Iceland: SW Iceland Geothermal Areas “Overused”, Unsustainable

SW Iceland Geothermal Areas “Overused”, Unsustainable (Reykjavik Grapevine)

A geologist and a physicist say that some geothermal regions in southwest Iceland are being overused, rendering the practice ultimately unsustainable.

Gunnlaugur H. Jónsson, a professor of physics and a former employee of the National Energy Authority, told RÚV that two areas – Hengilssvæðið and Reykjanesskagann – are being overused for geothermal power. The search for new high-pressure vents has prompted the drilling of a new vent once a year. At this rate, the resource is rendered unsustainable.

Geologist Stefán Arnórsson agrees, adding that the pressure coming out of the vents has been steadily decreasing. Part of the problem has been planning, in that large power plants were built first in the area, instead of employing the more sustainable practice of building small power plants first, and building up from there.

Read More.......

Video: Geothermal Town

Geothermal Town (Discovery)

Nangong Village in China has plugged into the earth's geothermal power to heat up their water, transforming a rural farming village into a modern community with hot water in every home -- not to mention greenhouses and a tropical spa.

Taiwan: Committee Defers on Geothermal Project EIA

Committee Defers on Geothermal Project EIA (Taipei Times)

In a rare ruling on Wednesday, a multibillion-dollar geothermal project that proposes drilling geothermal wells thousands of meters deep in Yilan County was referred to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) grand assembly to decide whether a fourth meeting or a second-phase review is needed.

Headed by anti-nuclear activist and National Taiwan University professor Kao Cheng-yan (高成炎), the project proposes drilling 10 geothermal wells in Lize (利澤) in Yilan County’s Wujie Township (五結) over a 10-year period. A private venture, the project is expected to cost NT$10 billion (US$304.2 million) and would generate up to 101 megawatts (MW) of electricity per year, making it the largest thermal power station in the nation.

Read More......

Lessons on the Role of Public Finance in Deploying Geothermal Energy in Developing Countries

Lessons on the Role of Public Finance in Deploying Geothermal Energy in Developing Countries (CIP)

by Valerio Micale and Padraig Oliver

Over the last year, Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) has conducted analysis on behalf of the Climate Investment Funds with the aim of helping policymakers and development finance institutions understand which policy and financing tools to use in order to enable fast and cost-effective deployment of geothermal for electricity. The research involved high-level dialogues between public and private sector stakeholders to share findings and promote discussion, and three case studies on geothermal projects in Turkey, Kenya and Indonesia. The projects studied varied in size (ranging from 13 MW to 330 MW – the largest in the world), and in terms of the public-private development models used.

Our case studies show that the increase in tariffs needed to provide sufficient returns to incentivize private investment can be entirely offset by public measures addressing specific risks. As a result, by enabling private investment, governments can achieve the same amount of electricity generation while providing only 15-35% of the financial resources they would have spent had they built and operated projects themselves.

Read More.......                 Full Paper (PDF)........

USA, Nevada: Interactive Map of Nevada Geothermal Resources and Infrastructure

Interactive Map of Nevada Geothermal Resources and Infrastructure (AGI)

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology's interactive geothermal map is a compilation of GIS data, relevant to geothermal energy, from around the state. The map provides users the opportunity to view a wide range geothermal features in the state of Nevada, including geothermal sites of interest, geothermal well data, existing geothermal power plants, and transmission infrastructure.

Click here to access the interactive geothermal map.

The 39th GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo will be held September 20-23 at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno, Nevada.

El Salvador Plans 150 MW Renewable Energy Auction

El Salvador Plans 150 MW Renewable Energy Auction (CleanTechnica)

102 MW geothermal capacity could be added by the end of 2021

El Salvador has announced plans to hold its second renewable energy auction as is looks to increase the share of sustainable energy sources in its electricity mix. The National Energy Council announced plans to auction 150 MW of renewable energy projects, with targets for operation by 2018.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) will assist El Salvador in conducting this most recently announced auction. The Agency is optimistic about the future of renewable energy in the country. According to a recent assessment (PDF) by USAID, El Salvador could add 170 MW of solar power capacity by 2016, 40 MW wind energy capacity by 2017, 81.5 MW biomass-based power capacity by the end of this year, and 146 MW hydro power capacity and 102 MW geothermal capacity by the end of 2021.

In 2014, hydro power, geothermal and biomass-based power projects supplied 59% of El Salvador’s electricity while the balance came from fossil fuels.

Read More.......

Indonesia:

Ministry Mulls Spinning off Pertamina’s Geothermal Assets (Jakarta Post)

The Indonesia Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is considering making the Pertamina subsidiary that runs the geothermal business a separate entity so that the government will be able to exert direct control over its expansion.

The ministry’s director general for new, renewable energy and energy conservation, Rida Mulyana, said separating Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) from the parent company would enable the government to inject funds for expansion.

“We are thinking of how to accelerate development of geothermal projects. PGE already has the capacity and geothermal working areas. However, its expansion still depends on the parent firm and the government currently cannot inject any funds directly,” Rida said.

He added that two options were now on the table for PGE, either making it a fully owned state enterprise or restructure it to be a special public service agency.

Read More......

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo:

Exhibit at the Biggest Annual Geothermal Event of the Year!

The GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo is just 30 days away! In addition to the GRC Technical Session, Workshops, Fieldtrips and various networking opportunities, the trade show, run by the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is filling up fast. As of August 20, 95 companies from around the world had signed up.

Entrance to the GEA trade show is free with GRC Annual Meeting registration. If you are interested in attending the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo only please visit the GEA website. Exhibitors can now register for the trade show.

Climate Change:

July Was Earth's Hottest Month on Record (BBC News)

July was the hottest month on Earth since records began, averaging 16.6 C (61.9 F), according to US scientists. That is 0.08 degrees higher than the previous record, set in July 1998 - a significant margin in weather records.

Scientists at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said in a report that they expect 2015 to be the hottest year on record. Nine of the 10 hottest months since records began in 1880 have occurred since 2005, they NOAA report said.

Scientists say global climate change and the impacts of the El Nino weather phenomenon are behind the record temperatures.

Read More........

New Zealand:

Hui (A Māori Assembly) About Geothermal Plant to be Held (Radio New Zealand)

22 August, Ngāwhā Marae, Kaikohe, New Zealand

People concerned about Top Energy's plans to further develop its geothermal power plant at Ngāwhā will have an opportunity to ask questions.

The Ngāwhā marae komiti, which signed a deal with the power company, said it hoped the initiative would lead to development at and around the geothermal field near Kaikohe.

The deal has raised concerns amongst some local Māori who are worried that it could damage the precious springs and threaten their Waitangi Tribunal Claim which the geothermal field is part of.

But komiti adviser Chris Webster said everyone in the community would be given the chance to have their say and ask Top Energy scientists questions.

"The marae komiti members will speak for about 10 to 15 minutes and then people can also ask questions of the scientists," Ms Webster said.

"So on the 22nd of August we're having a big hui at Ngāwhā Marae to celebrate the signing and the participation of the marae trustee committee and the hapū of Ngāti Rangi."

She said the project would lead to the creation of employment for people mainly in Kaikohe.

Read More.......

Indonesia:

Pertamina Geothermal Energy Working on Four Geothermal Power Plants (Republika)

Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE), a subsidiary of Indonesian state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina, is working on four geothermal power plant projects simultaneously.

PGE's Corporate Secretary Tafif Azimudin today said the four power plant projects are located in Ulubelu (Lampung province), Lahendong (North Sulawesi province), Karaha (West Java province) and Lumut Balai (South Sumatra province).

"PGE is the only company in the world that works on four geothermal development projects simultaneously," he said.

According to Azimudin the four geothermal power plants, with a total capacity of 415 MW, are targeted to be completed by 2017. They are Lumut Balai with a capacity of 4x55 MW, Karaha 1x30 MW, Kerinci (Jambi province) 1x55 MW, and Hululais (Bengkulu province) 2x55 MW.

Read More........

Canada:

Head of Geothermal Association in Canada Runs For Office (CanGEA)

Alison Thompson, CanGEA Chair, is running for MP in Foothills, Alberta

"Since CanGEA's inception in 2007, Alison Thompson has worked tirelessly to steward the industry association into an influential organization that creates business opportunities for geothermal stakeholders. Despite many hurdles over the past eight years, Alison has led the CanGEA team to countless successes through far ranging policy work and outreach initiatives. These efforts are contributing to diversifying the Canadian economy and improving the environment. As well as supporting First Nations and small businesses, Alison has also mentored over a dozen youth by providing experience in the workforce and fostering their careers."

"Alison will be putting her money where her mouth is for her most recent endeavour, as she runs as a federal Member of Parliament candidate for a progressive party in the Foothills riding. She invites supporters of economic diversification to donate and volunteer their time towards a campaign underpinned by the intersection of the Environment and the Economy."

Read More......

Kenya:

Geothermal Energy Development Helps Kenya to Cut Electricity Imports by Half (Business Daily Africa)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

Additional geothermal power brought on line in the last year has allowed Kenya to reduce the amount of electricity imported from neighboring countries.

Kenya has cut electricity imports from Uganda, which contributes 95% of imports,  by more than half following the injection of additional geothermal power into the national grid.

Data from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) indicates that Kenya imported 27.97 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) from the neighboring countries including Ethiopia in the first half of the year, down from 57.91 million kWh in same period last year, a 51.7 per cent drop.

“The reduction in imports is the effect of the additional geothermal power,” said an executive at the ERC.

The decline follows the injection of 280 megawatts of geothermal power into the national grid between July and December last year, which has resulted in a decline in power bills for more a than a fifth over the past year.

Read More.......

Canada:

Alberta Town To Fund Geothermal Survey (hintonvoice.com)

Jonathan Banks, a PhD research associate with the University of Alberta presented the idea for a study that would gauge the potential for geothermal energy production in 10 reservoirs in Alberta – five of which are in the Hinton area. At council’s direction, Town administration continued conversations with Banks and provided him with a letter of intent.

“The study could happen as early as September with the investment of about $90,000,” said Wendy Jones, director of planning and development for the Town of Hinton.

The study would provide the Town with a three-dimensional picture of the geothermal potential in the area, a calculation of how much energy is available and a prediction of how much total power could be produced, as well as an economic, environmental and regulatory assessment.

Previously Banks had said “The deepest units at the base are here in Hinton, with temperatures approaching 200 degrees [Celsius], which is hot – you can produce a lot of electricity.”

Read More.........

Indonesia:

Govt Promises Incentives for Renewable Energy Projects (Jakarta Post)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

The Indonesian government promises to provide incentives such as import-tax reduction to lure investors to the country’s untapped new and renewable energy potentials.

Speaking in his address at the opening ceremony of the annual conference of New Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE ConEx) and the International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition (IIGCE) on Wednesday, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Sudirman Said promised to create a more conducive investment climate in the development of new and renewable energy.

“We need regulations that give more opportunities for investment, such as the elimination of import taxes for capital goods used for developing new and renewable energy,” said Sudirman.

Read More.......

Indonesia:

Govt Issues Geothermal Management Permits (ANTARA)

If all the investors realized their licenses, they could produce 1,515 megawatts

The Indonesian government has licensed 15 domestic and foreign investors to manage geothermal resources in the country.

"After the licenses have been issued, the energy and mineral resources minister must check that they are making use of the licenses. Don't let it (the project) come to a standstill after the licenses have been issued," President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said on the sidelines of the 4th Indonesia IBTKE-Conex and the 3rd Indonesia International Geothermal Convention and Exhibition 2015 here on Wednesday.

The president said geothermal resources had the potential to generate 29 thousand megawatts of electricity. If all the investors realized their licenses, they could produce 1,515 megawatts. He said the government would also provide improved services to investors who had invested in new and renewable energy.

Read More.......

New Zealand:

Contact Energy to Close Natural Gas Power Station as Geothermal Grows (RenewablesBiz)

Dennis Barnes, Chief Executive Officer

"We have been considering the future of our gas-fired power stations for some time. Our decision to close our Otahuhu B station reflects the growth in renewable electricity generation, such as the new Te Mihi geothermal power station, which has effectively replaced Otahuhu in Contact's portfolio" said Dennis Barnes, Contact Energy's Chief Executive.

"The role of thermal plant in New Zealand's electricity future is to support renewable generation and the growth of new technologies. This is best met by fast-start, gas-fired peaking power stations rather than large baseload plants" Mr Barnes said.

On August 8, New Zealand power developer Genesis Energy announced the closure of its two remaining coal units by 2018 because of the rise of geothermal energy.

Read More.......

Japan:

Japanese Bank to Invest in Geothermal Power Generation (Digitimes)

SB Energy plans to start construction of geothermal power-generating facilities in 2016-2017

Japan-based SoftBank has instructed SB Energy, its subsidiary specifically for investments in developing renewable energy, to extend construction and operation to geothermal power generation.

SB Energy is surveying hot spring spots with potential geothermal resources in Niigate Prefecture, central Japan, for a plan to install geothermal power-generating capacity of 300 Kw with estimated investment of JPY100-1,000 million (US$0.80-8.03 million). SB Energy plans to start construction of geothermal power-generating facilities in 2016-2017 and begin operations in 2020.

As there have been few geothermal power projects in Japan, SB Energy has a cautious attitude and therefore will step in at a small scale to gain experience and know-how before making larger investments in the future.

The Japan government, in its renewable energy development plans, places importance on geothermal power generation and has set a target cumulative installation capacity of 1,550 MW for 2030.

Read More........

Indonesia:

Indonesia Plans 140 MW More Geothermal Energy Next Year (Jakarta Post)

State-owned oil and gas firm Pertamina expects its subsidiary to start adding electricity capacity from geothermal power plants in August next year.

Pertamina, through subsidiary Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE), aims to see the completion of its 2x55 MW Ulubelu geothermal power plant units 3 and 4 in Lampung in August 2016 and June 2017, respectively.

Pertamina upstream director Syamsu Alam said development of the power plant project was 56 percent complete. Along with its existing 1 and 2 units, 3 and 4 will contribute to a total of 220 MW.

The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry’s director for geothermal, Yunus Saefulhak, said “For next year, we will see the Ulubelu plant unit 3 in Lampung with 55 MW in capacity, Karaha plant in West Java with 30 MW and the Lumut Balai plant in South Sumatra with 55 MW,” he said.

Read More........

Indonesia:

President Widodo Urges More Use of Geothermal Energy (ANTARA)

The national energy policy has set a target to increase geothermal energy to 23 percent by 2025

President Joko Widodo

President Joko Widodo has called for reducing the use of fossil-based fuels and replacing them with renewable energy sources especially geothermal.

Teten Masduki, a member of the presidential communication team, said in a press statement received here on Wednesday that the president believes Indonesia has huge geothermal reserves, adding that the country has 40 percent of the worlds geothermal potential.

The energy sources are found from Sumatra, Java, Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku to Papua.

Unfortunately, the energy sources have not been exploited optimally, and Indonesia remains dependent on fossil fuels, he pointed out.

"I hope we can immediately put an end to our dependency on fossil fuels by taking concrete steps in utilizing geothermal energy sources," he noted in a speech at the opening of the New and Renewable Energy and Geothermal Convention and Exhibition here on Wednesday.

"One of the new and renewable energy sources that we need to exploit is geothermal energy, which is abundant, clean, and environment-friendly. The national energy policy has set a target to increase the use of this energy to 23 percent by 2025," he noted.

Read More........

United Kingdom:

Geothermal Talk at Eden Project

10am – 5pm, Thursday, 17 September 2015, Eden Project, Cornwall, UK

Come and find out more about geothermal energy, the ‘Cinderella’ of renewable resources, during Community Energy Fortnight.

In partnership with Cornwall-based EGS Energy, the Eden Project has planning permission for a 3-4 MW geothermal power plant on the Eden Project site, taking energy from the heat in underground granite rocks.

You’ll get to hear from those working in the industry, hear more about our plans, and understand just how geothermal energy could provide up to 20% of the UK's current electricity demand, and a vast amount of heating.

Book your place on the event through Community Energy Fortnight.

Climate Change:

EPA Proposes Measures to Dramatically Reduce Methane Emissions in the US (The Guardian)

Four new proposals are meant to reduce methane emissions over the next decade as part of the Obama administration’s broad effort to reduce greenhouse gases

The US Environmental Protection Agency today proposed a slate of measures meant to drastically reduce methane emissions over the next decade as part of the Obama administration’s broad effort to reduce greenhouse gasses.

Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for the EPA’s office of air and radiation, told reporters that the agency hopes to cut heat-trapping methane emissions from the oil and gas industry.

Methane is the second most prevalent greenhouse gas, accounting for about 10% of emissions, according to the EPA. The White House said that of those emissions, nearly 30% come from the oil and gas industry.

Read More......

Climate Change:

Islamic Call on Rich Countries to End Fossil Fuel Use (BBC News)

Islamic environmental and religious leaders have called on "all people, leaders and businesses ...to commit to 100% renewable energy"

The Islamic Climate Declaration says that the world's 1.6bn Muslims have a religious duty to fight climate change.

It urges politicians to agree a new treaty to limit global warming to 2C, "or preferably 1.5 degrees."

The Declaration asks Muslims, in the words of the Koran, "not to strut arrogantly on the Earth".

Drafted at an international symposium in Istanbul, the Declaration calls for "all people, leaders and businesses ...to commit to 100% renewable energy".

Read More........

USA, Oregon:

Paisley Geothermal Fixes Faults in Step Towards Start (Lake County Examiner)

Surprise Valley Electric’s ongoing efforts to establish a 3 MW geothermal energy plant just outside of Paisley in southern Oregon has encountered several major mechanical issues, delaying the expected launch date, but as power generating tests have been successfully conducted over the past month, operations at the plant are coming closer to coming online.

With funding in hand to assist with construction, a facility is now nearly ready to supply Paisley and the surrounding areas with affordable renewable power available 24 hours a day.

A specific start date was not provided, but as Surprise Valley works out the kinks in testing having already conducted repairs to initial mechanical issues, it is only a matter of time before Paisley residents get to enjoy untapped energy that has been directly underneath their feet the whole time.

Read More.......

USA, Nevada:

Permits Obtained for More Exploration of Teel Marsh Lithium Resource

Study shows a deep closed basin with potential to retain a large quantity of geothermal fluids

Vancouver based Dajin Resources Corp. reports that the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Dajin Resources (US) Corp. has received permits for deep geoprobe work at Dajin’s 100% owned Teels Marsh claims, located in Mineral County, Nevada.

The gravity survey completed earlier in the year indicates Teels Marsh is a deep closed basin greater than 8,900 feet (2,700 meter) in depth which indicates the potential to retain a large quantity of geothermal fluids. This exploratory work is to help determine if shallow (less than 200 feet (60 meters)) brine deposits exist and to determine the subsurface properties of the Marsh in preparation for deep drilling.

The geological model for Clayton Valley is a similar fault bounded half graben to that which has been imaged by gravity and magnetics at Teels Marsh. Over time, faulting in these locations has created a deep basin trapping ground water within the sedimentary fill rich in volcanic sediments high in Lithium.

Read More........

Hungary:

Mayor’s Geothermal Club

Launching October 8-9, 2015, Budapest, Hungary

Mayors’ Geothermal Club (MGC) is an initiative to provide European municipalities with geothermal potential with an appropriate framework where all issues related to the utilization of their geothermal potential can be openly discussed.

The MGC is being launched at an inaugural conference on 8 October 2015 in Budapest.

More information......             Agenda......

New Zealand:

Te Ahi O Maui Geothermal Project On Track (Gisborne Herald)

After gaining all necessary consents to build a new $100 million geothermal energy plant, Gisborne-based Eastland Group is now looking to build on increasing profits in the energy sector.

Eastland Group now plans to invest a further $97m over the next five years to develop Eastland Generation’s assets, including the $100m 15 MW net Te Ahi O Maui project, which already stands to increase the size of Eastland Group by a quarter.

All resource consent appeals surrounding the project have now been resolved and consents are in place to build a geothermal plant 2.3km east of Kawerau.

After renegotiating with former project partner, Hawaii-based Innovations Development Group (IDG), EGL has now increased its stake in the project by an additional 14 percent.

Eastland Group chief executive Matt Todd said a provisional timeline for construction was in place but it would be contingent on getting the necessary approvals, which would see a three-year construction program put in place. The company had now started the detailed processes of procurement, putting contracts in place and obtaining financing for the project for the board to consider within the next 12 months.

When complete, the 15 MW net plant would be capable of generating an equivalent amount of electricity to meet 50 percent of demand from the 25,000 consumers in the Gisborne/Wairoa region.

“Eastland Group does not retail electricity but we are looking at a number of ways of selling the output from Te Ahi O Maui. This could be on a standard PPA, a CFD, a FPVV, ASX hedge or directly into the wholesale market.”

Read More........

USA, Alaska:

Chena Renewable Energy Fair Celebrates 10-year Milestone (KTVA.com)



Every August, hundreds of people are drawn to Chena Hot Springs near Fairbanks. Many who make the pilgrimage to the annual Chena Renewable Energy Fair believe there’s a better way than fossil fuels. Others come in search of ways to save energy.

Wind, solar, geothermal and biofuels are the latest in greenhouse lighting and cold weather construction. Most of these technologies have come a long way since the fair began 10 years ago.

“The most valuable thing we have done is sparked people’s imagination, to imagine they can do it,” said GRC member Bernie Karl, founder of the energy fair and co-owner of the resort with his wife, Connie.

Over the years, Karl has showcased breakthroughs in geothermal energy, which heats and generates power for his resort and experimental greenhouses.

Read More........

Idaho, Alaska:

Chena Power Joins Snake River Geothermal Consortium (INL)

Idaho National Laboratory has announced that Chena Power, LLC, an Alaska-based company, has officially joined the Snake River Geothermal Consortium (SRGC) team. Chena Power is the first technical partner from outside the contiguous states and joins 17 other national laboratory, university and industry partners from states including Idaho, Wyoming and Utah.

“The practical experience that Chena brings to the team will be instrumental if our team is selected to move into Phase 2,” said GRC member Robert Podgorney, SRGC director and INL’s Frontier Observatory for Research in Geothermal Energy (FORGE) Initiative director. “We need the kind of ingenuity that has gone into developing the power plant in Alaska, especially when it comes to demonstrating power generation at the later stages of FORGE.”

Read More........

Indonesia:

GRC Workshop at Indonesian International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition (IIGCE 2015)

August 17 - 18, Golden Ballroom, Sultan Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia

More information....... 

The Indonesia Geothermal Association (INAGA) in cooperation with the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) are conducting a special workshop before the Indonesian International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition (IIGCE 2015) meeting.

The topics are:

• “A Geothermal Conceptual Model & Well Targeting" 
• "A Geothermal Medium Enthalpy Management”.

The GRC distinguished speakers presenting are:

• Chun Chin, P.E., Senior Project Manager POWER Engineers Inc.
• Kevin Wallace, P.E., Senior Project Manager POWER Engineers Inc.
• Gene Suemnicht, CEO, Chief Geologist EGS Inc.

For more information, visit www.iigce.com

More Information....... 

USA, France:

GE to Take Over Alstom (New Europe)

The two companies are big players in geothermal turbine manufacturing

U.S. company General Electric is expected to secure EU approval for its proposed € 12.4-bn-euro bid for French peer Alstom’s electricity generation and transmission business according to European Commission sources. The European Commission has a September 11 deadline to official announce its decision, but is expected to announce its final decision by August 21st.

Alstom is a major industrial holding company that France considers “strategic.” It energy division produces turbines for hydroelectric, gas, coal and nuclear-powered plants, as well as large-scale electrical grid infrastructure, solar-thermal, and geothermal systems. Its stock rose as news of finalizing the take-over came out. It also has a major rail production division.

Read More.......

Philippines:

Study Finds Another 26 MW of Capacity at Maibarara Geothermal Field (Manila Standard Today)

Maibarara geothermal plant (Courtesy PetroEnergy)

The Maibarara geothermal field in Batangas province has additional steam reserves equivalent to 26 megawatts of electricity, according to a study conducted by New Zealand company Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) part of Jacobs Engineering Group.

Maibarara Geothermal Inc. is currently expanding the existing Maibarara geothermal power project by an additional 10 MW to bring the total output to 30 MW once completed by 2017.

Maibarara tapped SKM to conduct a comprehensive third-party technical review of the geothermal field, which showed another potential of 10 MW to 26 MW of power output south of and outside of the current area of development.

Maibarara said its own simulation indicated proven reserves of 27.8 MW for 25 years while SKM calculated reserves at 44 MW.

Read More........

USA, Colorado:

2015 Pagosa Verde Symposium

27-28 August, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, USA

The fourth Pagosa Verde Symposium – Community Benefits of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Agriculture – is Thursday and Friday, August 27 and 28, at the Aragon Community Center in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Since 2012, the annual Pagosa Verde Symposium has hosted experts from academia, government agencies, and private businesses to southwest Colorado to explore appropriate economic growth. The 2015 theme focuses on direct use geothermal and other technologies. Keynote speakers and expert panelists will emphasize sustainable economic diversity. Participants can look forward to discussion of Colorado’s conservation of natural resources, renewable energy projects, and 21st century agriculture.

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

Global:

Get Your Daily Global Geothermal News Delivered to Your In-box

Global Geothermal News is the award-winning news website from the Geothermal Resources Council a trusted source for information.

Enter your email address:



Delivered by FeedBurner

Get a summary of the very latest geothermal energy news from around the world delivered by email every day. Subscribe now!

Europe:

The EGEC Newsletter July/August 2015 - The Voice of Geothermal in Europe

The new edition of the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) newsletter is out.

Editorial

• The development of renewables in France and Germany
• EGC 2016
• Events in September

Policy

• EGEC brings forward proposals on governance to meet the 2030 targets
• EU Commission unveils proposal for reforming the Energy Labelling Regulation
• EC consults on electricity market design
• EC launches consultation on the review of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
• EGEC briefing on new EU Air Quality Package

News

• Call for R&D projects on interseasonal heat storage 
• Preparations for geothermal project near Salzburg progressing
• Construction starts on first geothermal heat-and-power plant in Hessen, Germany
• Boosting Geothermal with Biomass in Tuscany
• Deep drilling beginning in Flanders, Belgium
• French-Icelandic cooperation
• French private and public organisations collaborating with Mexican government
• Enel Green Power starts construction of first Geothermal power plant in South America and signs 25 year power purchase agreement with the national electricity company.
• 180 million USD newly available to Turkey’s Renewable Energy sector
• Newly operational low enthalpy plant in Denizli region, Turkey
• The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank to provide financing to Efeler plant in Turkey.
• Shunfeng International Clean Energy Ltd May Launch Chinese Geothermal Development this year
• Steam produced from Ethiopia’s first Geothermal well.
• Indonesia aims to increase geothermal power capacity from 505MW to 907 MW over the next four years.

Projects

• New Publication: Developing Geothermal Heat Pumps in Smart Cities and Communities
• The Heat Under Your Feet
• Regulations: The state of play and recommendations for development
• Helpdesk for local authorities

California:

Opinion: A Conversation on California’s Clean Energy Future: Generating Cleaner Power for California (SFGate)

By Tony Earley, Chairman & CEO, PG&E Corporation

Climate change experts agree that to curb greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming, the world eventually must wean itself off of fossil fuels. The answer to the question of how to do that is where the debate begins.

One thing’s for sure: just as we have all contributed to creating the problem, we must all be part of the solution. Here in California, electric power production contributes just over 20 percent of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Another 37 percent of carbon emissions come from transportation and the rest comes from industry and other smaller sources.

We at Pacific Gas and Electric Company are proud to help California set the pace. PG&E developed the first commercial geothermal power in the United States, in Sonoma County.

Read More.......

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo:

The Geothermal Resources Council 2015 Amateur Photo Contest - Deadline is Today (News Release)

The 36th Amateur Photo Contest winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, USA.

1st Place 2014: Coil Tubing from 125 ft. Manlift
by Jay Hepper, Cobb, California, USA.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) reminds photographers that this year’s Amateur Photo Contest deadline is today, Friday August 14. 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 39th GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo being held at the Peppermill Resort Spa, Reno, Nevada, USA from September 20-23. The theme for this year’s meeting is “Geothermal: Always On”.

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 14, 2015.

Canada:

CanGEA Response to Geoscience BC & BC Hydro

The Canadian Geothermal Association (CanGEA) Responds to BC Hydro and Geoscience BC Report - Geothermal Industry Questions Lack of Standards Used

Today the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) released its response to the recent Geoscience BC report: “An Assessment of the Economic Viability of Selected Geothermal Resources in British Columbia”.

The report addressed 3 main topics. The very fulsome appendix (B-S) provided, in our opinion, a vast amount of useful information about certain geothermal sites in BC. It is greatly appreciated by the industry.

Despite this useful information, CanGEA found various serious shortcomings in the other two topics of the report, which were identified in our response. The Volumetric Assessment (MW of geothermal potential) that was completed, for example, had some significant errors that we identified in our response. In particular, the vast Hot Sedimentary Aquifer located in NE BC, that includes several 1,000’s of MW of resource, was not included in the MW estimate for the province derived in the report.

Read More.......

USA, Colorado:

Tilapia Ranch Runs on Geothermal!



Colorado Gators grows Tilapia at their ranch in the San Luis Valley, in south Colorado using 87°F geothermal waters.

East Africa:

Homegrown Experts to Tap Into Africa's Geothermal Energy Thanks to New Excellence Center (all Africa.com)

Africa Geothermal Center of Excellence (AGCE) expected to be established in Kenya

Around 80 delegates, including representatives of 13 African countries, gathered in Nairobi to explore the feasibility of establishing the Africa Geothermal Center of Excellence (AGCE), which would enhance the continent's institutional and infrastructural capacities, and create a critical mass of geothermal scientists and engineers.

The two-day workshop will assess a feasibility study, which catalogues the region's needs for geothermal development, drafts the AGCE's vision and evaluates its long-term sustainability. The meeting, organized by the United Nation Environment Program's (UNEP) African Rift Geothermal Development Facility (ARGeo) brings together country representatives, African governments, development partners, donors, civil society, private developers, technical institutions and academia.

Read More......

Philippines:

EDC to Update Turbine at Tongonan Geothermal Plant (Manila Bulletin)

Energy Development Corporation (EDC) said its consolidated recurring net income declined 14 percent to  P4.7 billion in the first half of 2015, mainly due to the outage of the Tongonan Geothermal Plant and trading losses on the Unified Leyte strip business.

“Our 1H 2015 results fell short of target due to reliability issues at Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant,” Richard Tantoco EDC President and COO said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE),

“These setbacks are significant but temporary as the turbine retrofit of Tongonan will commence 3Q 2016 and similar to Bacman, we expect to boost reliability and increase plant output,” he added.

Read More.........

Costa Rica:

Costa Rica Beats Own Record, Relies Solely on Renewables for 94 Days (SeeNews Renewables)

Geothermal provides over 12% of country's electricity

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

The Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) said Wednesday that renewables have generated 100% of the country's power for 94 consecutive days.

The new period without resorting to fossil fuels started on May 8 and ended on August 9. Earlier this year, from January 1 to March 16, Costa Rica reached 75 days generating 100% of its power from renewables.

ICE noted geothermal and hydropower plants (HPP) were the main energy sources used during the period. More details in the table below.

1.  Hydropower 77.6%
2.  Geothermal 12.34%
3.  Wind 10.05%
4.  Solar 0.01%

The 100% renewables run came to an end on August 10, when the government had to fire up the Garabito thermal power plant, which uses bunker fuel, to generate 1% of the energy required in the country. This year alone, Costa Rica has accumulated 188 days without resorting to conventional sources of power to meet electricity demand.

Read More........

USA, Idaho:

U.S. Geothermal's CEO Dennis Gilles on Q2 2015 Results - Earnings Call Transcript (Seeking Alpha)

U.S. Geothermal
CEO Dennis Gilles

We completed our first major overhaul at Raft River after seven years of operation and completed our spring outages at San Emidio and Neal Hot Springs. On the growth side, at El Ceibillo in Guatemala, we received approval of our modified construction schedule under our geothermal concession agreement from the Guatemalan Ministry of Energy and Mines. We have begun drilling our exploration well EC-2 and currently planned to follow that with the drilling of well EC-3. We’ve received permits for the next round of drilling in the South Zone at San Emidio and we have begun drilling there.

On our Geysers project, we completed and extended flow test of our production wells which yielded excellent results. The flow test results from those wells were at or above the rates achieved when the wells were originally drilling -- were originally drilled. We have had numerous meetings with counterparties interested in possible power purchase agreements and we’ve submitted formal offer proposals as well. On our Neal Hot Springs project, we have begun drilling of our water supply wells to be used for hybrid cooling to increase our summer time generation. The drilling is now complete and we are beginning our flow testing.

Read More.......

Australia:

One Quarter of Australians Choose Geothermal as Their Ideal Energy Source (CleanTechnica)

Geothermal is growing in popularity but lags behind other renewables

Almost 25 per cent of Australians name geothermal energy among their most preferred energy sources, new research from The Climate Institute has found.

In its latest Climate of the Nation report, The Climate Institute found that 84% of Australians preferred solar to be in their ideal energy mix of three sources, followed by wind, at 69%, hydro at 47%, tidal/wave at 30% and then geothermal at 24%.

Read More.......

USA, California:

Imperial County Supervisors Vote to Support IID's Lawsuit (Imperial Valley Press)

Antitrust lawsuit claims state agency restricts growth of renewable energy in Imperial Valley

The Imperial County board of directors voted on Tuesday to approve a letter to support the Imperial Irrigation District’s lawsuit against the California Independent System Operator.

“We need to let the state of California know that we are working together,” District 1 Supervisor John Renison said. “We represent the same people and we want to control our own destiny.”

The antitrust lawsuit claims California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the entity that manages California's electricity grid has stifled clean energy projects, especially geothermal, and plotted to "crush" the Imperial Irrigation District" out of existence."

Taiwan:

Geothermal Power Project Launched on Taiwan (Focus Taiwan News Channel)

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) in Taiwan said Tuesday that it will begin a resource development plan to harness geothermal energy from the Tatun Volcano Group by building a 7 MW station in New Taipei's Jinshan District that could generate up to 68.5 million kWh (kilowatt-hours) of electricity per year.

As part of the project's starting ceremony on Tuesday, test wells were drilled as a demonstration of the endeavor's efforts. Dr. Lin Chuan-neng (林全能), director general of the MOEA's Bureau of Energy (BOE), said.

After two years of geographic surveillance and analysis of geothermal data, experts decided that a location in the mountainous Jinshan District, a part of the Tatun Volcano Group, would provide the greatest amount of thermal power generation. Using conventional drilling measures, the wells dug in the volcanic zone would be able to emit up of 293 degrees Celsius of usable heat.

Based on preliminary assessments by the BOE, the 68.5 million kWh of annually generated electricity would be able to cover an entire year's worth of energy consumption in New Taipei City's Jinshan and Wanli districts. The project would also be able to reduce 42,677 metric tons of CO2 emissions every year.

The MOEA estimates the resource development plan will be completed by the end of this year.

Read More........

New Zealand:

Renewable Energy Supply Hits Record High in New Zealand (GlobalPost)

Geothermal provides 56% of NZ renewable energy

The proportion of renewable energy in New Zealand's total energy supply reached a record high last year, a government report said Wednesday.

"Renewable energy made up 39.5 percent of New Zealand's total primary energy supply, up 1.3 percent from the previous year," Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) manager of energy and building trends Bryan Field said on the release of the Energy in New Zealand 2015 report.

"This is the highest contribution on record and places New Zealand third on this measure internationally, after Iceland and Norway. This was due to strong growth in geothermal electricity generation in 2014." Geothermal energy generated just over 200 Peta-joules (55,555,556 MWh) in 2014.

Read More.......

New Zealand:

Geothermal Wins Big at New Zealand Energy Awards (New Zealand Herald)

The geothermal industry in New Zealand figured large at the Deloitte Energy Excellence Awards in Auckland last night.

GRC member Mike Dunstall, general manager of geothermal resources and development at Contact Energy, was named Energy Executive of the Year for his leadership of the firm's $1 billion Wairakei investment program.

Contact Energy was the winner for Energy Project of the Year for it's Wairākei Investment Program that includes the 166 MWe Te Mihi geothermal power station.

In the Community Initiative of the Year category, Mighty River Power and Tauhara North No.2 Trust - Mauri Waiariki were nominated for their "Harnessing the life force of geothermal energy for community good" campaign.

Read More.......

Philippines:

PSALM Defers Bidding of Leyte, Mindanao Geothermal Power Deals (Manila Standard Today)

Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), the agency in charge of privatizing the Philippines government’s power assets, deferred the bidding of two power contracts for the management of Leyte and Mindanao geothermal plants.

PSALM said it would now bid out the Unified Leyte bulk energy contract on Sept. 2 and the 200-megawatt Mindanao coal contracts on Nov. 25.

The agency originally set the Unified Leyte bulk energy bidding on Aug. 12 and the Mindanao coal contracts on Sept. 23. The bidding schedule was reset, because the final bid structures had just been recently approved.

The Unified Leyte geothermal power plant complex is composed of the 125-MW Upper Mahiao, 232.5-MW Malitbog and 180-MW Mahanagdong power plants and the 51-MW optimization plants.

Read More........

USA, California:

CalEnergy, LLC, and the Imperial Irrigation District Agree 50 MW Geothermal Power Purchase Agreement (News Release)

Today, CalEnergy, a subsidiary of BHE Renewables, executed a contract with the Imperial Irrigation District to provide Imperial and Coachella Valley residents and businesses with 50 megawatts of renewable geothermal energy through 2029. 

CalEnergy is leading the efforts that promote geothermal procurement in the state of California to enable a reliable electrical grid. The company has been operating in the Imperial Valley for more than 25 years and will be investing more than $1 billion in capital improvements to its existing facilities to sustain its Salton Sea operations for another 30 years. CalEnergy is the largest contributor to the local tax base, which benefits the local communities by supporting local schools and other Imperial County improvements.

“IID’s forward thinking will greatly benefit its customers with this reliable renewable energy for years to come,” said Bill Fehrman, president of BHE Renewables. “We are pleased to provide one of the cleanest sources of baseload generation to IID and look forward to continuing to work with the district to meet its renewable energy needs.” 

Read More.......