USA, California: Community Choice Aggregation Could Offer Opportunities for Geothermal Energy in Golden State

The Community Choice Energy Summit

November 28-30, 2018, San Francisco, California, USA

The summit is the place where the Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) community will gather to learn about new developments and share insights on the latest operational strategies and best practices. The Summit is a great opportunity to:

• Stay abreast of the legislative and regulatory landscape
• Track forward progress on CCA joint action
• Share best practices and strategies for procurement and local renewable sourcing
• Learn about the latest in data analytics and billing
• Promote social equity and workforce diversity
• Building on the momentum of the first two highly successful Summits, this edition will feature more content from active and emerging community choice aggregators and provide an in-depth examination of the full range of their plans, programs, and initiatives.

More Information and register........

Community Choice Aggregation in California - An Opportunity for the Geothermal Industry [July/August 2016 Bulletin] by Paul Brophy, Past-President, Geothermal Resources Council, and Vice-Chair, Business Operations Committee, Sonoma Clean Power.

Latin America: Geothermal Development Facility Grants Awards to Seven Projects

Geothermal Development Facility for Latin America: Second Call Results (News Release)

The Geothermal Development Facility for Latin America’s (GDF) second call has concluded this October with an announcement of grant awards.

The GDF is pleased to announce seven grantees spanning across Central and South America. As a result of this initiative, surface studies in amounts of up to €600K will be funded in Chile, Peru, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, while exploratory drilling campaigns up to €5.8M will be funded in Chile and Guatemala.

The €13M in total grant awards approved during this second call comprises approximately 23 percent of the GDF’s original €55M fund, which is expected to catalyze €1.6B in future geothermal investments in Latin American. The total
anticipated amount of energy generation supported through the first and second calls is expected to reach 520 MW.

Furthermore, with a new, third call for applications scheduled in December 2018, the GDF anticipates surpassing its original goal of seeding 350 MW of geothermal power in the region. Due to its success and to continuing interest in—and government reforms toward—renewable baseload and geothermal energy, the GDF will continue to discuss increasing its funding beyond the initial €55M seeded by KfW and the EU.

Read More.........

Denmark: Geothermal District Heating Project Announced in Aarhus

Aarhus Municipality and A.P. Moller Holding are extracting green heat from the Earth (News Release)

A new collaboration between Aarhus Municipality and A.P. Moller Holding could change the heating supply in Denmark. The ambition is to transfer heating from the subsurface to the radiators of 100,000 Aarhus citizens. As such, Denmark’s second-largest city is taking a huge step towards combustion-free district heating.

Energy from the Earth’s core can, in the future, supply Denmark’s second-largest city with green heating. Aarhus Municipality and A.P. Moller Holding have joined forces to clear the way for the largest Danish bet on geothermal district heating to date.

Geothermal studies have shown that the subsurface below Aarhus is well-suited for using geothermal energy for district heating. Geothermal energy is renewable and available all day, all year, also when it is cloudy or windless and other renewable energy sources fail. Aarhus would like to take advantage of this potential as part of developing the district heating of the future, says Bünyamin Simsek, the Alderman responsible for the Department of Technical Services &
Environment in Aarhus Municipality.

Read More.........

USA, California: Controlled Thermal Resources Announces Partnership to Produce Lithium at Hell's Kitchen Geothermal Project

Controlled Thermal Resources and Hatch partner to revolutionize lithium production using geothermal power (News Release)

Announcement of Controlled Thermal Resources' $1.8-billion Hell’s Kitchen lithium-geothermal project at the CG/LA North American Infrastructure Leadership Forum

Controlled Thermal Resources (CTR) announced the launch of the company’s $1.8-billion Hell’s Kitchen lithium-geothermal project today at the CG/LA North American Infrastructure Leadership Forum. 

The project’s available lithium carbonate equivalent is estimated at approximately 76,000 tonnes per annum and will use 100 percent renewable baseload geothermal power. 

Hatch has been and will continue to support the project’s technology development and will provide engineering and project execution services.

The project is located within the Salton Sea region, a known geothermal resource area in the Imperial Valley, California, USA. Commercial operation is anticipated by late 2022.

Read More.........

Uganda: Rift Valley Country has a Geothermal Potential of 1,500 MW

Uganda: Country wants to produce 100 MW of geothermal energy by 2025 (AFRIK 21)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

Thanks to the great Rift Valley in East Africa, several countries in the region have enormous geothermal potential, often untapped. This is the case in Uganda, which is in great need of energy to support economic growth and keep industries running.

According to the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, electricity needs are growing by an average of 8% each year. The country’s production capacity is currently capped at 893 MW, while, according to the same source, Uganda has a geothermal potential of 1,500 MW.

Read More........

Eastern Caribbean: Project Seeks to Develop the Geothermal Potential of the Leeward Islands

Collectivité presents geothermal, digital connection project for Leeward Islands (The Daily Herald)

President of the Collectivité Daniel Gibbs received representatives of the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Saint-Barthélemy, Dutch St. Maarten and Saba on Tuesday, October 9, for the presentation of a geothermal and digital interconnection hub project for the Leeward Islands area.

The Energy component of the project involves developing the geothermal potential of the Leeward Islands through the production and distribution of electricity via an interconnected network integrating all these territories.

The second part of the project involves a digital interconnection of the Leeward Islands, taking advantage of the installation of electrical cables equipped with optical fibres to create the network infrastructure.

The project financed by the European Interreg Caribbean programme provides at this stage for the initiation of pre-feasibility studies on the potential existence of geothermal resources on the islands of Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Kitts, and on electricity and digital interconnection with the establishment of a partnership between the islands integrated into the network.

Read More........

Indonesia: Green Climate Fund Awards USD 100 million for Geothermal Resource Risk Mitigation Project

Green Climate Fund invests USD 1 billion for developing country climate action, launches first replenishment (News Release)

The 21st meeting of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board ended today in Bahrain, approving over one billion dollars of new projects and programmes to support climate action in developing countries, and formally launching the Fund’s first replenishment.

The 19 new projects amount to a total investment from GCF of USD 1,038 million, and including co-financing the projects will channel over USD 4,244 million of climate finance for low-emission, climate-resilient development. GCF now has a portfolio of 93 projects amounting to over USD 4,605 million of GCF resources.

In particular the GCF awarded contract #FP083 – USD 100 million for the Indonesia Geothermal Resource Risk Mitigation Project in cooperation with the World Bank.

Read More..........

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: PPA Could be Signed Shortly for 10 MW Geothermal Power Project

Power Purchase Agreement for Geothermal Project expected to be signed shortly (WE FM)

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the Geothermal Project is expected to be signed shortly. The agreement will be signed by the St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) and Emera Inc. and Reykjavik Geothermal.

Speaking on Friday at the reopening ceremony for VINLEC’s South Rivers Power Station, the Prime Minister said that up for signing shortly, too, is an amended Shareholders’ Agreement in which the government’s shareholding in the geothermal project increases to 49%, with 51% held by Emera Inc. and Reykjavik Geothermal.

The Government has indicated that this project will see the installation of 10 MW of geothermal energy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Tuesday, May 3, 2016 - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: 15 MW Geothermal Power Project "in a Good Place"
• Wednesday, April 6, 2016 - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Outreach to Locals by St. Vincent Geothermal Company
• Wednesday, January 27, 2016 - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Barbados Could Import Geothermal Energy from St Vincent

USA, Nevada: Video of the Development of the Tungsten Geothermal Power Plant

Tungsten Geothermal Power Plant (Ormat Technologies, Inc.)

Tungsten Geothermal Power Plant - from finding the resource all the way to producing electricity and every stage on the way.

(Video 8:51 Minutes)

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Tuesday, May 22, 2018 - USA, Nevada: Private Investor Buys Into Tungsten Mountain Geothermal Power Plant
• Friday, January 19, 2018 - USA, Nevada: BLM Aiding Geothermal Energy Projects at Tungsten and Dixie Meadows
• Thursday, December 21, 2017 - USA, Nevada: 24 MW Tungsten Mountain Geothermal Power Plant Begins Commercial Operation

Italy: New Head of Geothermal O&M at Enel Green Power

Luigi Parisi nuovo responsabile geo di Enel Green Power - Luigi Parisi new head of geo Enel Green Power (gonews.it)

Luigi Parisi

Luigi Parisi è il nuovo responsabile Operations & Maintenance Geotermia e Biomasse di Enel Green Power. Parisi, laureato in Ingegneria Chimica presso l’Università di Pisa, con Dottorato di Ricerca in Ingegneria dei Materiali presso il Politecnico di Milano, è residente a Pisa.

(From Google Translate) Luigi Parisi is the new Head of Operations & Maintenance Geothermal and Biomass at Enel Green Power. Parisi, a graduate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pisa, with a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from the Milan Polytechnic, is a resident of Pisa.

Leggi di più..........          Read More.........

USA, Florida: Geothermal to be Discussed at Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum

10th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (New Energy Events)

 November 7 - 9, 2018, Miami, Florida, USA

The Caribbean grid we aspire to is resilient, clean, independent and modern. Across 25 panels, workshops and stakeholder meetings, over 100 regional and industry leaders will debate and discuss a roadmap to get there.

Critical themes covered in the 2018 agenda:

• Resiliency. How are the hardest hit islands rebuilding with resiliency in mind? Are centralized or distributed electric grids the best path forward? How has the utility approach to investment evolved? What is the true cost of resiliency and who will pick up the price tag?
• How solar and storage is re-shaping opportunities for C&I development
• How technology is poised to disrupt the electricity sector across the region
• The role of natural gas and geothermal in the evolving regional energy matrix
• New sources of financing for Caribbean projects and programs

Optional and invitation-only events take place on November 7 including the Island Resiliency Action Challenge. The opening reception, open to all, will take place on November 7. Main CREF proceedings will begin on November 8.

More Information..........

Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) is now a member of the Global Geothermal Alliance

Latest updates from the Global Geothermal Alliance

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) is now a member of the Global Geothermal Alliance

New GGA Member - Ethiopia:
Since the last update, Ethiopia has become a Member of the Global Geothermal Alliance (GGA).

We welcome Ethiopia to the GGA and look forward to a close collaboration.

The full list of GGA members and partners is available online at: www.globalgeothermalalliance.org.

New tool on the GGA Website:
We are pleased to inform you that a new tool is available on the GGA Website.

The BBA Geothermal Transparency Guide is an online tool providing insight into the legal frameworks governing exploration and development of geothermal energy in 16 countries, as well as an overview of data on generation and capacity.

IRENA Gender and Renewable Energy survey:
Complete the survey and contribute to address the data and knowledge gap on gender in renewable energy!

The findings from the survey will contribute to, and will provide quantitative and qualitative insights on the current status of women’s participation in the renewable energy sector, existing challenges and potential solutions to improve gender diversity.

We encourage participation from both women and men. Your feedback will ensure a have a good representation from the geothermal sector. You can find the IRENA Gender and Renewable Energy survey at www.irena.org/gendersurvey

You can visit the website and access this tool and others: www.globalgeothermalalliance.org.

East Africa: Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility Awards Seven Projects

Results of the 5th Application Round - Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF)

The Request for Application (RfA) phase of the 5th Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF) Application Round (AR 5) started on 26 March 2018 after the pre-qualification workshop was held. On 4 June 2018, 9 applications (6 Surface Studies and 3 Drilling Programmes) were formally accepted. These 9 applications were submitted by 7 entities (4 public and 3 private) from 5 countries (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda) - out of the 11 GRMF countries.

We are pleased to announce that 7 projects qualified for grant award in AR 5 of GRMF (4 Surface Studies and 3 Drilling Programmes).

Please find further information about the qualified project in the following table:

Read More........

Geothermal Event! Special Geothermal 101 Workshop & Expo is Open to the Public

Geothermal 101 Workshop - Also Expo is Open to the Public

Wednesday October 17, 9-11 am, Peppermill Resort Spa & Casino, Reno, Nevada.

In addition, the GRC Expo - the trade show for the international geothermal energy industry - is open to the public from 9am - 1:30pm today, Wednesday October 17.

USA, Nevada: State Utility Requests Proposals for up to 350 MW Including Renewable Energy

Fall 2018 Renewable Energy Request for Proposals (News Release)

NV Energy is seeking up to 350 megawatts of additional long-term renewable energy and supplemental battery energy storage systems to advance its commitment to clean energy for Nevada.

This Fall 2018 Renewable Energy Request for Proposals also provides bidders the opportunity to propose supplemental battery energy storage systems.

Details can be found in the Fall 2018 Renewable Energy RFP Protocol Document, but key highlights are:

• Deadline for bids is December 10, 2018;
• NV Energy is seeking proposals for renewable generation, including dispatchable renewable generation;
• Projects can range in size from 20 megawatts up to 350 megawatts;
• Projects must be capable of delivering energy to serve load in NV Energy’s retail service territory;
• Specific proposal product types are described in the Fall 2018 Renewable Energy RFP Protocol Document;
• Supplemental battery energy storage systems can be proposed in addition to renewable energy projects;
• Projects must be located within the state of Nevada;
• The projects must be approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada; and
• Project proposals must allow for a commercial operation date on or before December 31, 2023

Read More.........

Poland: Opportunity for Geothermal in Renewable Energy Auction

RES Auctions in Poland Ready to Take Off (The National Law Review)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

The Renewable Energy Standard (RES) auctions are fast approaching – the first one, for existing installations, is due to start on October 17.

The long-awaited RES auctions start tomorrow. This year, the President of the Energy Regulatory Office has divided the auctions into two rounds: 17-25 October for existing installations and 5-20 November for new installations.

The auctions are divided into five “baskets”, with the bidding for each basket to be held on a different date. One basket is for hydro energy, geothermal and offshore wind farm installations.

Having won the auction, the owner will have a certain amount of time to launch its operations: two years for photovoltaics and four years for any other RES installations.

Read More.........

United Kingdom: Geothermal Heat from Old Coal Mines Could Warm Scottish Cities

John Underhill: Coal mines have an eco-friendly future (The Scotsman)

To date, the focus on geothermal energy in the UK has concentrated on areas like the granites of the Cairngorms and Cornwall because they have a higher geo-thermal gradient. While it’s evident these areas can provide heat locally, industrial-scale supply to the people that need it most is impractical because of the difficulty of storage and transportation to centres of population.

But a different kind of geothermal heat source could provide an answer: renewable energy from the most unlikely of sources. A major benefit of coalfields is that most are close to and often directly beneath large conurbations. Although they are not going to be as productive as areas marked by volcanic activity, like Iceland or Hawaii, they could provide enough heat to serve the needs of the stressed communities where fuel poverty hits hardest.

Read More.........

Science & Technology: Methods for Hydraulic Fracturing for Enhanced Geothermal Systems in a Deep Mine

South Dakota School of Mines Researchers Look at Fracing to Improve Geothermal Energy Production (Oil & Gas 360)

South Dakota School of Mines researchers believe fracking can be used at depth in hard rocks that contain no oil or gas to improve geothermal energy production. Fracing could enhance the use of the earth’s own heat as a source of clean energy.

Liangping Li, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, has received an award from National Science Foundation (NSF) for his research entitled “Inverse Methods of Hydraulic Fracturing for Enhanced Geothermal Systems in a Deep Mine.”

Li is working alongside projects already underway at the Sanford Research Facility (SURF) including kISMET (permeability (k) and Induced Seismicity Management for Energy Technologies) and the Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) project. Hydraulic fracturing research at SURF uses no chemicals, so unlike some fossil fuel fracking operations, the fracking fluid used in these studies is water only.  Researchers also note that these fractures are being created 4,850 feet underground, far below drinking water aquifers.

Read More.........

Philippines: Drilling at 100 MW Kalinga Geothermal Project to Start in 2019

Kalinga geothermal project progresses to exploration drilling  (Philippine Information Agency)

Geothermal exploration in the province is progressing with drilling targeted to start next year.

Kalinga Geothermal Project, a consortium of Aragorn Power and Energy Corporation, Guidance Management Corporation and Allfirst Kalinga Ltd., is given a two-year extension for its exploration permit. It is now on Phase 3 (exploration drilling) which includes memorandum of agreement signing and declaration of its commerciality.

The geothermal project’s projected capacity is 100 MW with a service contract of 260 square kilometres covering barangays in Pasil, Lubuagan and Tinglayan. It has contracts in place with First Balfour as general contractor and Drill Corp. for drilling. It has also completed community development projects in four of eight ancestral domains.

The Department of Energy granted the project a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CEPNS) on August 14 this year. It is one of only four applicants   issued with the CEPNS from 23 applicants that were accepted out of  306 applications filed.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Monday, August 20, 2018 - Philippines: Kalinga Geothermal Prospect "an Energy Project of National Significance"

• Wednesday, October 11, 2017 - Philippines: Company Gets More Time to Develop Kalinga Geothermal Power Project
• Monday, September 22, 2014 - Philippines: APC Group Set to Drill Two Wells in Kalinga Geothermal Prospect
• Wednesday, June 19, 2013 - Philippines: APC to Invest $300m in Geothermal Project in Kalinga Province

Indonesia: Rantau Dedap Geothermal Power Project Empowers Local Women

South Sumatra's Geothermal Power Project Supports Rural Women's Livelihood (Asian Development Bank)

Road upgrades for Rig mobilization
 and a benefit to local community.
GRC Geothermal Photo Contest 2018

Rantau Dedap geothermal power project in South Sumatra, Indonesia is expected to generate more than 90 MW of electricity, which will power up to 130,000 homes and avoid over 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year by 2021.

The power project also supports livelihood improvement of local communities in the project area, especially for women. Tunggul Bute's Family Welfare Organization is one of the recipients of these efforts. Women are provided with training and access to technology expanding their coffee production and increasing their incomes.     

One of ADB's priorities in promoting gender equality is ensuring that women are given opportunities through its climate change financing investments. Recently, ADB, with additional financing from Climate Investment Funds, committed approximately $175.3 million with private sector partner PT Supreme Energy Rantau Dedap to help finance the second phase of the company's geothermal power project.

Rantau Dedap geothermal power project is part of ADB's continued efforts to scale up private sector-led infrastructure development and support clean energy investments in the Asia and Pacific region.

Read More.........

Chile: Cerro Pabellón Geothermal Power Plant's Location at 4,500 Meters Leads to Physical Challenges

Chile’s first geothermal plant passing altitude test (climatechangenews.com)

(Courtesy Enel Green Power Chile)

West of the Andes, high in the Atacama Desert, a geothermal power plant built with state-of-the-art technology is accelerating Chile’s pathway to a clean energy future.

Tapping heat trapped inside the earth, Cerro Pabellón is a geothermal power plant that will produce enough electricity to power over 165,000 homes.

Geological conditions at Cerro Pabellón offer optimal access to geothermal energy, but there is a downside. The plant is located more than 4,500 meters above sea level, making it the highest such facility in all of South America. Physical effort at this high altitude is considerably more challenging than at sea level, said Nurse Aileen Estay, part of the on-site medical team.

The success of Cerro Pabellón is proof that geothermal technology can be adapted to high altitudes when necessary. It is also helping de-risk geothermal power generation in Latin America.

When Nurse Aileen first arrived at the plant, she was enchanted with the view and the majestic surroundings. Now, she feels she’s part of something greater. Her work, she knows, is part of the bid to change Chile’s energy matrix.

“Ours is a view of the future!” she exclaimed.

Read More......

Geothermal Event - GRC Annual Meeting

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - The Opening Session

Almost 500 attended the Opening Session of the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo.

Geothermal Event - GRC Annual Meeting & Expo Begins

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - The Geothermal Event is Launched!

Maria Richards, President and Will Pettitt, Executive Director open the geothermal energy event of the year!

Geothermal Event - GRC Annual Meeting & Expo Begins Today

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - About to Begin!

Everything is set for the biggest geothermal energy event of the year!

Geothermal Event - More than 200 Technical Presentations

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - The Technical Sessions

Over 60 hours of high-quality presentations on the latest developments in geothermal energy on October 15, 16 and 17.

USA, Nevada: Employment Opportunities in Geothermal Energy Working at Ormat

Vacancies at Ormat Technologies

PLANT OPERATOR 1 - Heber, California
The primary responsibility of a Plant Operator is to ensure that the operation of the power plant is safely and efficiently carried out in accordance with plant safety procedures and standard operating procedures. Apply.......

MANAGER, ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY - Heber, California
This position is responsible for designing, implementing and improving EHS programs, improving the site safety culture, assisting management in injury and illness prevention, and ensuring operations are in compliance with local, state and federal environmental and safety regulations. Apply........

MANAGER OF GLOBAL TRADE COMPLIANCE - Reno, Nevada
The Manager of Global Trade Compliance will be responsible for creating Ormat’s worldwide import and export compliance structure and activities.  This position will act as a subject matter expert for all import and export trade compliance matters for the organization.  This person will be accountable for all customs and export related operations and compliance with all import-export laws, provide strategic advice to the company on trade matters (both operations, tactical, and strategic), and orchestrate a global export-import compliance program. Apply.......

MANAGER, ENVIRONMENTAL PERMITTING - Reno, Nevada
The Ormat Environmental Permitting Manager will report to the Executive Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs. The Permitting Manager will be focused on permitting in support of Development and Construction of Ormat’s renewable energy and energy storage projects. Apply........

INTERN RESOURCE ENGINEER - Reno, Nevada
This position is responsible for monitoring the performance of geothermal production and injection wells, supervise well field operations, organizing well files and monitor drilling operations. Apply......

Global: Calendar of Geothermal Energy Events

Geothermal Energy Calendar from the Geothermal Resources Council

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo
14-17 October, Reno, Nevada, USA
www.geothermal.org/meet-new.html

6th National Geothermal Congress - Polish Geothermal Association
23-25 October, Zakopane, Poland
www.energia-geotermalna.org.pl/vi-ogolnopolski-kongres-geotermalny/

Seventh African Rift Geothermal Conference (ARGeo-C7)
29 October–4 November, Kigali, Rwanda
www.theargeo.org

U.S. Hot Springs Conference
7–9 November, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA
www.hotspringsconnection.com/

The 12th Asian Geothermal Symposium (AGS12)
9-12 November, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
www.aist.go.jp/fukushima/en/AGS12/index.html

GEORG Geothermal Workshop
14-15 November, Reykjavík, Iceland
https://geothermalworkshop.com/

NZ Geothermal Workshop
14-16 November, Taupo, New Zealand
http://www.geothermalworkshop.co.nz/

German Geothermal Congress - Der Geothermiekongress (DGK) 2018
27-29 November, Essen, Germany
www.geothermie.de/aktuelles/der-geothermiekongress-2018.html
December

3rd Colombian National Geothermal Meeting - Reunión Nacional de Geotermia (RENAG 18)
13-15 December, 2018, Bogotá, Colombia
www.ageocol.org/

GeoTHERM - Expo & Congress
14-15 February 2019, Offenburg, Germany
www.geotherm-germany.com/

EAGE Annual Conference & Exhibition 2019
3-6 June 2019, London, UK
https://events.eage.org/2019/eage-annual-2019

European Geothermal Congress 2019 (EGEC)
11-14 June 2019, The Hague, Netherlands
http://europeangeothermalcongress.eu/

Geothermal Energy News from Around the World

Global Geothermal News - Weekly Update (Geothermal Resources Council)

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

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

Canada: CanGEA Makes Important Breakthrough for Geothermal Power at Federal Level

Advocating for geothermal (The Rocky Mountain Goat)

A national advocacy group for geothermal power made an important breakthrough at the federal level this month.

In a presentation to the Standing Committee on Natural Resources in Ottawa in May, The Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA) said there was a gap in data on geothermal energy. The association recommended that the Geological Survey of Canada or Natural Resources Canada receive funding and a mandate to complete geothermal favourability maps for all of Canada. So far only four areas have been mapped, the latest being Nunavut.

The standing committee took those recommendations to heart and in their recent report, Rethinking Canada’s Energy Information System: Collaborative Models in a Data-Driven Economy, the committee recommended that the federal government designate a “one-stop shop” for detailed regional and national energy information that is “accurate, timely, transparent, comprehensive, user-friendly, internally-consistent, free-of-charge, responsive to the needs of individual sectors, and independent of political influence.”

Read More.........

Kenya: 165.4MW Olkaria V Geothermal Power Plant is 75% Complete

KenGen says on course to complete 165 MW Olkaria V plant (Reuters)

Development of the 165.4MW Olkaria V Geothermal Power Plant in Naivasha is 75 per cent complete, KenGen managing director Rebecca Miano has said.

She on Friday said the project is right on schedule as two generator units, each weighing 130 metric tonnes, departed the Port of Mombasa on Thursday.

She said ther major equipment, such as turbine casing and condenser units, have already been delivered at the site.

"On ground, both platforms are ready to receive the generators and the hoisting team is in place, having assembled the powerhouse crane and specialised hoisting system," Miano said.

The hoisting and positioning of each generator unit will take approximately three days with preparations before hoisting arrival for each taking a minimum of one week.

Read More.........

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - Geothermal Event App!

Geothermal Energy Event - We've Got an App for That!

https://attendify.com/app/o2gnls/

The GRC is again providing an event app for the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo. It is now available to download to an iPhone, Android or Windows Smartphone, tablet or laptop computer giving event attendees better access to information and networking.

The mobile app allows the GRC to post more information online and avoid print costs.

We strongly encourage you to download the mobile guide to enhance your experience at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo.

You'll be able to plan your day with a personalized schedule and browse exhibitors, maps and general show info. You can browse all the essential information even without internet access.


Start off by downloading the container "Attendify" app, then search for "GRC Annual Meeting & Expo".

After a simple download and installation the app can be personalized with your own schedule and notes on activities. When you sign-in to the app you will be able to interact with other attendees and build an on-site network. Attendees will also be able to post their own photos and comments to the app for all to see on the "activity stream".

Scan this QR Code

The App is a work in progress, updates are loaded as information becomes available and your feedback is encouraged as you get familiar with it. All questions and feedback can be sent to Ian Crawford at icrawford@geothermal.org.

Download the app now!.......
Web Version.........

The Geothermal Energy Event of the Year is Almost Here!

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - A Geothermal Event!

2 Days to go! Register Now and Save!

Geothermal’s Role in Today’s Energy Market

14-17 October, 2018

Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno, Nevada, USA

Event Program (PDF)........                            Online Registration.........
Registration Form (PDF).........                      Event Flyer (PDF)..........

Nearly 1,000 attendees came to the 2017 GRC Annual Meeting and Expo from 35 different countries around the world, highlighting the GRC’s role in connecting the global community. With increasing interest in geothermal as a reliable source of renewable energy providing both flexible and baseload power production around the world, the GRC is looking ahead to an even stronger international attendance in 2018.

• Register Now and save........ Onsite registration is $50 more!!
• Make your hotel room reservation........ Room block is almost full.
• Reserve your Expo booth.......... Make sure of a prime spot!
• Golf Tournament - A few spaces left.
• Download the Event App..... - All you need to know.
• Advertise in the Final Program or on the Event App......

Make Sure of Your Booth at the Geothermal Energy Event of the Year

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - A Geothermal Event!

14-17 October, 2018, Peppermill Resort Spa & Casino, Reno, Nevada, USA

73 exhibitors - so far - have signed up for the geothermal energy event of the year:

In conjunction with the prestigious Annual Meeting & Expo, the GRC will also host an expo in which companies can promote projects, equipment, services, and technology to leading geothermal energy scientists, producers, renewable energy industry stakeholders, regulators, utilities, and key associated business leaders around the world.

• Sunday, October 14- 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Monday, October 15 - noon - 5:00 pm
• Tuesdsay, October 16 - 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Wednesday, October 17 - 9:00 am - 1:30 pm - Open to the Public
  
•  More Information.........
• Exhibitor Registration........

Contact Ann Lay Email: alay@geothermal.org, Phone: (530) 758-2360 ext. 100 if you have any questions.

Nevada: Geothermal Lease Sale on October 23

2018 BLM Nevada Geothermal Lease Sale

Tuesday, October 23, 2018, 8am PST

In accordance with the Geothermal Steam Act, and the BLM regulations at 43 CFR 3200, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is offering 11 parcels for internet-based competitive sale of certain Federal lands containing 27,331.38 acres in the State of Nevada for geothermal leasing. 

The sale date is Tuesday, October 23, 2018. The open bidding period will begin at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) (or 8:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), on Tuesday, October 23, 2018.  

• Sale information..........   
• Register to bid......... 

Geothermal Event - Final Program Published

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - Final Program

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - Final Program from Geothermal Resources Council

Canada: Geoscience BC Reports Assess Viability for Geothermal Development

New Research Heats Up Geothermal in Northeastern BC (Geoscience BC)

Two new geothermal research reports released by Geoscience BC today will help to heat up the long-term potential for geothermal energy generation in northeast British Columbia. 

The reports provide relevant and valuable new information by evaluating locations and assessing the viability for geothermal energy development in northeastern British Columbia. 

In Techno-Economic assessment of Geothermal Energy Resources in the Sedimentary Basin in Northeastern British Columbia, Canada, researchers from The University of Victoria evaluated four areas favourable for geothermal development. The sites are at Horn River, Clarke Lake, Prophet River and Jedney.

"No geothermal power plant exists in Canada," said Kevin Palmer-Wilson, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering and lead researcher on the project. "This study has identified four potential sites and provides cost estimates for getting power plants up and running."

In the Clarke Lake Gas Field Reservoir Characterization report, researchers from the University of Alberta analysed the potential of the depleted Clarke Lake natural gas field in northeast BC for its potential as a geothermal reservoir.

Read More.........

GRC ED Looks Forward to the Geothermal Energy Event of the Year!

The 2018 Annual Meeting Steams Ahead (and so does the 2019 one!)

by Will Pettitt, PhD, Executive Director, Geothermal Resources Council (GRC)

The 2018 GRC Annual Meeting & Expo in Reno is nearly upon us. Like its predecessors, it will be the largest annual gathering, and premier technical program, of the geothermal community in the world. I would first like to thank all the volunteers and staff that contribute to our conference. It takes a small army of people to organize the meeting and all the activities that are planned. Each of you know what you have contributed. I speak on behalf of the GRC and geothermal community to say that everything you do is really appreciated and we are all very grateful for your efforts. For all our volunteers, please know that the GRC could not function without you, and that the staff, management, and Board are grateful for every moment of time you donate.

The Geothermal Energy Magazine - Now Available Online

Now Available - GRC Bulletin - Vol. 47, No. 5, September/October 2018

Produced by the Geothermal Resources Council since 1972, the Bulletin is the magazine for the international geothermal energy community.

In this issue:

• President’s Message, by Maria Richards
• Executive Director's Message, by William Pettitt
• Inside Geothermal: 19 pages of geothermal energy news from around the world
• Finding The ‘Heart of The Casino’: Peppermill Commits To Geothermal, by the Peppermill Resort Spa & Casino
• Searching for Blind Geothermal Systems Utilizing Play Fairway Analysis, Western Nevada, by Jim Faulds
• Geothermal History in the Making - The Creation of the International Geothermal Association
• In Memoriam - Marcelo J. Lippmann, Carel Otte, Jeff Nichols

Download your copy now........

Please Note: The GRC Bulletin is only available online to GRC members. To make sure of your copy join the GRC today!

Netherlands: Dutch Horticulture Industry Would like More Dedicated Geothermal Energy Companies

SodM advocates for geothermal companies (Hortidaily)

"It's as if a car leasing company would also do the oil drilling"

Northern Limburg has two geothermal projects where water is pumped from deep underground in order to heat greenhouses. It is one of the ways in which the Netherlands wants to replace natural gas. But the wells in Limburg have gone silent and there are also problems elsewhere. The State Supervision of Mines (SodM) therefore indicates it would prefer to see the emergence of companies that specifically focus on geothermal energy.

Now geothermal energy is something that growers just do on their own. The Netherlands has 18 geothermal projects, and they are by growers. With half of these projects there is an 'issue', either not in operation or currently being inspected. "It's as if a leasing company with its own fleet of cars, also has its own oil drilling operation," is the analogy used by Wouter van der Zee of SodM.

Read More.........

Latin America Round Table at Geothermal Energy Event

GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - Special Session

16 October, 2-4pm, Peppermill Resort Spa & Casino, Reno, Nevada, USA

Philippines: Plans to Double Geothermal Energy Capacity by 2040

Going geothermal: Philippines revs up flagging green energy engine (ABS-CBN News)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

The Philippine government launched in June a string of new exploration surveys, which comes on top of the roughly 10 contracts the nation has signed in recent years with power companies to drill exploratory wells.

"Of course the target is to increase the existing capacity," Ariel Fronda, head of the renewables division of the Philippine energy ministry told AFP.

"There is a high degree of interest in renewables in general... Energy has suddenly become an attractive business," he added.

The Philippines' seven geothermal fields now supply about 12 percent of the nation's energy, with a long-term plan to nearly double capacity by 2040.

Read More.........

USA: U.S. Secretary of Energy lauds geothermal as "an important part of our nation’s diverse energy portfolio"

Energy Department Announces $11.4 Million for New Projects to Advance Efficient Drilling for Geothermal Energy (News Release)

U.S. Secretary of Energy
Rick Perry

Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of seven projects totaling nearly $11.4 million to advance geothermal energy development. The projects will focus on accelerating the research and development (R&D) of innovative geothermal energy technologies in America. 

“Geothermal energy is a clean and efficient base-load energy resource, making it an important part of our nation’s diverse energy portfolio,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry said. “Developing new, efficient drilling technologies will reduce these costs and increase the availability of this domestic renewable energy resource.” 

Technological innovation is necessary to economically convert these resources into cost-effective energy resources. The awardees will focus on early-stage R&D projects exploring innovative technologies for drilling geothermal wells that show the ability to reduce non-drilling time, improve rates of penetration, and identify methods to accelerate the transfer of geothermal drilling and related technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace. 

The selected projects include: 

• Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne, IL): Developing more advanced, low-cost materials using superhard nano-composites combined with ultrafast surface treatment to create new drill bits with tunable properties capable of doubling rates of penetration (ROP) for drilling geothermal wells.
• General Electric Company, GE Global Research (Niskayuna, NY): Developing and testing a new directional drilling orientation sensor capable of operating at 300°C for 1000 hours; this will enable measurement-while-drilling (MWD) at the significantly higher temperatures needed for geothermal drilling than current tools.
• Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK): Developing a new detailed model for common drill bits (PDC) based on tracking cutter wear from rock/bit interactions and then design a system to optimize geothermal drilling based on real-time data from that model. 
• Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, NM): Developing sensing tools, algorithms, and actuators for an intelligent drilling architecture which optimizes how deep the drill cutter goes in real-time, leading to longer life for down-hole drilling components, reduced unplanned trips, and more consistent drilling rates.
• Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, NM): Developing and testing a new all-metal down-hole motor that turns drilling fluid flow into torque; this motor will remove current temperature limitations, reduce vibrations, and enable directional drilling into high-temperature geothermal reservoirs.
• Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (College Station, TX): Developing and testing a new drill bit system that uses nanosecond micro-plasma discharge to create localized shock waves which initiate micro-cracks ahead of the bit, making it easier to cut rock; this system is capable of doubling ROP for drilling in geothermal wells.
• University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK): Developing and testing smart lost circulation materials (LCM) that use shape memory polymers activated by geothermal temperature to prevent the loss of fluid into fractured rock next to the drilled wellbore; the smart LCM expands within the fractures to reduce non-drilling time (NDT) and strengthen the wellbore in high temperature geothermal drilling operations.

Read More.........

Tanzania: 5 MW Geothermal Power Project to Start Next Year

TGDC to embark on geothermal energy drilling by 2025 (Daily News)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

In efforts to support industrialisation, the Tanzania Geothermal Development Company Limited (TGDC) plans to embark on geothermal energy drilling to generate 200 MW by 2025.

The project is expected to take off in Mbeya Region next year. TGDC General Manager Kato Kabaka said during the signing of a contract with Italy-based ELC Electroconsult SPA yesterday that drilling activities would take place near Ngozi River and that drilling machines were expected to be imported by the end of this year.

According to Mr Kabaka, TGDC targets to start by generating 5 MW by 2020 and 20 MW by 2022. Initial studies show availability of geothermal resource, enough to generate 100 MW, but the actual amount will be determined after drilling activities have taken place.

Read More.........

Netherlands: Successful Geothermal Survey Combines Best Practices from Oil and Gas Exploration

New value from old data shows promise for geothermal exploration in the Netherlands (Earth Explorer)

Variscan subcrop map and cross section through the study area. Question marks indicate the unknown geology. The study area of Heeswijk is the surroundings of the HSW-01 well.

The project demonstrates great promise for geothermal investigations in the country using existing data. According to Pieter Van Heiningen of Provenance Exploration Consultancy BV and his business partners, the pilot study is unique in the Netherlands and their approach stems from combining best practice from oil and gas exploration. 

“This project provides a crucial example for advancing the successful exploration of high quality and high energy/temperature geothermal reservoirs in the Netherlands, in a cost-efficient and effective way.”

Read More.........

Iceland: 24 Graduate from the Geothermal Training Programme of the United Nations University

Graduation of Fellows 2018 (UNU-GTP)

The 40th session of the Geothermal Training Programme of the United Nations University (UNU-GTP) closed on Friday 5th of October, with 24 UNU Fellows in the six month specialized courses. 

The Fellows came from 14 countries: Bolivia (2), China (2), Djibouti (1), Ecuador (1), El Salvador (1), Ethiopia (2), India (1), Indonesia (3), Kenya (5), Nevis (1), Philippines (1), St. Lucia (1), Tanzania (2), and Zambia (1). 

This is the first time St. Lucia participates in the Six Month Programme. 

The Fellows were trained in: Project management and finances (7), Drilling Technology (6), Chemistry of Thermal Fluids (4), Geophysical exploration (4), and Geothermal Utilization (3).

Read More........