The area around Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, is home to more than a dozen hot springs, called onsen. One of the most popular is Kurama Onsen, a peaceful outdoor bath located less than an hour from downtown Kyoto. Located in a lovely modern ryokan (traditional inn), with stunning mountain views, Kurama is surrounded by Japanese cedar trees. Traditional ryokan with hot spring baths include Gyozanen and Seryo, two beautifully designed resorts in Ohara, a rural district north of downtown, near the Sanzenin Temple.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Japan:
The Etiquette of Japanese Onsen (BBC)
Thanks to its location in a volcanic zone, Japan is a hotbed -- quite literally -- of geothermal activity. There are more than 25,000 naturally-occurring mineral hot springs which help power 3,000 spa resorts across the country.
The area around Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, is home to more than a dozen hot springs, called onsen. One of the most popular is Kurama Onsen, a peaceful outdoor bath located less than an hour from downtown Kyoto. Located in a lovely modern ryokan (traditional inn), with stunning mountain views, Kurama is surrounded by Japanese cedar trees. Traditional ryokan with hot spring baths include Gyozanen and Seryo, two beautifully designed resorts in Ohara, a rural district north of downtown, near the Sanzenin Temple.
The area around Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital, is home to more than a dozen hot springs, called onsen. One of the most popular is Kurama Onsen, a peaceful outdoor bath located less than an hour from downtown Kyoto. Located in a lovely modern ryokan (traditional inn), with stunning mountain views, Kurama is surrounded by Japanese cedar trees. Traditional ryokan with hot spring baths include Gyozanen and Seryo, two beautifully designed resorts in Ohara, a rural district north of downtown, near the Sanzenin Temple.
USA, California:
Gene Suemnicht to Present Geothermal 101– Resource Exploration and Assessment - Course at Renewable Energy Summit
Geothermal 101– Resource Exploration and Assessment
sponsored by Geothermal Resource Council
5th Annual Imperial Valley Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2012
Barbara Worth Resort & Country Club, Holtville, CA 92250
1:00 - 3:00 pm, Thursday – March 15, 2012
sponsored by Geothermal Resource Council
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Gene Suemnicht (Courtesy EGS Inc.)
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5th Annual Imperial Valley Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2012
Barbara Worth Resort & Country Club, Holtville, CA 92250
1:00 - 3:00 pm, Thursday – March 15, 2012
Europe:
More R&D Support Needed for Geothermal Energy in Europe (European Geothermal Energy Council)
European, Icelandic and Japanese representatives discussed yesterday, in an event at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels, key actions and the cooperation they could envisage to embrace geothermal potential. This Workshop looked at how to exploit the huge global potential of geothermal through increased cooperation in R&D, technology and knowledge transfers between the EU, Iceland and Japan.
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Serbia:
Russian Power Co. Signs Accord on Geothermal Power in Serbia (Bloomberg)
Naftna Industrija Srbije AD (NIIS), the dominant oil company in Serbia, will work with Hungary’s GMV Energy and EU-Fire Kft. to tap the largely unused geothermal sources in northern Serbia.
Majority-owned by Russia’s OAO Gazprom Neft (GAZP), NIS signed a cooperation agreement with the government of the northern Vojvodina province and the Hungarian companies to develop a power plant using geothermal energy and to supply local heating plants with hot water from the wells, the Belgrade-based company said in a statement on its website.
Majority-owned by Russia’s OAO Gazprom Neft (GAZP), NIS signed a cooperation agreement with the government of the northern Vojvodina province and the Hungarian companies to develop a power plant using geothermal energy and to supply local heating plants with hot water from the wells, the Belgrade-based company said in a statement on its website.
USA, Nevada:
Mustang Geothermal Corp. Announces the Results of a Special Shareholders Meeting (Press Release - Marketwatch)
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The Name of the Company will Change of the Company to Dakota Territory Resource Corp.
Mustang Geothermal Corp. has announced the results of a Special Shareholders Meeting held in Reno, Nevada on March 8, 2012. Called and held in accordance with the Company's by-laws, 21,625,000 shares, or approximately 63% of the total common shares issued and eligible to cast votes, voted to approve and authorize the Board of Directors of the Company to:
Mustang Geothermal Corp. has announced the results of a Special Shareholders Meeting held in Reno, Nevada on March 8, 2012. Called and held in accordance with the Company's by-laws, 21,625,000 shares, or approximately 63% of the total common shares issued and eligible to cast votes, voted to approve and authorize the Board of Directors of the Company to:
Chile:
GGE Spa Chile Files Environmental Declaration for USD 330m Geothermal Plant (UtilityProducts)
Chilean firm GGE Spa Chile yesterday filed an environmental impact declaration for the USD-330-million (EUR 249m) geothermal power plant San Gregorio, located between the country's Bio Bio and Araucania regions.
The project envisages the construction of a 70 MW geothermal plant, whose future electricity output will be supplied to Chile's central power grid SIC.
The project envisages the construction of a 70 MW geothermal plant, whose future electricity output will be supplied to Chile's central power grid SIC.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
USA, Washington:
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| Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire |
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire on Wednesday signed a bill that for the first time broadens the definition of renewable energy.
Philippines:
Testing Starts at Los Banos Geothermal Power Plant (StreetInsider.com)
The test drilling will verify the minimum temperature requirement (450 degrees Fahrenheit) at the first of 2 locations. ADB is committed to provide financing for the subsequent steps which include the development of the engineering plan and construction of these 50MW facilities. To learn more about this development, visit the ADB Project Site.
Australia:
$5m Big Data Project to Search for Geothermal Energy (ZDNet.com.au )
National ICT Australia (NICTA) has been chosen to head up a two-year $5 million project that will see big data analytics used to locate geothermal energy sources beneath the earth's surface.
Geothermal energy is an abundant, renewable energy source found in hot rocks that are several kilometres underground. The heat conducts to shallower rocks near the surface, where it can be extracted by circulating water through the rocks. The heated water can then be converted to electricity when it reaches the surface.
Geothermal energy is an abundant, renewable energy source found in hot rocks that are several kilometres underground. The heat conducts to shallower rocks near the surface, where it can be extracted by circulating water through the rocks. The heated water can then be converted to electricity when it reaches the surface.
Australia:
Government Needs to Step in to Give Geothermal a Push (Opinion - The Australian)
Sometime in the next few days, the listed geothermal company Geodynamics will spud the Habanero 4 well -- that is, start drilling operations -- in the heart of its hot dry rock geothermal prospect in the Cooper Basin in South Australia.
The well will replace the Habanero 3 well, which failed in a spectacular fashion with a blowout in 2009, and will be a critical step towards establishing a 1 megawatt pilot plant at Innamincka in 2013.
But it will, in all likelihood, be the only geothermal well to be drilled in Australia this year, despite a new tax deduction that comes into force from July 1.
And the industry, which is tipped by the government's draft energy white paper to provide up to 23 per cent of Australia's electricity generation by 2050 (and 8.4 per cent by 2030), is wondering how to unlock the funds to deliver on this potential.
Sometime in the next few days, the listed geothermal company Geodynamics will spud the Habanero 4 well -- that is, start drilling operations -- in the heart of its hot dry rock geothermal prospect in the Cooper Basin in South Australia.
The well will replace the Habanero 3 well, which failed in a spectacular fashion with a blowout in 2009, and will be a critical step towards establishing a 1 megawatt pilot plant at Innamincka in 2013.
But it will, in all likelihood, be the only geothermal well to be drilled in Australia this year, despite a new tax deduction that comes into force from July 1.
And the industry, which is tipped by the government's draft energy white paper to provide up to 23 per cent of Australia's electricity generation by 2050 (and 8.4 per cent by 2030), is wondering how to unlock the funds to deliver on this potential.
Germany:
Program Released For 8th International Geothermal Conference, May 22-25, 2012 (ThinkGeoenergy)
The 8th International Geothermal Conference (IGC 2012) in Freiburg, Germany published its program today. It features varied sessions offering a wide insight into the developments in deep geothermal energy.
Key themes of the conference include financing, operating safety, local use of geothermal energy, public relations and international projects.
This well-established get-together for the international geothermal branch takes place from May 22nd to 25th 2012 in Freiburg/Germany. By now on four days it provides a wide insight into several aspects of deep geothermal energy supply. An early bird special discount is available until March, 31st.
Key themes of the conference include financing, operating safety, local use of geothermal energy, public relations and international projects.
This well-established get-together for the international geothermal branch takes place from May 22nd to 25th 2012 in Freiburg/Germany. By now on four days it provides a wide insight into several aspects of deep geothermal energy supply. An early bird special discount is available until March, 31st.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
USA, California:
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A Geothermal 101 - Resource Exploration and Assessment workshop is to be held at the Imperial Valley Renewable Energy Summit & Expo next week in southern California.
The meeting is to be held March 13-15 at the Barbara Worth Resort and Country Club in Holtville, Ca.
The theme of the fifth annual summit is “The Power to Renew California.”
USA, Nevada:
The Academy Awards for Clean Energy Start-ups Rolls Out the Red Carpet in Nevada (Business Wire)
Nevada’s clean energy entrepreneurs will get a boost this month when Cleantech Open, the world’s largest clean energy accelerator and business competition, announces the opening of a Nevada chapter and a new partnership with the Nevada Institute for Renewable Energy Commercialization (NIREC).
Clean energy entrepreneurs, potential mentors, economic development officers, government leaders and media are invited to the statewide Cleantech Open Nevada introduction, occurring simultaneously in Las Vegas and Reno, Thursday, March 22, at 9:00 a.m. at Desert Research Institute. (Details: www.nirec.org/cleantechopennv.html.)
Clean energy entrepreneurs, potential mentors, economic development officers, government leaders and media are invited to the statewide Cleantech Open Nevada introduction, occurring simultaneously in Las Vegas and Reno, Thursday, March 22, at 9:00 a.m. at Desert Research Institute. (Details: www.nirec.org/cleantechopennv.html.)
USA, Nevada:
Fernley Staff Asked to Work with Geothermal Project Stakeholders (rgj.com)
After nearly 2-1/2 hours of discussion regarding a Special Use Permit for the Patua Geothermal Project, Planning Commissioner Bill Penaluna asked Interim-City Manager Fred Turnier to meet with Citizens for Smart Geothermal Growth and Gradient Resources regarding issues raised at the workshop.
Australia:
Geodynamics Gets Approval for New Geothermal Well (RechargeNews)
Australian geothermal developer Geodynamics has secured approval from regulators to drill the latest well at its Innamincka Deeps joint venture with Origin Energy.
Drilling of the well, called Habanero 4, is expected to take four months. The well is seen as crucial to proving the future viability of the joint venture’s operations in the Cooper Basin in the state of South Australia.
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| Drilling at Habanero 4 (Courtesy Recharge News/Geodynamics) |
Drilling of the well, called Habanero 4, is expected to take four months. The well is seen as crucial to proving the future viability of the joint venture’s operations in the Cooper Basin in the state of South Australia.
USA, New Mexico:
New Mexico Streamlines Geothermal Permitting (ABQjournal.com)
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| (Courtesy 50states.com) |
The Republican governor says the aim is to increase renewable energy production in the state.
Kenya:
Kenyan Power Company to Partner with University to Train Geothermal Personnel (The Star - Nairobi)
Geothermal Development Corporation (GDC) of Nairobi, Kenya, will soon partner with Egerton University, located near Nakuru, to offer training on geothermal energy.
The GDC managing director Dr Silas Simiyu said the corporation will sign a deal with the university before April. He said there is lack of adequate personnel in the field. The MD spoke when he met physics students from the university who had visited the site where GDC is exploiting geothermal energy in Menengai in Nakuru County.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Sri Lanka:
Surveying for Geothermal in Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka Daily News)
The Sri Lankan Geological Surveys and Mines Bureau (GSMB) has launched an islandwide survey to evaluate the temperature variations of the landscape with the hope of generating thermal power electricity and other temperature based mechanisms.
Australia:
WAGES, the West Australian Geothermal Energy Symposium, will take place in West Perth, Australia, April 2-3, 2012. The event covers geothermal power, and geothermal heating and cooling.
Global:
GRC Newsletter
In this issue:
In this issue:
- Imperial Valley Renewable Energy Summit and Expo, March 13th - 15th
- Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Program invites comments
- Last week for inclusion in the GRC Membership Roster & Registry of Geothermal Services & Equipment
- Geothermal Calendar Events/Deadlines
Technology:
ElectraTherm Green Machine Completes 1,000 Hour Demonstration on Oil Field (News Release - pr-inside.com)
ElectraTherm has released a comprehensive report on its demonstration project in Laurel, Mississippi to generate renewable energy from hot waste water at an oil field.
In 2011, ElectraTherm’s Green Machine completed its six-month demonstration to generate additional power from the hot water that oil and gas producers consider a nuisance. This is the first small-scale (<200kWe) application to generate fuel-free, emission free power at an oil well. The report is now available on the ElectraTherm website (PDF).
USA, California:
Negotiations Ongoing in Bottle Rock Power Suit
(Lake County Record-Bee)
Settlement negotiations will continue in the lawsuit regarding Bottle Rock Power, LLC (BRP) geothermal expansion after a judge Monday granted the parties' request for more time to discuss resolution proposals.
Friends of Cobb Mountain, a local environmental group, filed a petition in May asking the court to reverse decisions made by the Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) approving the BRP project.
(Lake County Record-Bee)
Settlement negotiations will continue in the lawsuit regarding Bottle Rock Power, LLC (BRP) geothermal expansion after a judge Monday granted the parties' request for more time to discuss resolution proposals.
Friends of Cobb Mountain, a local environmental group, filed a petition in May asking the court to reverse decisions made by the Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) approving the BRP project.
Australia:
Petratherm's Managing Director Appointed Chairman of the Australian Geothermal Energy Association (4-traders.com)
Petratherm’s Managing Director, Mr Terry Kallis, has been appointed Chairman of the Australian Geothermal Energy Association (AGEA). AGEA is the peak body that represents the geothermal industry on matters of government policy and regulation.
AGEA comprises of 26 members, primarily from exploration and development companies, and is led by Chief Executive Officer, Ms Susan Jeanes.
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| Terry Kallis, Chairman of the AGEA (Courtesy AGEA) |
AGEA comprises of 26 members, primarily from exploration and development companies, and is led by Chief Executive Officer, Ms Susan Jeanes.
Ecuador:
Ecuador to See First Geothermal Operations in 2017 (Business News Americas)
This year's inauguration of the 15MW Villonaco wind farm in Ecuador will mark Ecuador's state power generation holding company Celec's first major step into the renewables field.
The company's renewables portfolio also includes projects to tap the country's geothermal power generation potential, hopefully by 2017.
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| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
The company's renewables portfolio also includes projects to tap the country's geothermal power generation potential, hopefully by 2017.
Canada:
Nevada Geothermal Power Inc. Relatively Undervalued after Industry Jump (TheOTCInvestor)
Nevada Geothermal Power Inc., an experienced renewable energy producer focusing on the development of clean electrical power from high temperature geothermal resources in the United States, similar to companies like U.S. Geothermal Inc. and Ormat Technologies Inc., could be set to move higher following the relative outperformance of the geothermal industry relative to the S&P 500.
Nevada Geothermal Power Inc., an experienced renewable energy producer focusing on the development of clean electrical power from high temperature geothermal resources in the United States, similar to companies like U.S. Geothermal Inc. and Ormat Technologies Inc., could be set to move higher following the relative outperformance of the geothermal industry relative to the S&P 500.
USA, Oregon:
Neal Hot Springs Geothermal Power Plant Nears Startup (StatesmanJournal.com)
Work is heading for a June startup at a geothermal plant that the state Department of Energy says will be the first in Oregon to produce energy on an industrial scale.
The developer, U.S. Geothermal Inc. of Boise, Idaho, plans to use heat from a 300-degree reservoir 2,500 feet underground to generate power, The Bulletin of Bend reported.
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| The Neal Hot Springs Site in May 2011 (Courtesy U.S. Geothermal) |
The developer, U.S. Geothermal Inc. of Boise, Idaho, plans to use heat from a 300-degree reservoir 2,500 feet underground to generate power, The Bulletin of Bend reported.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Japan:
Geothermal Power Generation Planned in Japanese National Parks (The Asahi Shimbun)
The government’s plan to allow businesses to build geothermal plants in national parks is expected to start in the prefecture that is home to the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
Bandai-Asahi National Park in Fukushima Prefecture is believed to contain the largest amount of underground pools of hot water and steam, which can generate an estimated 270 megawatts of electricity.
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| (Courtesy The Asahi Shimbun) |
Bandai-Asahi National Park in Fukushima Prefecture is believed to contain the largest amount of underground pools of hot water and steam, which can generate an estimated 270 megawatts of electricity.
USA:
GTP invites Comments on EGS Technology Roadmapping Information Exchange (U.S. Department of Energy)
The DOE Geothermal Technologies Program invites your input on the technology improvement areas identified at the EGS Technology Roadmapping Information Exchange meeting held in San Francisco, California on August 3-4, 2011.
The meeting focused on the technology needs specific to EGS reservoir characterization, creation, and sustainability/operation. Documents for public comment related to each of these areas are now available on the Geothermal Technologies Program website.
The meeting focused on the technology needs specific to EGS reservoir characterization, creation, and sustainability/operation. Documents for public comment related to each of these areas are now available on the Geothermal Technologies Program website.
USA, Arizona:
"The Future of Geothermal Energy" to be Presented at Arizona Geological Society (Arizona Geological Society)
A presentation The Future of Geothermal Energy by Colin F. Williams, USGS, Menlo Park, California, is to be made Tuesday, March 6, 8:00 pm (dinner 7:00 pm) at the Sheraton Four Points, Wildcat Room in Tucson, Arizona.
USA, Wyoming:
Yellowstone's Hot Water May be from Single Source (MSNBC.com)
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Old Faithful Geyser (Courtesy National Park Service)
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Scientists calculated that the underground source of Heart Lake's water is a deep chlorine-rich reservoir with a temperature around 401 degrees Fahrenheit. Water that's deep underground doesn't boil at the normal 212 F because it's under more pressure.
When you think of Yellowstone National Park's famous Old Faithful geyser, you may think of its power, its size or even its reliability. But you probably don't think about where its water comes from.
Unless you're a geochemist.
When you think of Yellowstone National Park's famous Old Faithful geyser, you may think of its power, its size or even its reliability. But you probably don't think about where its water comes from.
Unless you're a geochemist.
Japan:
Sumitomo, Partners to build Two Geothermal Power Plants (The Jakarta Post)
Japan-based Sumitomo Corporation will team up with International Power GDF Suez and PT Supreme Energy to build two geothermal power plants in Muaralaboh in West Sumatra and Rajabasa in Lampung.
The power plants will have a total capacity of 2x110 megawatts (MW) each. State power utility PT PLN will then buy the electricity with the price of 9.4 US cents per kilowatt-hour for Muaralaboh and 9.5 cents for Rajabasa.
Japan-based Sumitomo Corporation will team up with International Power GDF Suez and PT Supreme Energy to build two geothermal power plants in Muaralaboh in West Sumatra and Rajabasa in Lampung.The power plants will have a total capacity of 2x110 megawatts (MW) each. State power utility PT PLN will then buy the electricity with the price of 9.4 US cents per kilowatt-hour for Muaralaboh and 9.5 cents for Rajabasa.
Philippines:
EDC income drops 86% to P615M (zambotimes)
In a statement, EDC said the non-cash impairment of P5.1 billion taken during the year on the Northern Negros Geothermal Project (NNGP) was the major contributor to the substantial decline in the company’s net income.
Rwanda:
Rwanda: Geothermal Test Drilling Finally Starts in August (allAfrica.com)
Efforts to exploit geothermal reserves for electricity generation appear to gather more steam with drilling of the first exploration wells in Karisimbi scheduled to commence in August.
And if the wells are productive, a 10MW power generation plant will immediately be built to convert the steam into electricity as one of the several options the government is exploring to boost power supply. The planned US$ 30 million investment will produce its first power in 2014 if all goes according to plan. Development of infrastructure needed to facilitate the drilling such as water has commenced.
Efforts to exploit geothermal reserves for electricity generation appear to gather more steam with drilling of the first exploration wells in Karisimbi scheduled to commence in August.
And if the wells are productive, a 10MW power generation plant will immediately be built to convert the steam into electricity as one of the several options the government is exploring to boost power supply. The planned US$ 30 million investment will produce its first power in 2014 if all goes according to plan. Development of infrastructure needed to facilitate the drilling such as water has commenced.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Technology:
The Skyscraper of the Future Built Around a Geothermal Plant (evolo)
The design for this city is set in a wild landscape inside a mountain to preserve the development of nature around it. A geothermic plant is the logical solution to provide energy to the city.
Every year, eVolo Magazine holds their Skyscraper Competition, which prompts designers from around the globe to redefine the aesthetics and function of your run-of-the-mill tall building.
Of the 714 designs submitted for this year's competition, eVolo selected three winners and twenty-two runners-up. An honorable mention was given to Charly Duchosal's geothermal Mountain City:
With today’s weight of cities on the landscape, we tend to lose our original relationship with nature. The cities are getting bigger, larger, and higher as the population increases and our connection to natural landscape is disappearing. Urban planners and architects have been trying to recreate nature in cities by drawing parks and planting trees on streets. The implementation of these “green parts” in cities has nothing to do with nature in its original state.
The design for this city is set in a wild landscape inside a mountain to preserve the development of nature around it. A geothermic plant is the logical solution to provide energy to the city.
Every year, eVolo Magazine holds their Skyscraper Competition, which prompts designers from around the globe to redefine the aesthetics and function of your run-of-the-mill tall building.
Of the 714 designs submitted for this year's competition, eVolo selected three winners and twenty-two runners-up. An honorable mention was given to Charly Duchosal's geothermal Mountain City:
With today’s weight of cities on the landscape, we tend to lose our original relationship with nature. The cities are getting bigger, larger, and higher as the population increases and our connection to natural landscape is disappearing. Urban planners and architects have been trying to recreate nature in cities by drawing parks and planting trees on streets. The implementation of these “green parts” in cities has nothing to do with nature in its original state.
Global:
Get your geothermal news from around the world on your mobile web-connected device.
Wherever you are, get the latest from the geothermal community by browsing to geothermalresourcescouncil.blogspot.com/?m=1 on your smart phone, iPad, tablet or other web-enabled mobile device.Or scan the QR Code above with your smart phone to go directly to Global Geothermal News.
Global:
GRC 2012 Annual Meeting Theme Promotes Geothermal as Energy Solution (RenewableEnergyWorld.com)
Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting theme is "Geothermal: Reliable, Renewable, Global"
Davis, California, USA. The Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting is promoting geothermal power as an ideal energy source with the theme of "Geothermal: Reliable, Renewable, Global". The world's largest annual geothermal event is taking place September 30-October 3, 2012, in Reno, Nevada, at the Peppermill Resort Spa.
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| Peppermill Resort Spa |
Davis, California, USA. The Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting is promoting geothermal power as an ideal energy source with the theme of "Geothermal: Reliable, Renewable, Global". The world's largest annual geothermal event is taking place September 30-October 3, 2012, in Reno, Nevada, at the Peppermill Resort Spa.
Policy:
Report: Government Policy Measures Plays Vital Role in the Renewable Energy Development in North and South America (TransWorldNews)
The government policy structure and promotional measures for renewables plays a vital role in North and South America renewable energy development. The growth of the renewable energy sector in the US has been led by the state level Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), combined with other tax incentives and subsidies. The RPS is a regulation that places an obligation on electricity producers to supply specific percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources. Some states in US have also come with feed in tariffs scheme. These support measures have been very successful in promoting the renewable energy industry in the US, making the country stand among the leaders in both solar and wind technologies.
The government policy structure and promotional measures for renewables plays a vital role in North and South America renewable energy development. The growth of the renewable energy sector in the US has been led by the state level Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), combined with other tax incentives and subsidies. The RPS is a regulation that places an obligation on electricity producers to supply specific percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources. Some states in US have also come with feed in tariffs scheme. These support measures have been very successful in promoting the renewable energy industry in the US, making the country stand among the leaders in both solar and wind technologies.
USA:
ARPA-E Innovation Summit 2012 Highlights Geothermal Thermal-Mechanical Drilling Company (policymic)
Foro Energy will use ARPA-E funding to develop a thermal-mechanical drilling technology that will increase drilling rates up to 10-fold relative to conventional drilling technologies. This increase in drilling efficiency will result in a significant reduction in drilling costs. If successful, this project could enable the widespread use of geothermal energy and accelerate the shift to renewable energy sources.
USA, California:
San Diego Utility Reaches Renewable-Energy Milestone (The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Of San Diego Gas & Electric's renewable generation, 23 percent comes from geothermal plants.
The electric utility serving the San Diego area received more than 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources last year, the company informed state regulators on Thursday.
California's electricity retailers are required by state law to procure 33 percent of their power by 2020 from renewable sources like wind, solar, geothermal, bio-gas or small-scale hydroelectric facilities.
The electric utility serving the San Diego area received more than 20 percent of its energy from renewable sources last year, the company informed state regulators on Thursday.
California's electricity retailers are required by state law to procure 33 percent of their power by 2020 from renewable sources like wind, solar, geothermal, bio-gas or small-scale hydroelectric facilities.
Indonesia:
Geothermal Projects Kick Off With Govt Guarantee (Jakarta Globe)
Indonesian Finance minister Agus Martowardojo said on Friday that the government would act as a guarantor so a consortium could build two geothermal power plants in Muaralaboh, West Sumatra, and Rajabasa, Lampung.
The consortium, led by Supreme Energy, will sell the power generated at the plants to state utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara at a price agreed to on Friday. Should PLN be unable to pay this agreed price in the future, then the government would step in.
“This guarantee is meant to support financing for power plant projects. It will shield the developer from a possible default risk by PLN,” Agus told reporters in Jakarta.
Indonesian Finance minister Agus Martowardojo said on Friday that the government would act as a guarantor so a consortium could build two geothermal power plants in Muaralaboh, West Sumatra, and Rajabasa, Lampung.
The consortium, led by Supreme Energy, will sell the power generated at the plants to state utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara at a price agreed to on Friday. Should PLN be unable to pay this agreed price in the future, then the government would step in.
“This guarantee is meant to support financing for power plant projects. It will shield the developer from a possible default risk by PLN,” Agus told reporters in Jakarta.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
USA, California:
Opportunity for California Geothermal Energy Firms at World’s Foremost Manufacturing and Power Show (Export.gov)
The California State Trade and Export Promotion program (California STEP) working in conjunction with the California Centers for International Trade Development (CITD) and the U.S. Commercial Service is pleased to announce the availability of funds in support of expanding international markets for California Small Businesses and is coordinating a joint participation of industrial and energy technology companies from California at the world’s foremost manufacturing and power show, Hannover Messe.
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The California State Trade and Export Promotion program (California STEP) working in conjunction with the California Centers for International Trade Development (CITD) and the U.S. Commercial Service is pleased to announce the availability of funds in support of expanding international markets for California Small Businesses and is coordinating a joint participation of industrial and energy technology companies from California at the world’s foremost manufacturing and power show, Hannover Messe.
Chile:
Chilean Geothermal Co. Submits Plans for a 70MW Power Plant (Business News Americas)
The project, known as CuracautÃn, will consist of a 70MW geothermal project, fuelled by the steam produced by hot water taken from the ground.
USA:
Geothermal power production in the USA increased by 9.7% year-to-date through December 2011 according to the latest Electric Power Monthly report by the Energy Information Administration.
Net Generation from Geothermal rose from 15,219 Thousand Megawatthours in December 2010 to 16,700 in 2011.
Nevada showed the biggest increase (28.8%) followed by Idaho (28.5%).
Hawai'i (11.6%) and California (6.6%) showed modest gains.
Technology:
Clean-Mining Technology Pulls Rare-Earth Metals Out of Geothermal Water (CNBC)
A California firm’s new technique of cleaner “mining” could provide the electric-vehicle battery industry with all the lithium it needs, in a greener and cleaner way.
Pleasanton-based Simbol Materials' technology can pull lithium, and other critical metals, out of the effluent water of some geothermal power plants, eliminating the drill-and-blast approach of traditional mining.
“Geothermal power plants provide a quality source of brine,” says Simbol CEO Luka Erceg. “It’s replete and rich with lithium and other metals” like zinc and manganese, he adds.
A California firm’s new technique of cleaner “mining” could provide the electric-vehicle battery industry with all the lithium it needs, in a greener and cleaner way.
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| Simbol Materials and Geothermal Plant site in the Imperial Valley (Courtesy Simbol Materials) |
Pleasanton-based Simbol Materials' technology can pull lithium, and other critical metals, out of the effluent water of some geothermal power plants, eliminating the drill-and-blast approach of traditional mining.
“Geothermal power plants provide a quality source of brine,” says Simbol CEO Luka Erceg. “It’s replete and rich with lithium and other metals” like zinc and manganese, he adds.
Kenya:
Kenya Power Report Q1 2012 - New Market Research Report (TransWorldNews)
Over the longer-term, the favoured form of renewable energy is geothermal, where potential is believed to be considerable.
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Kenya plans to significantly increase the amount of energy generated by geothermal facilities. The country is already Africa's largest producer of geothermal power thanks to its strategic position over shifting tectonic plates.
Over the next two to three years, the government plans to invest US$1.4bn in the construction of several new geothermal power plants with a total installed generation capacity of 280MW.
By 2030, Kenya hopes to be generating 5GW of power from geothermal power; that would put Kenya among world leaders in geothermal terms.
USA:
Bingaman Launches Uphill Battle with 'Clean' Power Proposal (The Hill)
The bill, an energy policy priority for President Obama, requires that large power companies supply increasing amounts of electricity from low-carbon sources like wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas and geothermal beginning in 2015. By 2035, 84 percent of power produced by large utilities will come from low-carbon sources, according to the legislation.
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) floated highly anticipated legislation Thursday to reduce power plant pollution by mandating greater use of low-carbon energy sources.
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| Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) |
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) floated highly anticipated legislation Thursday to reduce power plant pollution by mandating greater use of low-carbon energy sources.
Rwanda:
Rwanda Seeks $5Bn to Fund Key Energy Projects
(The East African)
According to its strategic plan (2011-2017), the Rwandan government is targeting to tap its indigenous energy resources and from shared energy resources with its neighboring countries to develop geothermal power plants with a capacity of 310MW.
Rwanda is seeking for funding worth $5 billion to fund key energy projects for the next seven years as it moves to address its current energy deficit.
The energy projects, including hydropower, geothermal and methane gas were unveiled to more than 150 investors from across the world on Wednesday in its capital Kigali during its first energy investor conference.
(The East African)
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| (Courtesy worldatlas.com) |
Rwanda is seeking for funding worth $5 billion to fund key energy projects for the next seven years as it moves to address its current energy deficit.
The energy projects, including hydropower, geothermal and methane gas were unveiled to more than 150 investors from across the world on Wednesday in its capital Kigali during its first energy investor conference.
USA, Hawai'i:
Video: Occupy HELCO, Pele Defense Fund Re-Emerges (Big Island Video News.com)
Anti-geothermal an element to the larger Occupy corporation demonstration.
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| (Courtesy Big Island Video News.com) |
HILO, Hawaii: The Pele Defense Fund has made a return to oppose the latest push for geothermal power on Hawaii Island.
Members of the organization were present outside the Hawaii Electric Light Co. (HELCO) building in Downtown Hilo on Wednesday, in the pouring rain, protesting the company along with participants in the Occupy Hilo movement. Those representing the Pele Defense Fund also waved signs against the use of geothermal as an energy resource. Video (7:21 minutes)
Members of the organization were present outside the Hawaii Electric Light Co. (HELCO) building in Downtown Hilo on Wednesday, in the pouring rain, protesting the company along with participants in the Occupy Hilo movement. Those representing the Pele Defense Fund also waved signs against the use of geothermal as an energy resource. Video (7:21 minutes)
USA, California:
EnergySource Announces Grid Synchronization, Outstanding Test Results at First New Geothermal Plant in Salton Sea Area in 20 Years (Business Wire)
EnergySource LLC, today announced both the successful electrical grid synchronization of its newly completed Hudson Ranch I geothermal power plant, as well as outstanding well field test results.
Hudson Ranch I is generating at its designed 49.9 MW capacity in one of the largest and highest temperature geothermal resources in North America – the Salton Sea field, in Imperial County, California.
The plant is completing its start-up testing and initial delivery of power to the grid, with commercial operation expected later this month.
USA:
Geothermal Energy Association Releases 2012 Policy Priorities (GEA)
The Geothermal Energy Association today released the policy priorities adopted by the organization's Board of Directors. On February 28, the Energy Information Agency also projected that geothermal power production would triple in the US by 2035, with its growth outpacing the renewable power average.
"Reports continue to forecast tremendous growth for the geothermal industry in the US and worldwide, but economic and policy challenges still exist across the board,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. “In order for geothermal to reach its true growth potential, leaders and policymakers must understand our industry’s needs on a policy level.”
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"Reports continue to forecast tremendous growth for the geothermal industry in the US and worldwide, but economic and policy challenges still exist across the board,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. “In order for geothermal to reach its true growth potential, leaders and policymakers must understand our industry’s needs on a policy level.”
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