source of tourism and runoff for hydropower–are visibly receding.
This cuts various ways. Iceland gets almost all its electricity and heat from hydropower and geothermal wells. Increased glacial runoff means increased generation potential; on the other hand, in 50 or 100 years, Iceland may be mostly land and very little ice, and the runoff could dry up. (And, as ice melts, pressure exerted on many of the 200 volcanoes declines, and some scientists believe that this could uncork more destructive eruptions.) For the time being, the country's 325,000 residents have more renewable energy than they can use, and there is a controversial proposal to extend a $2.1 billion undersea extension cord some 1,100 miles to Europe to sell the excess.
Read More.........
This cuts various ways. Iceland gets almost all its electricity and heat from hydropower and geothermal wells. Increased glacial runoff means increased generation potential; on the other hand, in 50 or 100 years, Iceland may be mostly land and very little ice, and the runoff could dry up. (And, as ice melts, pressure exerted on many of the 200 volcanoes declines, and some scientists believe that this could uncork more destructive eruptions.) For the time being, the country's 325,000 residents have more renewable energy than they can use, and there is a controversial proposal to extend a $2.1 billion undersea extension cord some 1,100 miles to Europe to sell the excess.
Read More.........
Philippines:
Six Firms Interested in Bidding for Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plant (BusinessMirror)
The sale of supply contracts for the output of the Unified Leyte Geothermal Power Plant (ULGPP) drew strong interest from 6 firms. The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corp. is bidding out the selection and appointment of an independent power producer administrator (IPPA) for ULGPP’s bulk output.
For the ULGPP bulk privatization, PSALM President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. said in a text message that six companies have expressed their interest to participate in the bidding process.
“However, out of the figure, only four prospective bidders paid for participation fee and executed confidentiality agreement and undertaking,” Ledesma said.
ULGPP consists of the 125 MW Upper Mahiao, 232.5 MW Malitbog, 180 MW Mahanagdong and 51 MW Optimization plants.
Read More.......
For the ULGPP bulk privatization, PSALM President and CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma Jr. said in a text message that six companies have expressed their interest to participate in the bidding process.
“However, out of the figure, only four prospective bidders paid for participation fee and executed confidentiality agreement and undertaking,” Ledesma said.
ULGPP consists of the 125 MW Upper Mahiao, 232.5 MW Malitbog, 180 MW Mahanagdong and 51 MW Optimization plants.
Read More.......
Science:
New Fracking Fluid Lowers Water, Energy Use (tcetoday.com)
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Washington, U.S., have developed a new fracking fluid which requires less energy, less water and fewer chemicals than conventional fluids.
The researchers, led by Carlos Fernandez, say that the stimuli-responsive fluid could be used for oil and gas exploitation and Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). EGS uses geothermal energy in rocks which do not naturally have hydrothermal systems, by artificially pumping water through. It could be a significant alternative energy source in the U.S., but development has been limited as the necessary high permeability, high-pressure reservoirs are difficult to maintain in what is naturally dry rock. Fernandez and the team believe that their new fracking fluid could help to solve this problem and make the technology commercially viable.
The new fluid is a type of aqueous polyallylamine which converts very rapidly into a hydrogel in the presence of CO2, which is commonly found in fracked wells. The hydrogel is 2.5 times the original volume of the fluid, increasing the pressure in the well and aiding the fracking process, as well as reducing the amount of water necessary for the fracking process. It is not harmful to the environment, is non-toxic, a corrosion inhibitor, a biocide, an antioxidant and is made of cheap, readily-available materials. The multi-purpose nature of the fracking fluid means that extra chemicals are not necessary.
Stimuli-responsive/rheoreversible hydraulic fracturing fluids as a greener alternative to support geothermal and fossil energy production, H. B. Jung, et al. (Green Chem., 2015, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C4GC01917B)
Read More.........
Expanding fluid useful for oil, enhanced geothermal systems
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Washington, U.S., have developed a new fracking fluid which requires less energy, less water and fewer chemicals than conventional fluids.
The new fluid is a type of aqueous polyallylamine which converts very rapidly into a hydrogel in the presence of CO2, which is commonly found in fracked wells. The hydrogel is 2.5 times the original volume of the fluid, increasing the pressure in the well and aiding the fracking process, as well as reducing the amount of water necessary for the fracking process. It is not harmful to the environment, is non-toxic, a corrosion inhibitor, a biocide, an antioxidant and is made of cheap, readily-available materials. The multi-purpose nature of the fracking fluid means that extra chemicals are not necessary.
Stimuli-responsive/rheoreversible hydraulic fracturing fluids as a greener alternative to support geothermal and fossil energy production, H. B. Jung, et al. (Green Chem., 2015, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C4GC01917B)
Read More.........
United Kingdom:
Lib Dem Manifesto: Shale Gas Companies to Give Exhausted Wells to Geothermal Industry (Business Green)
The United Kingdom general election of 2015 will be held on 7 May 2015. The Liberal Democrat party are the junior member of the current 2010–15 Coalition Government with the Conservative party. The "Lib-Dems" put the environment on the front cover of their election manifesto today.
Among the ideas is a proposal to make it compulsory for shale gas firms to offer their exhausted wells to the geothermal energy industry free of charge.
"Once a shale gas well has been used, it must be offered at no cost to geothermal heat developers “to enable faster expansion of this renewable technology”.
On the innovation side, the party would introduce new legal framework to require regulators to facilitate the development of deep geothermal heat, large-scale heat pumps, waste industrial heat and energy storage systems.
Read More.......
Among the ideas is a proposal to make it compulsory for shale gas firms to offer their exhausted wells to the geothermal energy industry free of charge.
"Once a shale gas well has been used, it must be offered at no cost to geothermal heat developers “to enable faster expansion of this renewable technology”.
On the innovation side, the party would introduce new legal framework to require regulators to facilitate the development of deep geothermal heat, large-scale heat pumps, waste industrial heat and energy storage systems.
Read More.......
Canada:
Thoughts on Geothermal Energy Growing Pains (Proactive Investors USA & Canada)
"I wanted to do something environmentally friendly that would be good for the world. That would satisfy my desire to try to reduce our carbon emissions and produce electricity that’s in clean technology, meaning geothermal, wind, hydro and solar power."
"So it was something different for me. I started the company focused on geothermal power. Both Rick Rule and I thought it was really going to be a great long term solution for the world and it turned out not to be. It turned out to be a very risky, very difficult business and we both had a lot of investment, you could say, ‘disasters’ in looking at different geothermal plays."
I had bought some assets that were producing though in the company which we have to this day. It wasn’t just an exploration play. It was a producing company right from the beginning and we took it public in 2009. In 2011, I had realized just how tough the geothermal business was. But I still wanted to build a clean energy company bigger and bigger. So I acquired a company in British Columbia called Plutonic Power and joined the two companies together into the company that is today Alterra Power."
Read More........
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| Ross Beaty, Executive Chairman of Alterra Power |
Interview with Ross Beaty, Executive Chairman of Alterra Power
"I wanted to do something environmentally friendly that would be good for the world. That would satisfy my desire to try to reduce our carbon emissions and produce electricity that’s in clean technology, meaning geothermal, wind, hydro and solar power."
"So it was something different for me. I started the company focused on geothermal power. Both Rick Rule and I thought it was really going to be a great long term solution for the world and it turned out not to be. It turned out to be a very risky, very difficult business and we both had a lot of investment, you could say, ‘disasters’ in looking at different geothermal plays."
I had bought some assets that were producing though in the company which we have to this day. It wasn’t just an exploration play. It was a producing company right from the beginning and we took it public in 2009. In 2011, I had realized just how tough the geothermal business was. But I still wanted to build a clean energy company bigger and bigger. So I acquired a company in British Columbia called Plutonic Power and joined the two companies together into the company that is today Alterra Power."
Read More........
Philippines:
Maibarara Geothermal Plant Expansion is On Track (Manila Standard Today)
Maibarara Geothermal Inc. said Wednesday it will proceed with the P1.3-billion expansion of the 20 MW geothermal power plant in Batangas.
Maibarara Geothermal president Francisco Delfin Jr. told reporters the company started drilling two steam wells last year to expand the project by another 10 MW. The wells are undergoing testing “to determine how much capacity it can accommodate.”
“Testing is ongoing…In the next two weeks, we believe that we have sufficient steam based on reserves estimation for the 10-MW expansion,” Delfin said.
He said the company would proceed with the financial closing for 70-percent of the project cost. Construction will start soon after that, in line with the target of completing the project by July 2017, he said.
The 20 MW Maibarara geothermal project in Sto. Tomas, Batangas started commercial operation in early 2014.
Read More........
Maibarara Geothermal president Francisco Delfin Jr. told reporters the company started drilling two steam wells last year to expand the project by another 10 MW. The wells are undergoing testing “to determine how much capacity it can accommodate.”
“Testing is ongoing…In the next two weeks, we believe that we have sufficient steam based on reserves estimation for the 10-MW expansion,” Delfin said.
He said the company would proceed with the financial closing for 70-percent of the project cost. Construction will start soon after that, in line with the target of completing the project by July 2017, he said.
The 20 MW Maibarara geothermal project in Sto. Tomas, Batangas started commercial operation in early 2014.
Read More........
USA, California:
California Power Grid Seen Able to Handle 100% Renewables (Bloomberg Business)
California’s power grid could handle taking 100 percent of its supply from renewables such as wind and solar, and meeting the goal for half that amount will be no problem, the state’s chief energy regulator said.
Governor Jerry Brown in January set one of the world’s most ambitious targets for cleaning up power generation, saying 50 percent of supply should come from renewables by 2030, a dramatic increase from the current goal of 33 percent by 2020. He didn’t make clear how the goal could be achieved.
Michael Picker, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, said the grid already is comfortably managing solar and wind energy that reached as much as 40 percent of the total a few days last year. In the years ahead, authorities can add the flexibility needed to manage power that flows only when the wind blows or the sun shines.
Read More.......
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Michael Picker, president of the
California Public Utilities Commission
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Governor Jerry Brown in January set one of the world’s most ambitious targets for cleaning up power generation, saying 50 percent of supply should come from renewables by 2030, a dramatic increase from the current goal of 33 percent by 2020. He didn’t make clear how the goal could be achieved.
Michael Picker, president of the California Public Utilities Commission, said the grid already is comfortably managing solar and wind energy that reached as much as 40 percent of the total a few days last year. In the years ahead, authorities can add the flexibility needed to manage power that flows only when the wind blows or the sun shines.
Read More.......
USA:
Warren Buffett's PacifiCorp Considers Joining California ISO (Utility Dive)
PacifiCorp, the vertically-integrated Western utility owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is considering joining the grid operated by California Independent System Operator (CAISO).
PacifiCorp and CAISO have signed a memorandum of understanding indicating that the utility will study the feasibility of becoming a transmission-owning member of the California grid.
Bloomberg Business reports that joining the grid would see CAISO take operational control of PacifiCorp's 16,300 miles of transmission lines, expanding the grid operator's territory by nearly 40%.
If PacifiCorp does join the grid operator's system, it would fully open up the California energy market to PacifiCorp's generation, including large amounts of cheap renewables, principally wind and hydropower but also the Blundell 34-megawatt geothermal facility near Milford, Utah.
Read More.......
Expanded grid would include geothermal energy from Utah
PacifiCorp and CAISO have signed a memorandum of understanding indicating that the utility will study the feasibility of becoming a transmission-owning member of the California grid.
Bloomberg Business reports that joining the grid would see CAISO take operational control of PacifiCorp's 16,300 miles of transmission lines, expanding the grid operator's territory by nearly 40%.
If PacifiCorp does join the grid operator's system, it would fully open up the California energy market to PacifiCorp's generation, including large amounts of cheap renewables, principally wind and hydropower but also the Blundell 34-megawatt geothermal facility near Milford, Utah.
Read More.......
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
USA:
DOE Estimates Annual 5.5% Growth in Geothermal Energy to 2040 (USEIA)
Projections in the Annual Energy Outlook 2015 (AEO2015) focus on the factors expected to shape U.S. energy markets through 2040. The projections provide a basis for examination and discussion of energy market trends and serve as a starting point for analysis of potential changes in U.S. energy policies, rules, and regulations, as well as the potential role of advanced technologies.
Rising long-term natural gas prices, the high capital costs of new coal and nuclear generation capacity, state-level policies, and cost reductions for renewable generation in a market characterized by relatively slow electricity demand growth favor increased use of renewables.
Renewable electricity generation in the AEO2015 Reference case increases by 72% from 2013 to 2040, accounting for more than one-third of new generation capacity. The renewable share of total generation grows from 13% in 2013 to 18% in 2040.
Geothermal generation grows at an average annual rate of about 5.5% over the projection period, but because geothermal resources are concentrated geographically, the growth is limited to the western United States. The report estimates that geothermal electricity generation will increase from 16.88 billion kilowatthours in 2015 to 69.56 billion kilowatthours in 2040.
Read More........
Rising long-term natural gas prices, the high capital costs of new coal and nuclear generation capacity, state-level policies, and cost reductions for renewable generation in a market characterized by relatively slow electricity demand growth favor increased use of renewables.
Renewable electricity generation in the AEO2015 Reference case increases by 72% from 2013 to 2040, accounting for more than one-third of new generation capacity. The renewable share of total generation grows from 13% in 2013 to 18% in 2040.
Geothermal generation grows at an average annual rate of about 5.5% over the projection period, but because geothermal resources are concentrated geographically, the growth is limited to the western United States. The report estimates that geothermal electricity generation will increase from 16.88 billion kilowatthours in 2015 to 69.56 billion kilowatthours in 2040.
Global:
2015 Geothermal Resources Council Scholarships - Deadline for Applications is May 4
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC), a non-profit educational association dedicated to the promotion of geothermal energy and associated technologies around the world, reminds applicants of the deadline for the 2015 GRC Scholarship Awards.
A total of $15,000 in educational awards to be given to six students in the global geothermal energy community
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| Nastaran Arianpoo of the University of British Columbia, Canada receives her 2014 GRC Scholarship award from GRC President Louis E. Capuano, Jr. |
To qualify for one of these awards a student must be a GRC member (student memberships are only $5 per year) as well as a student in an accredited academic institution. Selection of recipients will be based upon a variety of factors, including the individual’s academic record, student activities, geothermal industry experience, and career goals.
GRC Workshop/Field-trip to Yellowstone National Park:
GRC Yellowstone National Park Workshop/Field-trip
For more up to date information and agenda, please visit the GRC Website. For any questions or concerns, please contact Anh Lay by email at alay@geothermal.org or by phone at (530) 758-2360 ext. 100.
June 22-26, 2015
The GRC reminds interested individuals to sign-up for the GRC Workshop/Field-trip to Yellowstone National Park as places are filling fast. The workshop will include a tour of the major geologic features of the park, the site of the greatest concentration of geothermal features in the world, and discussions of its volcanic history, geochemistry, and hydrology. Limited number of spaces are available.
Workshop Leaders: Duncan Foley, Gene Suemnicht, and Joe Moore.
The Cost of the workshop:
For payment options, including a deposit to reserve your place, please contact the GRC office for more details.
Highlights include:
~ GRC Workshop Registration Form
Workshop Leaders: Duncan Foley, Gene Suemnicht, and Joe Moore.
The Cost of the workshop:
- Double-Occupancy Room: $1,500 for GRC Members, $1,700 for Non-GRC Members.
- Single-Occupancy Room: $2,050 for GRC Members, $2,250 for Non-GRC Members ($550 upgrade fee for those who have already paid for a double-occupancy room).
- GRC Student Rate (Double-Occupancy Only): $700 (Must provide a copy of your current student ID with a valid date or a copy of your class schedule when registering).
For payment options, including a deposit to reserve your place, please contact the GRC office for more details.
Highlights include:
- The 13 MW net capacity U.S. Geothermal Raft River geothermal power plant and the Raft River Enhanced Geothermal System site where stimulation activities are being conducted.
- The geological and geothermal features of the Yellowstone super volcanic system.
- 300 plus geysers – more than half of all the geysers in the world.
- More than 10,000 thermal features comprised of brilliantly colored hot springs, bubbling mudpots, and steaming fumaroles.
- Grand Teton National Park
~ GRC Workshop Registration Form
For more up to date information and agenda, please visit the GRC Website. For any questions or concerns, please contact Anh Lay by email at alay@geothermal.org or by phone at (530) 758-2360 ext. 100.
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