Indonesia: PT Geothermal Nusantara - New Name for PT Geo Dipa Energi

Geo Dipa Energi changes name (The Jakarta Post)

State-owned geothermal energy firm PT Geo Dipa Energi has announced a change in its name into PT Geothermal Nusantara, following its expansion into geothermal energy processing.

In a statement, the company says it will soon manage two new geothermal working areas (WKP) aside from its existing sites in Dieng Plateau, Central Java, and Patuha, West Java.

Geo Dipa Energi president director Riki Firmandha Ibrahim said the government had entrusted the company with managing two more WKPs in Umbul Telomoyo and Arjuno Welirang, East Java.

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Switzerland: New Geothermal Electricity and Heat Project in Vaud Canton

First Swiss hydrothermal geothermal project to produce electricity and heat (News Release)

On June 12, 2017 Alpine Geothermal Power Production (AGEPP SA) was officially created, with headquarters in Lavey-Morcles.

It brings together several partners in the Romandy area active in the development of renewable energy - SI-REN SA, Holdigaz SA, EOS Holding SA, Romande Energie Holding SA and CESLA SA - as well as the communes of Lavey-Morcles (VD) Mauritius (VS).

The objectives of AGEPP SA are as follows:

• Develop geothermal drilling projects, particularly in the Lavey area;
• Exploit geothermal resources, notably from the Bains de Lavey resource, by generating electricity and supplying heat to various customers.

The AGEPP hydrothermal geothermal project aims to exploit the geothermal water naturally contained in the aquifer located in crystalline (gneiss) cracked rocks by pumping. These rocks have a high permeability.

More Information........

Philippines: Unilever Chooses Geothermal Energy to Power Production

First Gen, Unilever forge a mutual journey to ‘clean’ energy future (Manila Bulletin)

First Gen Corporation’s subsidiary – its licensed retail electricity supplier (RES) unit First Gen Energy Solutions (FGES) recently cornered a new ally in Unilever Philippines Inc. in what could be fairly considered a concerted journey into ‘carbon positive energy future’ – anchored on not just reinforcing their respective ‘brands’ but taking their sustainability goals to a whole new level.

Unilever signed up a supply agreement with FGES to procure its energy needs from a geothermal plant – initially satisfying its aims of having 100-percent renewable energy to power up its chain of operations.

As qualified by Unilever Philippines Chairman Benjie Yap, “our Cavite facility is running on 100-percent geothermal energy – with renewable energy accounting for 15% of our total energy mix,” adding that “while switching to renewable energy sources have led to a decrease in our carbon emissions by 31-percent for this year, we are not stopping there.” On a global scale, Mr Yap qualified that Unilever “set an ambitious target of being carbon positive by 2030, sourcing 100-percent of our total energy across operations from renewable sources by such time.”

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Belgium: Promising Geothermal Reservoir Below 2,500 Meters

Development of the first deep geothermal doublet in the Campine Basin of Belgium (European Geologist Journal)

Figure 1: Palaeozoic subcrop map of the Campine Basin (compiled after Langenaeker, 2000; Patijn & Kimpe, 1961). The map shows the location of the Balmatt site at Mol-Donk, offset wells used to define the Balmatt geothermal project and the geometry of the 2D seismic campaign of 2010.

In the fall of 2015 the first deep geothermal well was drilled in the municipality of Mol, Belgium. The primary objective was to explore the geothermal reservoir characteristics and the exact depth of the Carboniferous Limestone Group. Based on the test results of exploration well MOL-GT-01, a second well was drilled in spring 2016 creating a geothermal doublet of one vertical well (3,610 m along hole) and one deviated well (4,341 m along hole).

Both wells give new stratigraphic and structural insights into the geological history of the Campine Basin. Furthermore, the presence of a geothermal reservoir at depths below 2,500 m has been demonstrated for the first time in Belgium, unlocking opportunities for new developments elsewhere.

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Science & Technology: Predicting Volcanic Activity by Measuring Gas Levels

Can Volcanic Gas Levels Predict an Eruption? (EOS)

Researchers test whether the changing composition of volcanic gas can signal a coming eruption in Chile’s Villarrica volcano.

Gas wafts from the summit crater of Chile’s Villarrica volcano. Researchers placed instruments on the crater’s rim to measure gas emissions to find out if such data can be used to predict eruptions. Credit: Gerben van Heijningen, CC BY-NC 2.0

Before a volcano erupts, there are usually signs of what’s to come; small earthquakes, heat emission, and ground swelling, to name a few, have all been observed to precede eruptions. Volcanologists also monitor the changing composition of gas emissions at volcanoes in the months leading up to an eruption. However, precursory variations in gas have not yet been verified to occur in volcanoes hosting active lava lakes.

To find out if volcanic gas emissions might also be used to predict eruptions at lava lake–hosting, carbon-poor volcanoes, Aiuppa et al. looked at Chile’s Villarrica volcano. Villarrica towers 2847 meters over the town of the same name; magma bubbles and spatters in an open-vent lava lake at its peak.

• A CO2-gas precursor to the March 2015 Villarrica volcano eruption. Alessandro Aiuppa, et al. DOI: 10.1002/2017GC006892. G3: Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems

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(Thanks to GRC Member Marcelo Lippmann, Staff Scientist (retired) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for the submission.)

Science & Technology: Tool Provides Categories of Seismicity Risk for Geothermal Projects

Screening tool developed to assess seismic risks from geothermal energy projects (European Commission)

A new screening tool to assess the potential seismic risks (earthquake activity) from deep geothermal energy projects has been outlined in a recent study. The tool provides categories of seismicity risk for projects, which are dependent on factors including geological aspects, as well as social concern and location in relation to urban areas.

This study outlines a screening tool for geothermal seismicity termed the Geothermal Risk of Induced Seismicity Diagnosis (GRID), which estimates to what extent induced seismicity is a concern for a project. GRID is designed to be used during project planning and develops four categories for induced seismicity risk from very low or no concern (Category 0) to a high level of concern, where induced seismicity is likely (Category III). The framework was tested on three geothermal projects in Switzerland — Basel, St. Gallen, and Riehen — as well as a hypothetical Basel-type project located in a low-risk area with high social concern.

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Nicaragua: New Injection Well Completed at San Jacinto Geothermal Project

Polaris Infrastructure Provides Drilling Program Update (News Release)

(Courtesy Polaris Infrastructure)

Polaris Infrastructure Inc. has provided an update with respect to the 2017 San Jacinto drilling program.

Consistent with the stated objective of maximizing long-term production at the San Jacinto project, the company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Polaris Energy Nicaragua S.A. (PENSA), began drilling a new injection well, SJ 11-2, in late April, 2017. The well was completed in early June 2017, on-time and under budget, after successfully hitting the targeted zone of permeability. Accordingly, we anticipate that SJ 11-2 will accept a significant volume of geothermal fluids for reinjection, further increasing operating flexibility with respect to the long-term management of the San Jacinto reservoir. We anticipate SJ 11-2 being available for service in late July 2017, following completion of routine construction and fabrication activities.

Further, we are pleased to confirm that drilling of SJ 4-2, a new production well, is scheduled to commence on June 18, 2017. The objective with SJ 4-2 is to further increase average production towards the 72 MW (net) level supported by both the purchase price agreement as well as installed turbine capacity at the San Jacinto project. Target completion date for SJ 4-2 is early August, 2017. In addition, Polaris Infrastructure is assessing whether to drill a second production well, after SJ 4-2, and expects to come to a decision in the next few weeks.

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Indonesia: Pertamina Completes 110 MW Expansion of Ulubelu Geothermal Power Plant

Pertamina completes US$397 million geothermal units in Lampung (Jakarta Post)

Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE), a subsidiary of state-owned energy giant Pertamina, has completed the development of Units 3 and 4 of the Ulubelu geothermal power plant in Lampung, with a total capacity of 2x55 (110) MW.

Unit 3 had already started commercial operations in July 2016, and Unit 4 in March this year. The two new units have a total investment value of US$397 million.

Meanwhile, Units 1 and 2 of the Ulubelu power plant, which are operated by state-owned electricity firm PLN, also have a total capacity of 2x55 MW. PGE only supplies the geothermal energy to fuel these units.

"In total, the Ulubelu plant now generates 220 MW of electricity, or 25 percent of the whole electricity demand in Lampung," PGE's general manager for the Ulubelu region, Dirgo Rahayu, told reporters during a media visit to the Ulubelu facility in Lampung on Friday.

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Global: Last Opportunity to Recognize Distinguished Colleagues in the Geothermal Community

Deadline for Global Geothermal Awards (News Release)

Nominations for the  annual GRC Awards to be submitted by midnight tonight

Last year's GRC Award winners

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) would like to remind the global geothermal community to make their nominations for this year’s GRC Awards. The awards recognize distinguished colleagues in the geothermal community from around the world and have been a highlight of the geothermal calendar since the late 1970’s. The deadline for nominations is by midnight tonight.

The winners will be honored at the GRC Annual Meeting being held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA from October 1–4. The theme for this year’s meeting is Geothermal Energy: The Power to Do More.

More Information........                 Nomination Form (PDF)..........

Kenya: Cheaper Geothermal Power Helps to Lower Electricity Bills

Power bills likely to fall from July - KPLC boss (The Star)

Geothermal power from Olkaria will replace expensive thermal power at the coast

Electricity bills are set to drop slightly from next month when the Isinya substation is switched on, enabling the evacuation of geothermal power from Naivasha to Mombasa, Kenya Power said yesterday.

The transmission will enable the near-monopoly power distributor to cut some of the expensive thermal electricity from the mix at the Coast, acting chief executive Ken Tarus said.

The 400-kilovolt Suswa -Isinya transmission line was completed last month, he added, and is set for commissioning by President Uhuru Kenyatta by the end of the month.

We have since increased power generation coming from geothermal, and reduced generation of power coming from thermal which is very expensive,” he said. “This in itself is a big contribution to the reduction of the cost power,” Tarus said.

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Happy Father's Day! Here's a Geothermal Tie!

11 Clean Energy Ties Dad Can't Live without this Father's Day (DOE/EERE)

With Father’s Day right around the corner, why not get dad the gift that keeps on giving—clean energy! Give dad’s tie a personal touch by downloading the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) office tie coloring book.

Print out and get your kids to color the tie. Send me a photo, icrawford@geothermal.org, of you wearing the completed tie and I will publish it here in the blog!

Finance: Bloomberg Report Forecasts Continued Rise of Renewable Energy and Demise of Coal

New Energy Outlook 2017 (Bloomberg New Energy Finance)

Some key findings from the Executive Summary:

• Global power demand grows by 58% between now and 2040, or 2% per year. Growth in power demand increasingly decouples from GDP, however – we expect the intensity of electricity consumption per unit of GDP to fall by 27% over 2016-40.
• We expect $10.2 trillion to be invested in new power generation capacity worldwide to 2040. Of this, 72% goes to renewables, or $7.4 trillion. Solar takes $2.8 trillion and wind $3.3 trillion. Investment in renewable energy increases to around $400 billion per year by 2040, a 2-3% average annual increase. Investment in wind grows faster than solar – wind increasing 3.4% and solar 2.3% per year on average.
• Wind and solar account for 48% of installed capacity and 34% of electricity generation world-wide by 2040. This is compared with just 12% and 5% today. Installed solar capacity increases 14-fold and wind capacity fourfold by 2040. We anticipate renewable energy reaching 74% penetration in Germany, 38% in the U.S., 55% in China and 49% in India by 2040 as batteries and new sources of flexibility bolster the reach of renewables.

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Kenya: Menengai Geothermal Project is 85% Complete

Progress at Menengai Geothermal Project (GDC)

Geothermal Development Company (GDC) reports the steam gathering system at the Menengai Geothermal Project is 85% complete. The wells can produce 137 MW of generation capacity, 105 MW of which will be offered to Independent Power Producers (IPP) in Phase I of the project.

.@GDCKenya has so far realised 137 MW of steam at the Menengai Geothermal Project #NakuruCounty #GoKDELIVERS pic.twitter.com/s7laBisYQA

— Geothermal Dev. Co. (@GDCKenya) June 15, 2017

Philippines: Phinma Petroleum and Geothermal, Inc. - New Name for Company Unit

PHINMA merges petrol, geothermal exploration units (Manila Bulletin)

Listed firm PHINMA Energy Corporation has merged its upstream business units on petroleum and geothermal energy under newly incorporated subsidiary PHINMA Petroleum and Geothermal, Inc.

The company’s corporate identity took off from the defunct Trans-Asia Petroleum Corporation – and this is part of the continuing re-branding process that the PHINMA Group has been pursuing.

Over the years, PHINMA group has its ventures in the upstream oil and gas segment and also cornered key partnership deal in the Maibarara geothermal power facility which is currently advancing into its 12-megawatt capacity expansion – the downstream component of the business.

The company has 25-percent stake in the project, of which first phase is already under commercial operation at 20 MW capacity.

PHINMA Energy further partnered with Basic Energy Corporation for prospective geothermal development in Mabini, Batangas for a potential capacity of 20 to 60 megawatts.

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Thailand: BCPG Shareholders Authorize Purchase of Stake in Indonesian Geothermal Plants

BCPG nod for Indonesia plants (Bangkok Post)

BCPG Plc, a Thai renewable power business arm of state majority-owned energy firm Bangchak Corporation Plc, is continuing its process to acquire a 33.3% stake in three geothermal power plants in Indonesia.

President and chief executive Bundit Sapianchai said shareholders approved on June 13 for the company to buy 33.3% of shares in Star Energy Group Holdings Ltd, which operates three geothermal power plants...

He said the Star Energy purchase will give BCPG a 20% stake in Wayang Windu plant, a 17.3% stake in Salak plant and a 17.3% in Darajat plant.

The three power plants have started commercial operations with Wayang Windu having total power-generating capacity of 347 MW, Salak 377 MW and Darajat 271 MW, said Mr Bandit.

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Indonesia: Field Trip to Darajat Dry Steam Geothermal Field in West Java

Fieldtrip After IIGCE 2017‏ 

The 5th Indonesia International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition (IIGCE) will be held 2-4 August at the Jakarta Convention Center, Indonesia.

After the conference there is an opportunity to visit the Star Energy Geothermal Operation Field and Darajat Field in West Java.

This resource is one of only a few dry steam fields in the world.

More Information........

Philippines: 12 MW Expansion of Maibarara 2 Geothermal Plant to be Completed by End of Year

PetroEnergy's Maibarara 2 geothermal plant upgrade finally nears completion (asian-power.com)

Philippines-based PetroEnergy said that the 12 MW expansion of the Maibarara 2 geothermal plant will finally be completed by the fourth quarter. The upgrade is estimated to cost around $38m.

Power generated from the geothermal project will be sold to Phinma Energy.

The plant, which began operating in 2014, currently has a capacity of 20 MW.

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Global: Opportunity to Recognize Distinguished Colleagues in the Geothermal Community

Deadline Nears for Global Geothermal Awards (News Release)

Nominations for the annual GRC Awards to be submitted by Friday

Last year's GRC Award winners

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) would like to remind the global geothermal community to make their nominations for this year’s GRC Awards. The awards recognize distinguished colleagues in the geothermal community from around the world and have been a highlight of the geothermal calendar since the late 1970’s. The deadline for nominations is this Friday, June 16.

The winners will be honored at the GRC Annual Meeting being held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA from October 1–4. The theme for this year’s meeting is Geothermal Energy: The Power to Do More.

More Information........                 Nomination Form (PDF)..........

Zambia: Funds Provided for Feasibility Study to Support Development of a 10-20 MW Geothermal Power Plant

USTDA Creates Opportunities for U.S. Energy Industry in Zambia (USTDA)

Geothermal Target Areas 2013-2016. Courtesy Kalahari GeoEnergy Limited 

Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency signed a grant with Kalahari GeoEnergy Limited, a Zambian geothermal development company, for a feasibility study supporting the development of a 10-20 MW geothermal power plant.

Kalahari GeoEnergy selected California-based Geologica Geothermal Group to carry out the study, which will provide technical and environmental analyses needed to advance the project.  The plant, which is expected to be the first geothermal generation facility in Zambia, will add new renewable energy capacity to the Zambian grid and will expand access to reliable electricity.

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USA, California: Geysers Geothermal Association Luncheon This Week

GGA Summer Luncheon

Thursday, June 15, 2017, 11:30am, Twin Pine Event Center, 22223 Highway 29, Middletown CA 95461

Guest Speaker: Supervisor Jose 'Moke' Simon, District 1, Lake County Board of Supervisors. Cost: GGA Member Price: $37 | Non-GGA Member Price: $40.

More Information........

USA, California: A Night of Salton Sea Conversations and Reflections

Saving The Salton Sea

June 20, 2017 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, UC Riverside-Palm Desert, Palm Desert, CA

"Geothermal Energy the savior of Salton Sea", by Alexander Schriener Jr. Units 1 and 2 at Salton Sea geothermal field, Imperial Valley CA. View from Obsidian Butte looking south across the declining Lake. Dead tree has Blue Heron nests. 26-Dec-13. GRC PHOTO CONTEST

The Salton Sea has a beautiful and troubled history, one that has effects that ripple from the shore of the sea, across the Coachella Valley and throughout Southern California.

Join The Desert Sun and UC Riverside Palm Desert Center for a visually dynamic, interactive event that will help you understand how we got here, and what is at stake as lawmakers, experts and activists try to formulate a plan to avert environmental crisis.

We'll hear from Salton Sea locals who are affected by the sea, and environmental experts who can put it into perspective. Come early to experience the virtual reality project recently produced by journalism students at USC and Desert Sun journalists.

More Information........

USA, California: CalEnergy Suggests Geothermal-Powered Seawater Desalination Project

Two paths for long-term fixes at California’s shrinking sea (The Desert Sun)

Near the southeastern shore of the Salton Sea, hot steam bubbles up from the earth and gurgles out of mud volcanoes, rising into the air.

This active geothermal zone runs along the San Andreas Fault, where geologic forces allow the Earth’s natural heat to rise near the surface, creating one of the world's most powerful geothermal hot spots. The energy reservoir extends beneath the Salton Sea, where underwater vents release steam that rises in boiling circles of bubbles on the lake’s surface.

As California officials struggle to decide on long-term fixes for the receding lake, there’s new momentum around an old idea: importing seawater from Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, and using the area’s plentiful geothermal power to desalinate that water. A subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Energy, which already operates 10 geothermal plants in the area, is developing a seawater desalination proposal and has pitched it to lawmakers in Sacramento.

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Kenya: Video Shows the Power of Geothermal Steam

Menengai geothermal well test

When you're 10 meters away and they open a geothermal well #groundshakes #eardefenders #rawpower @UofGSciEng @UofGEngineering @UofGGES pic.twitter.com/kUFroMjFFe

— Helen Robinson (@Geology_Helen) June 13, 2017

Kenya: Video of Progress at Menengai Geothermal Project

Menengai geothermal wells 13A and 13B are open

@GDCKenya #Menengai geothermal wells 13A and 13B are open. They'regonna be good ones! @UofGSciEng @uk_wing @wing_africa @WING_geothermal pic.twitter.com/JWFEjD0gQM

— Helen Robinson (@Geology_Helen) June 13, 2017

USA, Alaska: State Set to Begin Auctioning off Geothermal Exploration Rights

Alaska Opts for Underground Energy (The Future of Things)

(Courtesy USGS)

Alaskan state officials have recently announced their intentions to begin funding the exploration and surveying of Alaska’s largest volcanoes in hopes of utilizing these as a source of geothermal energy which they say could provide enough energy to power thousands of households. According to some estimates these volcanoes and hot springs could supply up to 25% of the state’s energy needs. Could this be the beginning of an alternative energy revolution?

Officials are already set to begin auctioning off exploration rights – the first volcano to be tapped for geothermal power is Mount Spurr, a 3.4-km tall snow-capped stratovolcano in the Aleutian Volcanic Arc of Alaska. Another volcano considered for exploration is the Augustine stratovolcano, which resides near Anchorage and reaches 1.3 km in height.

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Canada: Learn About Geothermal Energy Opportunities in British Columbia

Geothermal 101 & Business Development Workshop (The Green Market Oracle)

1-5:00 pm, Thursday, June 15, 2017, Boughton Law Corporation, 700-595 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia

It seems as though solar and wind take up all the oxygen in the renewable energy space, however, geothermal is an underutilized resource with huge potential for growth. This promising form of renewable energy will be explored at the Geothermal 101 & Business Development Workshop.

Speakers: Katie Huang, CanGEA; Elizabeth Lappin, E3 Metals; Korie Marshall, Valemount Geothermal Society; ​Philip Barton, Boughton Law; Trenton Cladouhos, AltaRock; ​Alison Thompson, Borealis Geopower.

Pricing: CanGEA Members: $120 (Individual), $100 (Corporate) $70 (Student/Senior) Non-Members: $200 (Individual)

Buy Tickets........

Indonesia: 1.2 GW Geothermal Energy by 2028 - Star Energy

Star Energy targets boosting geothermal capacity to 1200 MW (asian-power.com)

Jakarta-based Star Energy plants to push its geothermal power production capacity to 1.2 GW by 2028, as announced by communication coordinator Hadi Kuwoyo.

He adds that they have already explored possible new geothermal resources in Lampung and Sulawesi. Star Energy's production capacity is currently at 934 MW which is being supplied from three geothermal units: Mount Salak at 377 MW, Darajat at 275 MW, and Wayang Windu PLTP at 287 MW.

The group is the largest geothermal power plant operator in Indonesia after it acquired Chevron Corporation's assets in Mount Salak and Darajat.

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United Kingdom: Tender Re-Issued for Geothermal Drilling Project at Cornwall Lido

Geothermal Engineering Ltd re-issue tender for drilling a geothermal heat well at Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall (News Release)

The drilling tender for a geothermal well at the Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall, UK has been re-issued following an initial tender process in May.

The well will provide heated water to a section of the Jubilee Pool.

The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and will be the first geothermal heat project in the UK for over 25 years.

The closing date for the Tender is the 14th July, 2017.

For further information and a Tender pack please contact Ryan Law: ryan.law@geothermalengineering.co.uk

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Philippines: Company Looks to Invest in Geothermal Energy Projects

San Miguel studying foray into geothermal power (ABS-CBN News)

San Miguel Corp, headquartered in Metro Manila, said Tuesday it was considering investing in geothermal power to expand its energy portfolio.

The conglomerate is "evaluating the viability" of Pan Pacific Power Philippines Corp's Mt. Cagaua-Baua project in Cagayan Valley and Cervantes prospect in Ilocos Sur and Abra, it told the stock exchange.

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Geothermal Energy News from Around the World

Global Geothermal News - Weekly Update

A Round-up of this week's geothermal energy news....... 

Click on the links to view the whole story and other news stories on Global Geothermal News.

Global: Submit Your Beautiful Geothermal Energy Photos

The Geothermal Resources Council 2017 Amateur Photo Contest

The deadline for submissions is August 18, 2017.

Efeler 1 Separation Station, by Kristi McGinley, Veizades and Associates, Inc., San Francisco, California, USA. Honorable Mention GRC Photo Contest 2016.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) would like to remind photographers of this year’s Amateur Geothermal Photo Contest. The purpose of the contest is to showcase quality photography featuring geothermal energy around the world. 

The winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ being held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA from October 1-4. The theme for this year’s meeting is “Geothermal Energy: The Power to Do More”.

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, Enhanced Geothermal systems (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. The deadline for submissions is August 18, 2017.

Science & Technology: Remote Surveying of Dangerous Volcanic Locations

An Autonomous Boat to Investigate Acidic Crater Lakes (EOS)

(Video 5:50 Minutes)

In 1986, Lake Nyos in Cameroon exploded, jetting water more than 100 meters into the air as roughly 1.2 cubic kilometers of carbon dioxide suddenly belched from the waters. This enormous wave of gas smothered the surrounding countryside, killing more than 1700 people.

The deadly eruption focused attention on the dangers posed by active volcanic crater lakes and the importance of monitoring such lakes for changes in volume and other factors. About 35 such lakes dot the Earth, but monitoring active volcanic lakes can be problematic, especially when they undergo frequent eruptions of steam and other gases. These eruptions can make them too dangerous for human inspection by inflatable boat or raft.

However, the recent burgeoning interest in autonomous aerial drones presents researchers with an opportunity. So we asked ourselves, Could a small, inexpensive, and easily transportable autonomous boat, equipped with sonar, do the job?

Citation: McFarlane, D. A., J. Lundberg, G. van Rentergem, and C. J. Ramírez (2017), An autonomous boat to investigate acidic crater lakes, Eos, 98, https://doi.org/10.1029/2017EO073409. Published on 05 June 2017.

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(Thanks to GRC Member Marcelo Lippmann, Staff Scientist (retired) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for the submission.)

USA: Development of Renewable Energy Vital for National Defense

Think Tank Report Insists Transition to Renewable Energy a Matter of National Security (Government Technology)

Renewable energy sources, like wind, solar, geothermal, hydro-nuclear and hydrogen, increase the U.S. military’s effectiveness and resiliency in operations, according to the report.

(Video 3:57 Minutes)

America should lead the world in the transition from fossil fuel-based energy to advanced renewable sources because the new technologies will directly affect national security, a defense think tank said in a report released Tuesday.

Those advanced sources will play a part in shaping the roles and missions of the military, as well as affect the military’s ability to perform them, said the report published by the Washington, D.C.-based CNA and written by an advisory board of retired flag and general officers.

Advanced energy systems — which include wind, solar, geothermal, hydro-nuclear and hydrogen — increase the U.S. military’s effectiveness and resiliency in operations “by lowering vulnerable logistical requirements, extending missions by reducing the need for fuel resupply and lowering the number of combat forces needed to protect fuel supplies,” the report said.

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USA, Alaska: Remote Island has Geothermal Energy Potential

Little-studied island holds life, geothermal energy potential (Peninsula Clarion)

The nearest town is 37 miles of wilderness and ocean away from the shores of Augustine Island, but the island still brims with life.

Most of the island is moist tundra without any large mammals, according to a 2013 final lease decision from then-DNR Commissioner Dan Sullivan.

The decision approved the geothermal energy lease sale and one lease was sold on the island in 2013 on a 10-year lease cycle. Today, however, there isn’t any geothermal activity going on in the state, said Division of Oil and Gas Spokeswoman Diane Hunt.

“I can only say we don’t have anything active right now,” she said.

The state has also issued geothermal energy leases on Mt. Spurr on Cook Inlet’s west side. However, the nearest power plant is in Nikiski, more than 100 miles away.

“Developing geothermal resources requires that economics are favorable for power generation,” the decision document states. “Siting, permitting and customer markets must overcome the risk of bearing the high exploration and capital investments in the initial development phases … Power generation from geothermal resource in Cook Inlet could augment existing power sources.”

For now, the island remains quietly undeveloped except for the volcanic activity monitoring stations.

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From the Global Geothermal News archive:
Thursday, May 9, 2013. Little Interest in Geothermal Lease Sale in Alaska
Monday, January 28, 2013. Decision Could set in Motion Augustine Island Geothermal Energy

USA, Nevada: Environmental Assessment for Dixie Meadows Geothermal Project - Public Comment Period Extended

BLM extends public comment period for Dixie Meadows Geothermal Development Project (News Release)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Carson City District, has extended the public comment period for an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Dixie Meadows Geothermal Development Project. The BLM is also seeking public input under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act for the Project. This includes seeking information and identifying historic properties in or near the Project area. Public comments have been extended an additional three weeks and will be accepted through June 30, 2017.

This EA analyzes the potential impacts from the proposed development of this project including the construction of up to two 30 Megawatt net rated geothermal power plants; drilling, testing, and operating up to 15 geothermal production and injection well sites and eight core hole sites; constructing and operating pipelines to carry geothermal fluid between well fields and the power plant(s); and constructing either a 120-kilovolt (kV) or a 230-kV gen-tie and associated structures.

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St Lucia: Exploratory Drilling for Geothermal Energy to Start Early Next Year

Geothermal Drilling Soon (The Voice)

Saint Lucians will know soon whether introducing renewable energy to the country is likely as government prepares for exploratory drilling for geothermal energy.

“We are very advanced with our geothermal development,” said Valerie Leon, acting Permanent Secretary in the Department of Sustainable Development. “We have conducted all the geothermal studies that will give us information (and) are looking at the pre-feasibility study.”

Leon said an Environmental Impact Assessment will be done and will be factored into the second phase.

“We are completing the geothermal development studies. Once we do that, we are looking at early next year so that we can begin the exploration drilling phase,” she said, adding that Government is seeking grant funding to do exploration drilling for geothermal energy.

Read More........

USA, California: Renewable Energy Leads Decline in Carbon Intensity of Electricity Supply in the Golden State

New Report Shows California is Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions as Economy Continues to Grow (News Release)

Demonstrating California’s progress toward a clean-energy economy, the California Air Resources Board today released the latest statewide inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, a report showing significant emissions reductions along with the strongest economic growth since 2005.

The energy sector saw emissions from both in-state and imported electricity generation fall by more than 5 percent from 2014 levels. This continues a steady decline in the carbon intensity of California’s electricity supply that began in 2001. This trend is likely due to energy efficiency improvements, growth in renewable energy, and the Cap-and-Trade Program.

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Canada: More on the Proposed First Geothermal Power Plant in the Country

Saskatchewan Did What?! Province OKs Canada's First Geothermal Power Plant (DeSmog Canada)

It came as quite a surprise when provincial electricity utility SaskPower announced in mid-May that it had signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) — a contract for guaranteed sales at a fixed price — with geothermal company Deep Earth Energy Production (DEEP).

The project in Williston Basin is an extremely small one: at five megawatts (MW), it will represent only 0.1 per cent of the province’s current electricity capacity. But it will be the first geothermal power project in Canada and experts say that it’s a huge step forward for geothermal, not only for Saskatchewan but the entire country.

“We don’t have any geothermal power generation in Canada yet,” adds Kirsten Marcia, president and CEO of DEEP. “A successful project like DEEP will really help bolster other projects in other provinces to move ahead and get a little more traction.”

Next up for DEEP is the completion of the $8 million bankable feasibility study, which the company has already secured funding for. Marcia says the company will be drilling in the fourth quarter of this year, once final well licensing is completed and depending on rig availability.

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USA, Nevada: Comments Invited on Whiskey Flat Geothermal Lease Sale Environmental Assessment

BLM completes Environmental Assessment for Mineral County geothermal lease sale (News Release)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Carson City District has completed an Environmental Assessment for the Mineral County Parcels, October 2017 Geothermal Lease Sale. The EA will be available for public review and comment through June 30.

The EA analyzes the impacts to the human and natural environment from leasing of geothermal resources on public lands located in Mineral County. Issuance of geothermal leases confers on the lessee a right to future exploration and development of the resource within the lease area. However, leasing geothermal resources does not confer on the lessee the right to proceed with any ground-disturbing activities related to exploring for or developing geothermal resources.

The EA and associated documents are available at: http://bit.ly/2sAP2Vk during the public comment period. Please send written comments to Dave Schroeder, Geothermal Leasing Project Lead at 5665 Morgan Mill Road, Carson City, Nevada, 89703, or fax at 775-885-6147, and email to: blm_nv_ccdowebmail@blm.gov. Comments should include "October 2017 Geothermal Lease EA" in the subject line.

Russia: Four Day Geothermal Energy Conference in Kamchatka

GEOHEAT International Geothermal Conference (Federal Agency for Scientific Organizations)

5 to 8 September 2017, Research Geotechnological Center of Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russian Federation

The Conference deliberations will be on the following themes:

• Case Studies 
• Exploration 
• Drilling and Well-Bore Flows
• Reservoir Engineering and Numerical Simulation 
• Geosciences 
• Field Management 
• Low Enthalpy Systems and Direct Use
• Electricity Generation
• Geothermal Hydrogen
• Magma Chambers
• Economics

More information and registration.......

Global: Geothermal Industry Continues to Face Challenges in 2016 - REN21 Report

Another Record Breaking Year for Renewable Energy: More renewable energy capacity for less money (REN21)

Today REN21 published its Renewables 2017 Global Status Report (GSR), the most comprehensive annual overview of the state of renewable energy.

Additions in installed renewable power capacity set new records in 2016, with 161 gigawatts (GW) installed, increasing total global capacity by almost 9% over 2015, to nearly 2,017 GW. Solar PV accounted for around 47% of the capacity added, followed by wind power at 34% and hydropower at 15.5%.

The geothermal industry continued to face challenges in 2016, burdened by the inherent high risk of geothermal exploration and project development, the associated lack of risk mitigation, and the constraints of financing and competitive disadvantage relative to low-cost natural gas. Yet the industry made progress with new project developments in key markets, and industry leaders cemented partnerships to pursue new opportunities.

An estimated 0.4 GW of new geothermal power generating capacity came online in 2016, bringing the global total to an estimated 13.5 GW.

Indonesia and Turkey were in the lead for new installations. Kenya, Mexico and Japan also completed projects during the year, and several other countries had projects under development.

Download Full Report.........

USA, California: Legislation Promoting Renewables, Including Geothermal Energy Moves Ahead

Bill to promote renewable energy passes Assembly (The Reporter)

Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry

Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Solano, passed Assembly Bill 920 off of the Assembly Floor last week despite intense utility opposition.

AB 920 will maintain a place in the energy market for renewable resources such as geothermal, biomass, and biogas. These resources provide high-paying jobs across California — particularly in Colusa, Lake, Yolo and Sonoma counties in her 4th Assembly District — improve air quality, and help ensure our electricity supply is reliable.

“Geothermal and biomass energy facilities provide hundreds of vital jobs in the communities I represent where devastating levels of unemployment continue in the wake of the Great Recession,” said Aguiar-Curry in a press release. “Geothermal resources must be used or the facilities die.”

Biomass and geothermal facilities contribute property taxes and royalties to local economies, in addition to being job creators. Tax credits and tax exemptions for renewables like wind and solar, coupled with low labor costs, undercut the market. As a result, more than 75 percent of the renewable energy in California comes from wind and solar. AB 920 will help level the playing field so renewable resources that are economic drivers have a fair chance to compete for contracts.

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Netherlands: Geothermal District Heating Can Help Dutch Replace Gas

A Revolution: The Netherlands Kisses Gas Goodbye, But Will It Help the Climate? (Energy Collective)

Revolution in gas country the Netherlands: the Dutch government wants all residential buildings to be off gas in 2050. The objective is to reduce CO2 emissions from the built environment. But does phasing out gas deliver the expected results? Eline van den Ende spoke to experts and concludes that a ‘gas-less’ society makes sense only if additional measures are taken.

An alternative to the gas-fired boiler is a connection to a heating network, also called district heating. This can be waste heat from a power plant, factory or waste processing facility, but also geothermal heat.

Existing heating networks deliver heat of some 90°C to households. As part of this heat is lost in the network, the sources must be able to supply heat at 110°C. Facilities that can do this include geothermal wells and waste heat from industrial processes. 

The emission reductions that can be achieved with heating networks depend on the source of the heat. Research (Dutch link) from consultancy CE Delft from 2016 shows that a heating network can reduce CO2 emissions by 45-70% compared to a gas boiler. The biggest saving is achieved if waste heat from industry is used or geothermal heat. 

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GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Golf Tournament at Geothermal Event

GRC Annual Charity Golf Tournament Brochure & Registration Form

Brochure & Registration Form (PDF)........              Register Online..........

GRC Annual Meeting - Golf Tournament Brochure from Geothermal Resources Council

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Golf Tournament at Geothermal Event

Registration Opens for Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting (News Release)

The Mountain Dell Golf Course (Courtesy Mountain Dell)

Popular networking event for the geothermal energy industry in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has announced more details of events at the world’s largest annual geothermal conference, held this year in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, October 1-4, 2017.

Just before the start of the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geo Expo+, the GRC Annual Charity Golf Tournament will take place October 1 at the Mountain Dell Golf Course just 16 miles from the conference site. Registration for the tournament is now open.

This year the proceeds from the tournament will go to the GRC Scholarship Fund.

The Canyon Course, situated 16 miles east of downtown Salt Lake City and at an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level, offers 18 holes of breathtaking views and frequent glimpses of wildlife. The higher elevation provides ideal summer and early fall golfing conditions. The golf-ball will fly a little bit further!

More details of the tournament can be found on the GRC website at www.geothermal.org. Download the GRC Annual Charity Golf Tournament Brochure and fill out a registration form which can be mailed or faxed to the GRC office. Online registration is also available.

The GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ is the industry’s largest annual gathering of leading geothermal energy scientists, producers, renewable energy industry stakeholders, regulators, utilities, and key associated business leaders. The four-day event will offer technical, policy, and market conference sessions, educational seminars, tours of local geothermal and renewable energy projects, and numerous networking opportunities.

Registration to the GRC Annual Meeting will open in July and will also include entry to the GEA Expo. Room reservations can now be made on the GRC website at www.geothermal.org. A discounted room rate is available until September 5, so early reservations are recommended.

For more information about the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ year in Sacramento, California, USA, visit www.geothermal.org or call (530) 758-2360.

For information on how to sponsor this event, contact Estela Smith, GRC at (530) 758-2360 or grc@geothermal.org.

Iceland: Reykjanes Geothermal Resource Park Wins Major Environmental Award

HS Orka awarded the Energy Globe Award for the Resource Park (News Release)

Yesterday, on World Environment Day, HS Orka was awarded the Energy Globe Award, which is awarded to companies and individuals who have stood out in their efforts in environmental issues. This year, 178 projects were selected from all over the world, and the Resource Park was selected as the best Icelandic contribution.

Full utilisation and consideration for the environment has always been the guiding light in the operation and has led to, among other things, the establishment of the Resource Park on the Reykjanes peninsula, where companies have sprung up and utilised the various resource streams that result from the production of electricity and geothermal water extraction.

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USA, Nevada: Bill to Boost Geothermal Energy on Governor's Desk

Nevada Legislature Boosts Renewables Target to 40% by 2030, Overcoming Casino Opposition (Greentech Media)

Bill would boost the state's renewable energy target to 40 percent by 2030

With just hours remaining in the 2017 legislative session, the Nevada State Legislature has approved a bill to boost the state's renewable energy target to 40 percent by 2030. The bill (AB 206) passed in the Senate on Monday afternoon, and was concurred by the Assembly shortly after. It now goes to the governor.

Notable amendments include setting an interim target of 32 percent by 2030, identifying energy storage as a qualified technology to meet 10 percent of the renewable portfolio standard (RPS) by 2030, applying a multiplier of 1.5 to geothermal resources, applying a multiplier of 2.0 to energy storage resources, and revising the annual requirement for electricity sold in the state, according to business groups tracking the legislation.

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Iceland: More Wells to be Drilled at Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant

New drilling contract for up to 10 additional wells, Hellisheidi geothermal plant, Iceland (ThinkGeoEnergy)

Well protection dome in Hellisheidi, Iceland. By Bastien Poux.
GRC 2016 - 37th Amateur Geothermal Photo Contest

Reported this morning, Icelandic energy company ON Power (Reykjavik Energy) and Iceland Drilling (Jardboranir) have agreed on drilling seven wells in the Hengil area in the coming years. An additional three wells can be added later to the contract if necessary.

The power from the ON power plants will be used to power the drilling rigs for the project, saving more than one million litres of oil compared to conventional methods.

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Costa Rica: Bill Proposes Exploration and Exploitation of Geothermal Energy in National Park

Geothermal Energy and National Parks (CentralAmericaData.com)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

Congress in Costa Rica will discuss a bill that proposes the exploration and exploitation of geothermal energy in national park lands.

Studies carried out by the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) estimate potential geothermal energy generation in the country at 875 MW, where current installed capacity is 195 MW. If bill 19.233, which will finally begin to be discussed in the Plenary of the Legislative Assembly, is approved, generation capacity could increase significantly.

Nacion.com reports that "...The aim of the project is to give the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE), exclusively, a special administrative Sinac authorization to exploit geothermal energy (heat from the earth) in national park lands or other forms of protection such as National Park Rincón de la Vieja, Tenorio Volcano National Park and the Arenal Volcano National Park."

"... According to Deputy Ottón Solís, promoter of the initiative, the bill includes the Institute paying a fee for geothermal resources for the production of electricity. The annual amount of the fee would be 2% of the annual gross income that each geothermal project obtains from its electricity sales."

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Global: Opportunity to Recognize Distinguished Colleagues in the Geothermal Community

Deadline Nears for Global Geothermal Awards (News Release)

Nominations for the  annual GRC Awards to be submitted by June 16

Last year's GRC Award winners

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) would like to remind the global geothermal community to make their nominations for this year’s GRC Awards. The awards recognize distinguished colleagues in the geothermal community from around the world and have been a highlight of the geothermal calendar since the late 1970’s. The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 16.

The winners will be honored at the GRC Annual Meeting being held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA from October 1–4. The theme for this year’s meeting is Geothermal Energy: The Power to Do More.

More Information........                 Nomination Form (PDF)..........