Europe:

EGEC Publishes Paper on “Financing Geothermal Energy” (European Geothermal Energy Council)

Within the framework of the current debate on financing renewable energy, the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) publishes today a Policy Paper “Financing Geothermal Energy” (PDF) with key recommendations for policy-makers. The enormous long-term potential and full benefits, including in terms of competitiveness of geothermal energy will be realized with innovative financial tools and smart and temporary support schemes.

Geothermal energy will play a key role in the future European energy mix as it provides renewable base-load and flexible electricity and continuous heat/cold production everywhere. From a system-approach perspective it can therefore genuinely increase the sustainability, affordability as well as security of energy supply at regional, national and European level.

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Kenya:

Kenya Shifts Renewable Energy Funding (Thomson Reuters Foundation)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

The recent announcement by the Kenya electricity generating company (Kengen) inviting bids for joint development of geothermal resources along the Kenyan Rift Valley marks a shift in funding for energy in the country.

It used to be that such projects were funded through development loans and grants from donor countries, often tying the funding with other issues such as good governance. This in many cases slowed down the expansion of the power sector because the government had to first pass muster on governance issues and donors could pull out of projects without notice.

The confidence that is being shown by investors now is perhaps an indication of growing economic interest in the region – and a much wider shift in funding. With its bid invitation, Kengen is breaking with the past by directly looking for commercial partners, even though the government still owns the majority of the geothermal effort.

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New Zealand:

Māori Look to Develop Geothermal Resources (waateanews.com)

Māori landowners have turned out in force to a Māori Geothermal symposium in Rotorua put on by GNS Science, Waiariki Institute of Technology and Te Puni Kokiri.

Keith Ikin, the polytech’s deputy chief executive, says many of the central North Island’s geothermal resources are still in Māori ownership, and hapū (tribe folk) are keen to understand how they can develop it.

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USA, California:

Ormat to Install 10.8 MW Solar Modules at Heber Geothermal Complex (Virtual Press Office - press release)

ET Solar Group Corp., today announced that it is supplying 10.8 MWe photovoltaic modules to Ormat Technologies Inc., for their first photovoltaic power plant in California.

This photovoltaic power plant is located near Ormat's Heber geothermal power plant in Imperial Valley, about 140 miles to the east of San Diego. The power generated from this plant will be purchased by Imperial Irrigation District under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.

GRC Patron member Ormat Technologies, Inc. will have a booth at the GEA Expo run in conjunction with the GRC Annual Meeting, Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.

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USA, Oregon:

Oregon Institute of Technology Breaks Ground on Renewable Energy Projects (Herald and News)

The Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) in Klamath Falls, Oregon, has broken ground on several renewable energy projects designed to make the campus almost 100 percent carbon neutral, and it's being done at virtually no cost to the university.

A two MW solar array and a new, 1.75 MWe geothermal power plant will make OIT the first college in the nation to produce nearly all of its power on-site with renewable energy. And it's not even close, said Bob Simonton, a renewable energy consultant who is managing the projects.

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Australia:

Australian Geothermal Energy Conference

Presented by the Australian Geothermal Energy Association (AGEA) and the Australian Geothermal Energy Group (AGEG).

Thursday 14th and Friday 15th November 2013

Queensland Bioscience Precinct,
The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland

Philippines:

Maibarara Geothermal Power Plant to be Ready by October (BusinessWorld Online Edition)

Maibarara Geothermal, Inc. (MGI), a unit of PetroEnergy Resources Corp., targets to start the commercial operations of its 20 MWe geothermal power plant in Batangas by October, an official said after the parent firm’s annual stockholders’ meeting yesterday in Makati City.

“August, September and October will be the testing and commissioning and then commercial operations is October,” Milagros V. Reyes, PetroEnergy president, told reporters when asked about updates on the project.

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USA, California:

Casa Diablo IV Geothermal Development Project Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report Available (PennEnergy)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the United States Forest Service (USFS), and the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD), a California State agency, have prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed 33 MWe binary Casa Diablo IV Geothermal Development Project near the town of Mammoth Lakes in Mono County, California, and by this notice are announcing its availability.

Casa Diablo IV Geothermal Development Project Final EIS/EIR

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Japan:

Geothermal Power Plant Excavation Survey to be Conducted in Quasi-Natl Park (The Japan News)

An excavation survey for developing a geothermal power plant will be started late this month in a special area of Kurikoma quasi-national park in Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture in northern Japan, it has been learned.

Power plant development in special areas, which had been prohibited, became possible following deregulation by the Environment Ministry in March last year, with some conditions such as the consent of local communities. While there are seven special areas in five national or quasi-national parks where the development of geothermal power plants is being planned, Kurikoma quasi-national park will be the first site where actual implementation of the excavation survey goes ahead.

According to the Akita prefectural government and other sources, the survey will be jointly conducted by multiple entities including Idemitsu Kosan Co., a major petroleum company. They will use a technique called “directional drilling” in the excavation work, which is to be conducted in the special area, part of the Oyasu area of Yuzawa, over several months.

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USA, Nevada:

Nevada Invests in Renewables (Reno Gazette Journal)

The Silver State is investing significant political capital on green energy by opening new markets in Nevada, sending a strong message that renewables continue to be a key priority for the state.

A trio of new laws passed in the last legislative session and approved by Gov. Brian Sandoval are expected to provide a boost to renewable energy development in the state by freeing up new capacity from retiring plants, updating renewable energy credit requirements and restructuring tax abatements for local areas.

Governor Sandoval has been invited to speak at the Opening Session of the GRC Annual Meeting, Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. 

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Djibouti:

Geothermal Development in Djibouti Boosted by African Development Group (AfricanBrains)

A new project supported by the African Development Group (AfDB) plans to exploit the geothermal potential in the Lake Assal region to enable Djiboutian population’s access to a reliable, renewable and affordable source of energy.

The geothermal exploration project in the Lake Assal region is structured as Public Private Partnership, where the government of Djibouti is taking the lead on the first exploration and appraisal drilling phase. The private sector will be responsible for the production drilling, steam gathering system and electricity production and evacuation to the national grid.

In collaboration with the World Bank, the African Development Bank Group has structured the financing of this project. The first phase will cost approximately US$ 32 million. The AfDB Board approved a USD 7.5 million financing from the African Development Fund and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), a Danish funded initiative implemented by the AfDB.

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Global:

The GRC Awards ‐ Seeking the Best in Global Geothermal

The deadline for nominations for the 32nd Annual GRC Awards has been extended to Friday, July 12.

Last year's GRC Award winners

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has announced that the deadline for nominations for this year’s GRC Awards has been extended to Friday, July 12.

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 winners will honored at the GRC Awards Luncheon, the climax to the GRC Annual Meeting being held at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA from September 29 –October 2. The theme for this year’s meeting is Geothermal: A Global Resource, from Larderello to Las Vegas.

“The recipients of these awards often have a lifetime of achievement in the geothermal academic, scientific and commercial communities”, said GRC interim Executive Director Steve Ponder. “The GRC Awards recognizes the contributions of these individuals to the geothermal sector”.

More information on the GRC Awards, including a nomination form (PDF) (Word version), can be found on the GRC website. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 12.

Global:

USA, Nevada:

Geothermal: An All-Purpose Clean Energy Source (Mountain Democrat)

As a rare June rainstorm added drama to the skies of northern Nevada a little known revolution has been slowly evolving under the ground.

In the Basin and Range geology that distinguishes northern Nevada from its southern desert area are hot springs and hot wells that are powering this state and wheeling power to California’s Independent System Operator based in Folsom.

Ormat Technologies Inc. geothermal power plant in Reno puts out 100 megawatts, enough to power every residence in that city.

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Canada, Chile:

Alterra Eyes First Geothermal Power in Chile From 2017 (Platts)

Drill site MP-02 at the Mariposa geothermal Project (Courtesy Alterra Power)

Renewable-energy firm Alterra Power of Vancouver, British Columbia, could produce its first electricity in Chile from geothermal sources as soon as 2017, after forming a joint venture with the Philippines' Energy Development Corporation (EDC), an executive told Platts on Tuesday.

"That's the most optimistic date, 2017 or 2018," said John Selters, general manager of Alterra Chile, on the sidelines of the FORO SIC energy conference in Concepcion, Chile.

In the deal closed late last month, EDC, a leading producer of geothermal power, will earn a 70% stake in Alterra's 104,000-hectare Mariposa concession, around 250 kilometers south of Santiago, by spending $58.3 million to bring the project to a bankable feasibility stage.

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Netherlands:

Dutch Company Presents Idea to Harvest Geothermal Heat from Oil Wells at EAGE Annual Conference

For the second consecutive year Amsterdam Petroleum Geoscience (AmsterdamPG) was present at the European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers (EAGE) annual conference and exhibition, which took place in London June 10-13.

At this year's exhibition, AmsterdamPG introduced the idea of turning abandoned wells, drowned wells or water-injection wells of petroleum fields into geothermal systems.

Abandoned oil & gas wells or wells that watered-out, often can be converted into geothermal producers at low effort and costs.

Geothermal energy is an upcoming source of clean, sustainable and directly available energy. It has near-zero CO2 emission, is non-polluting and represents long-term stable energy prices. Exploration, appraisal and development of geothermal reservoirs have many similarities with oil and gas development.

Germany:

Update on German Geothermal Development (ThinkGeoEnergy.)

The German Geothermal Energy Association (GtV – Bundesverband Geothermie) has recently published an overview of current installed capacity of geothermal installations for 2012.

The German geothermal industry differentiates between “Deep Geothermal (applications)” at a depth of below 400 m and “Shallow Geothermal” at a depth above 400 meters deep.

Today, there are 22 geothermal facilities in operation with an installed capacity of 223 MW including 5 geothermal power plants with a combined capacity of 12.5 MW.

There are today 59 projects in planning or development. Thereof 16 are currently in development, with a combined  electricity generation capacity of 42.6 MW and a geothermal heating capacity of 171 MW thermal. The planned depth ranges from 600m to a depth of 5,200 meters. Three of the projects in development are classified as EGS projects.

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Iceland:

UN Secretary General Praises Geothermal Energy (United Nations)

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's remarks at the University of Iceland: "Iceland and the United Nations: Building a Sustainable Future for All" - Reykjavik, 2 July 2013

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (centre) on his visit to Hellisheidi Power Plant, located in the Hengill area, an active volcanic ridge in southwest Iceland. Also pictured: Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson (left), Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland; and Bjarni Bjarnason, Director-General of the Reykjavík Energy Authority, which operates the power plant. (Courtesy United Nations)

I am energized here in Iceland. Maybe it has something to do with the remarkable Hellisheiði [geothermal] energy plant I just visited.

Iceland makes important contributions across this agenda. You are a global leader in renewable energy - giving the world a glimpse of the possibility of a sustainable, low-emissions future.

Iceland is taking big steps to promote sustainable energy both at home and around the world. I have seen it for myself and I commend you for it.

Energy will be critical in helping us avoid the worst impacts of climate change and in making a much-needed transition to sustainable development.

My Sustainable Energy for All Initiative aims to help jump-start the transition. It brings together the main actors - governments, business and others. It focuses on dramatic increases in energy access, efficiency and the use of renewables by 2030.

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Philippines:

Chevron Eyes More Geothermal Projects in Philippines (Yahoo! Philippines)

American firm Chevron, via its Filipinized corporate vehicle Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Inc. (PGPC) which is majority owned by the Sy Group, has indicated further investments in geothermal resource exploration and developments in the country.

In a statement to the media, PGPC president Antonio Yee noted that their company is encouraged to inject fresh investments following the issuance of their new service contracts (SCs) by the Department of Energy (DOE).

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USA, Nevada:

Ram Power, Corp. Announces Agreement With Project Lenders to Extend Construction Loan Period for San Jacinto-Tizate (News Release)

San Jacinto-Tizate (Courtesy Ram Power)

Ram Power, Corp. announced today that the company reached an agreement with its project lenders syndicate, led by the International Finance Corporation, to amend its Phase II Credit Agreement for the San Jacinto-Tizate Project in the northwest of Nicaragua.

Ram Power and the lenders reached an agreement to amend its Phase II Credit Agreement for Project to extend the date for conversion of the construction loan to a term loan from June 29, 2013 to July 31, 2013. The amendment provides for sufficient time for the Company and lenders to modify and obtain credit committee approvals for certain conditions precedent associated with the loan documents for conversion.

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USA, Nevada:

Apple Plans to Use Geothermal Energy at Reno Data Center (datacenterdynamics.com)

U.S. technology company Apple is staying true to its promise to move to 100% renewable energy, putting plans in place for a large solar farm in Reno, Nevada, where it is building a giant data center.

It is working with local utility NV Energy to build the solar farm in Northern Nevada on 167 acres of land which will provide 18 to 20 MW of power for its data center in the Reno Technology Park, managed by the Unique Infrastructure Group.

Apple said it also plans to use geothermal energy to make up its planned 100% renewable energy mix at Reno.

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Commonwealth of Dominica:

Dominica to Host Donor Conference to Attract Geothermal Investment (Caribbean Journal)

Dominica will be hosting a donor conference in September aimed at boosting support for its geothermal energy project.

More than $30 million has been spent on the project in the country’s Roseau Valley.

Following recent talks between Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and the Agence Francaise de Developpement in Paris, Dominica said the AFD was “prepared to fund the first plant,” which would have a capacity of 15 MW.

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Philippines:

Philippines Geothermal Output to Rise 75% by 2030 (Manila Standard Today)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

The Philippines Energy Department plans to expand the country’s geothermal power capacity by 1,445 MW by 2030 with total potential investments of P325,125 billion.

Renewable Energy Management Bureau director Mario Marasigan said in a forum the additional geothermal capacity target represented a 75-percent increase to the current installed capacity of 1,848 MW.

Visayas currently has the highest installed capacity with 915 MW. Luzon has 824 MW while Mindanao has 108 MW of geothermal energy.

Marasigan said the bulk of the new capacity, or 1,160 MW, is expected to be added between 2015 and 2020, with the additional geothermal installation target  entailing investments of around P261 billion.

New geothermal areas will account for 930 MW between 2015 and 2020, while the  expansion of existing fields is expected to contribute 230 MW.

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USA, Hawai'i:

Opinion: For Native Hawaiians, Supporting Geothermal Makes Cultural Sense (Honolulu Civil Beat)

‘Auwe nohoi! We are at a critical turning point in our history.  For the first time in a long, long while, Native Hawaiians and the public at large are poised to play a meaningful role in how we shape our future.

The trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) were recently presented with the opportunity to make change happen.  Innovations Development Group (IDG), a Native Hawaiian company that is already developing geothermal energy on behalf of a number of Maori Trusts, took to OHA the results of nearly two years of canvassing the Hawaii geothermal community.

After months of careful internal consideration and external review, the OHA trustees voted almost unanimously to invest as a player in a groundbreaking effort to finally do something about our dependence on imported oil by developing a firm power alternative: geothermal. The investment met OHA's strategic priorities. It is in line with its mission. It is consistent with OHA’s direct investment policies and meets the requirements set out under federal law in the Uniform Prudent Investment Act. 


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USA, California:

Calpine Recognized with 12th California Department of Conservation Award (News Release)

 Pictured at the DOGGR award presentation were (L-R) Ben Minx, Field Engineer, DOGGR; Joe Austin, Geothermal District Engineer, DOGGR; Bruce Carlsen, Director Environmental Services, Calpine; Karl Urbank, Vice President, Technical Services, Calpine; Liz Johnson, Geothermal Officer, DOGGR; Paul Graham, Drilling Engineer, Calpine.

On June 20, the California Department of Conservation’s Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR) presented its annual Outstanding Geothermal Field and Lease Facility Maintenance Award to The Geysers for the Prati lease operated by CPN Wild Horse Geothermal, LLC.

This is GRC Group Member Calpine Corporation’s 12th consecutive annual lease award. Currently, CPN Wild Horse Geothermal operates 16 wells in The Geysers Geothermal field, seven of which are located on the Prati lease. Altogether, Calpine operates 326 active wells and 15 power plants in The Geysers geothermal field that are capable of producing 725 MWe of clean, reliable, renewable power.

USA:

Atlas Copco Secoroc Advances to 2nd Phase of R&D Project for Department of Energy (News Release)

The U.S. Dept. of Energy has approved GRC Company Member Atlas Copco Secoroc’s plan to move on to Phase 2 of a three-year research and development project. In 2012 Atlas Copco received a $3.4 million DOE grant to work with Sandia National Laboratories to create a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer design capable of low-cost, high-production drilling in the extreme heat of deep geothermal wells.

The overall DOE goal is to increase the feasibility of geothermal energy production by lowering the cost and financial risk associated with this environmentally friendly means of power generation.

Atlas Copco will have a booth at the GEA Expo run in conjunction with the GRC Annual Meeting, Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.

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USA, Oregon:

U.S. Geothermal Inc. Announces Substantial Completion at Neal Hot Springs Power Plant (News Release)

U.S. Geothermal Inc., announced today that USG Oregon LLC, has accepted the Facility Substantial Completion certificate for the 22 MWe Neal Hot Springs Project located in Malheur County, Oregon.    

The certificate of Substantial Completion was received from TAS Energy, Inc. on June 17 and approval was granted by USG Oregon on  June 27. Under an Equipment Supply Agreement, TAS Energy provided three innovative, high efficiency modular energy systems that generate approximately 22 MW (net) of  power, which is being sold to Idaho Power under a long term sales agreement. Achieving Substantial Completion required, among other things, passing an integral 7 day reliability test. 

The reliability test required all three modules to operate continuously for 7 days  while generating a minimum of 97% of the designed power output.

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USA, Japan:

Japanese Pump Maker Buys 50% of FEDCO (News Release)

Torishima Pump Mfg. Co. Ltd. of Japan has acquired a 50% stake in Fluid Equipment Development Company (FEDCO), based in Monroe, Michigan, the U.S. manufacturer of high- and low pressure pumps and energy-recovery equipment for desalination.

Torishima currently designs and manufactures centrifugal pumps and pumping systems for a variety of applications with installations throughout the world.

Torishima Pump Mfg. Co., Ltd. will have a booth at the GEA Expo run in conjunction with the GRC Annual Meeting, Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.

USA:

Geothermal Searches for Avenues to Build Critical Steam (RenewableEnergyWorld.com)

The teams of geothermal geologists, driven executives and keen marketers assembled in Reno this week for the Third Annual National Geothermal Summit, are easily as optimistic as their counterparts in the solar and wind renewable energy industries, but they perhaps are a tad more perplexed.

Why isn’t geothermal yet taking off like it should? Solar and wind installations are growing at mouth-watering double-digit rates. But geothermal requirements of a longer lead time and higher developmental costs mean that it simply is not cost competitive for a place in utilities’ state-mandated renewable portfolios — if lowest cost kilowatts are the only criteria the utilities consider.

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USA, California:

Cornerstone Sustainable Energy Enters Into Surprise Valley Geothermal Project Development Agreement (GlobeNewswire - News Release)

 CSE PwrCor™ Engine (Courtesy CSE)

Cornerstone Sustainable Energy (CSE) has entered into an agreement with Warner Mountain Energy Corporation to begin the first phase of development of a potential 1.5 MWe geothermal energy plant to be located at the Surprise Valley Hot Springs in Cedarville, California.

This phase of development will include a feasibility analysis, conceptual design, and budgeting to install CSE's PwrCor engine with required site infrastructure to generate electrical power. The electricity generated would be entirely "green". This would be the first installation using the PwrCor engine to generate electricity by using heat from a geothermal resource.

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USA, Africa:

Obama Announces $7B Investment to Develop Energy in Africa (Atlanta Black Star)

"A light where currently there is darkness; the energy needed to lift people out of poverty -- that’s what opportunity looks like."

The future of Africa was the focus of President Obama’s sweeping speech in Cape Town, where he announced a $7 billion U.S. electricity initiative.

The new U.S.-led initiative intends to double access to electric power across Africa, with Obama vowing to help bring “light where there is currently darkness.”
Called “Power Africa,” the program will use a $7 billion U.S. investment to expand access to electricity in six African countries: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Tanzania.

The funds will expand the reach of power grids and developing geothermal, hydro, wind and solar power.

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Technology:

University of Nevada, Reno Case Study: Optim Improves Success of Geothermal Energy Drilling (Sparks Today)



(VIDEO - 2:29 Minutes)

As the geothermal industry fights to fulfill its potential with funding drying up, Optim, a Reno-based seismic data analysis software company, could provide a solution to exploration problems, its founders said.

Company president Bill Honjas and vice president and GRC Member Satish Pullammanappallil have developed seismic imaging techniques that have increased the success rate of locating drilling targets for geothermal power to more than 80 percent, compared with the industry average of 20 percent.

It lowers the cost of exploration and reduces risks because companies are drilling more productive wells and fewer dry holes, they said, and the new method allows a larger return to investors and could drive more development.

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USA:

Solar, Wind Overtake Geothermal at DoD Facilities (Federal Times)

Since 1987, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Calif., has tapped into geothermal wells to produce about 270 MWe of energy annually — enough to power 180,000 homes and making it the largest renewable energy project within the U.S. Defense Department.

But while geothermal energy has been a big part of the Defense Department’s past, tight budgets and difficulties developing geothermal energy mean it will be a smaller portion of the department’s renewable energy future, according to officials, contractors and DoD data.

Nine projects at DoD installations produce geothermal energy, according to the report. In 2011, geothermal energy use accounted for 74 percent of all renewable energy used by DoD installations. But one year later, that fell to 49 percent, according to the DoD energy management report released in early June. The declining share of geothermal energy was driven mainly by a rapid increase in solar, wind and waste-to-energy projects.

The Department of Navy Geothermal Program Office will have a booth at the GEA Expo run in conjunction with the GRC Annual Meeting, Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.
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USA:

A Whole New Way of Thinking About Geothermal (Greentech Media)

It’s baseload, but it can also make the grid work for wind and solar.

Geothermal is rebranding itself.

“Since the first geothermal project in 1905 in Italy, the industry has always positioned itself as baseload and crafted power purchase agreements to maximize that one attribute,” said Paul Thomsen, Ormat Technologies' Policy and Business Director, at a kickoff press conference for the U.S. GEA National Geothermal Summit. “Geothermal shouldn't be defined by one specific attribute.”

The need for geothermal as a baseload service is growing, Thomsen said. Which technologies can replace the coal plants being retired and nuclear plants going out of service? According to Thomsen, geothermal, hydro and natural gas are the most likely candidates.

GRC Patron Member company Ormat Technologies, Inc. will have a booth at the GEA Expo run in conjunction with the GRC Annual Meeting, Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.

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USA, Colorado:

Drilling of Aspen Geothermal Test Well Ends (Aspen Times)

Drilling of a test well near Herron Park in Aspen to see if the potential exists for a geothermal-energy project is expected to have finished last weekend, according to the city of Aspen staffer who is overseeing the project.

Touted as an environmental initiative, the test well aims to find out if there is an underground water source with a temperature high enough to enable the city to develop a geothermal heating or electricity-producing system, another way for the community to reduce its carbon footprint.

Jeff Rice, utilities efficiency manager for the city, said the drilling reached a 1,400-foot depth Wednesday. The city wants to get to 1,500 feet by Friday, the maximum allowable level for the project.

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New Zealand:

Ngatamariki Geothermal Power Station Reaches Full Capacity During Testing Your Renewable News (News Release)

Mighty River Power’s 82 MWe Ngatamariki Geothermal Power Station near Taupo reached full capacity for the first time on June 28, a significant milestone in the commissioning program for the station.

Mighty River Power’s General Manager Development, Mark Trigg, said reaching full capacity with all four generating units in operation and supplying the national grid was in line with the previously disclosed schedule and budget for the station.

The addition of the base load Ngatamariki power station will further expand Mighty River Power’s annual electricity production, and will take the contribution from renewable geothermal to more than 40% of the Company’s total generation.

“During July and August we’ll be continuing with testing and tuning of the individual units and the overall plant which will see variation in total output, before Ngatamariki settles into its normal base load role," Mr Trigg said.

Armenia:

Potential for Geothermal Energy in Armenia (Aysor)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

There is much potential for geothermal energy in Armenia. This potential amounts to 250 MWe (25% of electricity consumed in Armenia) in Aragatsotn province, the deputy head of Pure Energy NGO Hayk Khachatrian told Aysor.am. Their NGO participated in the 6th DigiTec business forum held in Yerevan recently.

According to H. Khachatrian, the geothermal potential of Aragatsotn province has been studied, but there are also geothermal springs in Syunik. He explained that geothermal energy is generated from hot underground water that occurs in deep strata (6 thousand meters deep) so it is necessary to drill wells in order to pump hot water.

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Indonesia:

Lessons from Indonesia: Mobilizing Investment in Geothermal Energy (Environmental Expert - News Release)

The development of Indonesia’s geothermal energy sector—and the starts and stops along the way—provides an interesting case study on how to create readiness for low-carbon energy. By addressing barriers such as pricing distortions and resource-exploration risks, the country has begun to create a favorable climate for geothermal investment.

World Resources Institute (WRI)’s six-part blog series, Mobilizing Clean Energy Finance, highlights individual developing countries’ experiences in scaling up investments in clean energy and explores the role climate finance plays in addressing investment barriers. The cases draw on WRI’s recent report, Mobilizing Climate Investment.

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Kenya:

Kenya Steams Ahead (FRANCE 24)

Kenya's Rift Valley hides a treasure buried several kilometers beneath the earth's surface: geothermal energy. Today only 13 percent of Kenya's electricity is provided by this source of power, but its potential is more than five times the population's entire demand.



This week the Down to Earth team visits Olkaria, the birthplace of geothermal energy in Africa. Kenyan authorities have backed efforts to expand the power plant's production capacity, but not everyone is happy about it.

Africa's Maasai community has lived on the surrounding land for centuries. As part of the expansion, dozens of families will be forced to resettle. The tribal leaders are demanding a share of the geothermal wealth.

At the same time, Kenya has other sites under construction. The country plans to multiply its electricity production tenfold by the year 2030, using geothermal as its driver. Eventually it could even export its energy, by tapping into this abundant resource that will never run out. (VIDEO- 11:17 Minutes)

Kenya, Japan:

Japan Seeks to Develop Kenya’s Geothermal Plan (Daily Nation)

The Japanese want to play a key role in Kenya’s plan to develop 5,000 MWe of geothermal electricity. Though the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan is seeking Kenya’s nod to allow it develop the country’s master plan on geothermal development.

Speaking in Nairobi on Friday at the signing of a grant to the Geothermal Development Company (GDC), JICA’s industrial development and public policy director-general Hidetoshi Irigaki said that Japan would also offer technical help to Kenya.

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Turkey:

Mitsubishi Wins Geothermal Turbine Order (Power Engineering International)

Germencik geothermal power plant

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has received an order for a steam turbine from Gurmat Electricity Generation for the second 47 MWe at the Germencik geothermal power plant (pictured) in Turkey.

The No.2 unit at the plant, which is located 60 km south of Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city, is slated to go on stream in 2015.

Mitsubishi Power Systems Americas will have a booth at the GEA Expo run in conjunction with the GRC Annual Meeting, Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.

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New Zealand:

Chinese Company Buys Taupo Geothermal Power Station (3News NZ)

A Chinese power company wants to build a $300-million plant near Taupo.
It will be the first Chinese power plant in New Zealand, and its owner says it will provide more competition.

The site of China's first ever energy plant in New Zealand is just outside Taupo. When fully developed, it will operate 24 hours a day for the next 50 years.

The Overseas Investment Office has just approved the deal, and 3 News has details under the Official Information Act. The land already had a partly finished geothermal plant on it, and Chinese rich-lister Dr Wanying will spent more than $300 million developing it over the next three years.

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USA, California:

California Grid Operator Asks Geothermal to Help Feed the Duck (Energy Collective)

According to the most recent California Public Utilities Commission report, the state’s investor-owned utilities have built or contracted for their mandated renewables requirements, California Independent System Operator (ISO) VP Karen Edson said, and procurement for geothermal is predicted to fall faster and further than that for wind or solar.

“The 2011 ISO interconnection queue had about 1,300 MWe of geothermal,” she said. “Today we are down to 144 MWe.”

"But geothermal has the ability to move in response to conditions and provide system operators with flexibility,” Edson said. “This industry needs to rethink its baseload generation model.”

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Indonesia:

Opinion: Geothermal Energy — Challenges and Innovation in Indonesia (Jakarta Post)

The driving force behind geothermal development in Indonesia is Article 33 of the Constitution on development of the energy sector. From independence up to the decentralization in 1998/1999, this was done through state-owned enterprise Pertamina.

All geothermal development in that period was through joint venture agreements with Pertamina who managed geothermal resources on behalf of government. The current geothermal capacity is 1.2 gigawatts with the majority of the plant using steam supplied by Pertamina.

After deregulation, geothermal resources were carved up between the national and local governments. Which local government entity would have control was defined by the location of the resources. These could be one or two districts or the provincial government.

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USA:

How to Move Geothermal Forward in U.S. (Domestic Fuel)

The U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) recently gathered in Reno, Nevada for its third annual National Geothermal Summit and the key topic was how to move geothermal forward.

One way, as identified by Stacey Crowley, director, Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy and Karen Edson, vice president, policy and client services for California ISO, noted that as intermittent power grows, states have an urgent need for power that can fill the gaps and keep the system reliable. They said that geothermal energy can be part of the solution.

In addition, Crowley and Edson stressed the geothermal should no longer be considered to be a baseload technology, but rather a firm, yet flexible energy option that can meet the needs of today’s power systems- especially as aging coal plants are replaced with clean energy.

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Global:

The GRC Awards ‐ Seeking the Best in Global Geothermal

The deadline for nominations for the 32nd Annual GRC Awards has been extended to Friday, July 12.

Last year's GRC Award winners

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has announced that the deadline for nominations for this year’s GRC Awards has been extended to  Friday, July 12.

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 winners will honored at the GRC Awards Luncheon, the climax to the GRC Annual Meeting being held at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA from September 29 –October 2. The theme for this year’s meeting is Geothermal: A Global Resource, from Larderello to Las Vegas.

“The recipients of these awards often have a lifetime of achievement in the geothermal academic, scientific and commercial communities”, said GRC interim Executive Director Steve Ponder. “The GRC Awards recognizes the contributions of these individuals to the geothermal sector”.

More information on the GRC Awards, including a nomination form (PDF), can be found on the GRC website. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 12.

USA:

U.S. National Geothermal Student Competition - Winner Announced (DOE/EERE)

Congratulations to the University of Rochester for winning the 2013 Geothermal Student Competition!

The final four Semi-Finalists pitched their plans to develop a geothermal enterprise in their home state/region to a panel of geothermal experts drawn from the private and public sector yesterday at the U.S. GEA National Geothermal Summit in Reno, Nevada.

The scores and order of placement below reflects the combined totals of the business plan grade and the presentation grade.

1. University of Rochester
2. OIT
3. Cal Poly Pomona
4. University of South Dakota

USA, Nevada:

U.S. National Geothermal Student Competition - Business Pitch Competition Finale is Today! (DOE/EERE)

Wednesday, June 26th 

4:00 pm - Carson 4 Meeting Room
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Reno, Nevada

The final four Semi-Finalists are being showcased at the U.S. GEA National Geothermal Summit in Reno, Nevada. 

This exciting event allows the finalists to pitch their plans to develop a geothermal enterprise in their home state/region to a panel of geothermal experts drawn from the private and public sector.

USA:

President Obama’s Climate Action Plan

USA:

Obama Outlines Ambitious Plan to Cut Greenhouse Gases (New York Times)

President Obama, declaring that “Americans across the country are already paying the price of inaction” on climate change, on Tuesday announced sweeping measures to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and prepare the nation for a future of damaging weather aggravated by rising temperatures.

Embracing an issue that could define his legacy but also ignite new battles with Republicans, Mr. Obama said he would use his executive powers to require reductions in the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the nation’s power plants.

That was the centerpiece of a three-part plan that includes new federal spending to advance renewable energy technology, as well as spending to protect cities and states from the ravages of storms and droughts that are exacerbated by a changing climate.

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