Japan:

Idemitsu and Partners Start Geothermal Drilling Surveys (Bloomberg)

Idemitsu Kosan Co., Inpex Corp. and Mitsui Oil Exploration Co. have begun drilling surveys for geothermal power  at two locations in northern Japan.

The surveys are being conducted at the Kurikoma national park in Akita prefecture and the Amemasudake area in Hokkaido, the companies said in a statement today.

The partners will continue the study through November, according to the statement. The companies plan to drill more exploratory wells at both sites until March 2016 before deciding whether to move on to the next phase of the study.

The next stage includes the drilling of production pilot wells, tests for steam production and hot water re-injection, the companies said in the statement.

USA, Colorado:

City of Aspen Yields 'Positive' Results from Geothermal Test (Aspen Business Journal)

(Courtesy Chris Council/Aspen Daily News)

The city of Aspen and its contractor have completed the final stage of drilling a geothermal test well and, they say, initial test results are positive in terms of pressure, geologic layer and temperature.

The test well, which is 1,520 feet deep, has water flowing to the surface with initial estimates of temperatures being around the 90-degree range at the bottom of the well and just below 70 degrees at the surface.

The city’s consultant, John Kaufman said in addition to the warm temperatures, there were other surprises.

“The water level came in higher than we expected,” he said. “We expected the water level to be around that of the creek based on old mine maps but it actually came in artesian at the ground surface at 29 psi (pounds per square inch). Normal pressure in a household faucet is about 60 psi, so this means no pump is needed and the water is really clear. It’s a great benefit to the city.”

Read More......

USA:

Comprehensive Diagram Charts USA’s Energy Use and Waste (POWERnews)

An updated energy flow chart released by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) that visually depicts the relative size of primary energy resources and end uses in the U.S., with fuels compared on a common energy unit basis, shows the nation consumed more natural gas and renewables but less coal in 2012.

Read More.....

Indonesia:

Indonesian Push for Geothermal Energy Faces Bureaucratic Hurdles - Officials (Reuters AlertNet)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

In a country heavily dependent on coal and other fossil fuels for energy, accessing new clean geothermal power could both curb climate-changing emissions and provide much-needed new energy.

But officials say an effort to transform Indonesia’s energy generation, by providing access to international loans to develop the country’s rich geothermal potential, has potential but is running up against bureaucratic barriers that could slow progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating additional power.

To support the development of geothermal power, the country is accessing $125 million in loans, at lower than usual interest rates, through the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), part of the Climate Investment Funds, a $7.6 billion international financing mechanism to support low-carbon development and adaptation to climate change in developing countries.

Read More.....

USA, Indiana:

Big Geothermal Getting Bigger at Ball State (EarthTechling)

The geothermal pump house at Ball State
(Courtesy The Hagerman Group

When we think of geothermal power, we think of geysers and bubbling, boiling waters that can be tapped for utility-scale production. But there’s a very different world of geothermal power, where onsite implementation can yield water-heating and air heating and cooling, and nowhere is it more clear than at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

There, the nation’s biggest ground-source, closed-loop geothermal heating and cooling system now is about to get bigger.

University trustees backed completion of the second phase of a geothermal project that when completed – in 2015, according to plans – will save $2 million a year while halving the university’s carbon footprint as it continues to reduce its reliance on old coal-fired boilers.

There will be five papers on the topic of Geothermal Heat-Pumps presented at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Energy Expo, Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.

Read More.....

Australia:

Geodynamics Receives Clean Energy Council Innovation Award (Press Release)

Geodynamics Limited was honored with the Australian Clean Energy Council (CEC) Innovation Award at last night’s CEC Clean Energy Week Gala Event.

The award recognizes the leading edge technology developed and deployed in producing Australia’s first Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) power with the commissioning of the 1MWe Habanero Pilot Plant.

The Clean Energy Council is the peak body representing Australia's clean energy sector. The CEC's members are involved in the development of clean energy technologies such as bioenergy, cogeneration, energy efficiency, geothermal, hydro, solar, solar hot water, marine and wind.

Read More.....

USA, Idaho:

Testing the Waters: Tapping Idaho's Geothermal Potential (Twin Falls Times-News)

The ThermaSource Rig 101 perched like a hungry mosquito over the dusty ranchland as workers busied themselves.

Somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000 feet below the Walker Ranch Energy drilling site, an underground river of hot water pulsed through the Earth — an everlasting fuel source that developers hope to capture.

A stone’s throw away, other explorers already have tapped the 280-degree water, called brine. U.S. Geothermal Inc.’s Raft River Energy project — the state’s only commercial geothermal power plant — has used the brine to power about 10,000 homes a year since 2007.

Expectations are high at Walker Ranch, where Rig 101 soon will drill one of Idaho’s few geothermal energy exploration wells in recent memory. Walker Ranch developers such as Trent Yang hope to tap the same resource that U.S. Geothermal has been using. They hope their years of planning will result in a $150 million, 25-megawatt power plant built there by the end of 2015.

“It’s testing the waters. Hopefully, they’ll hit some good flow and be able to make something out of it,” said Steve Lubinski, geologist for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Burley field office.

Read More......

Kenya:

Geothermal Development Company Jobs Available (EA Joblist)

Career Opportunities are available at Geothermal Development Company Limited (GDC).

To achieve its objectives, GDC is seeking to recruit suitably qualified and highly motivated staff to support the development of steam equivalent to 5000 MW in the next 17 years.

The candidates will be responsible for undertaking surface exploration and working on drill rigs in sites including Magadi, Suswa, Bogoria, Arus, Lake Baringo, Chyulu, Mwananyamala, Homa Hills, Menengai, Barrier, Namarunu, Emuruangogolak, Silali, Korosi, Paka, Badlands and Chepchuk.

The ideal candidates should be able to work in camping environments in remote areas and have the following attributes: team player, high integrity, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, flexible and willing to work long hours.

Deadline for applications is 15th August, 2013.

Read More.....

Global:

Geothermal Resources Council Scholarship Applications Due August 16 (GRC News Release)

The Scholarship Awards will be presented at the 2013 GRC Annual Meeting and GEA Energy Expo.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC), a non-profit educational association dedicated to the promotion of geothermal energy and associated technologies around the world, is pleased to announce the availability of two (2) $USD 2,500 GRC Scholarship Awards.

Selection of recipients will be based upon a variety of factors, including the individual’s academic record, student activities, geothermal industry experience, and career goals.

To qualify, one must be enrolled in, or have been accepted into, a graduate-level program in engineering or geosciences, or be a third or fourth year undergraduate majoring in engineering or geosciences.

Your application must include:

1. Official copies of all college transcripts.
2. List of student activities, including offices held, as well as a list and brief description of all extracurricular and/or community activities.
3. List of geothermal-related classes and any relevant field or operational experience.
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references. 
5. A letter of application discussing the applicant’s background, career goals and objectives, with particular reference to applicant’s relationship to geothermal and the geo-sciences. The letter should also state how the applicant intends to use the scholarship and what results (publications, thesis etc.) will be produced.

Applications or questions should be addressed to:

Geothermal Resources Council
GRC Scholarship Award Committee
P.O. Box 1350
Davis, CA 95617
USA

Applications must be received by August 16, 2013 to be considered. Successful recipients will be notified by September 1, 2013. The Scholarship Awards will be presented at the 2013 GRC Annual Meeting and GEA Geothermal Energy Expo, held at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, September 29 – October 2.

Canada:

Can Alterra Power Corp. Convince Investors to Buy into Renewable Energy? (Alberta Oil Magazine)

Ross Beaty founded, sold and made a fortune in mining companies. So why don’t investors trust him to do the same in the renewable energy business?

Ross Beaty executive chairman
Alterra Corp. (Courtesy
Alberta Oil, Illustration Enrico Varrasso)

Ross Beaty’s career took a sharp left turn in 2008. That was the year the geologist and mineral financier, who made a fortune mining gold, silver and copper, turned his attention to renewable energy.

“ I think, quite frankly, that it’s a very difficult business in Canada and it will be a long, long time – requiring very high electricity prices – before it’s an economic proposition.” – Ross Beaty executive chairman Alterra Corp.

“I kind of became an unfortunate expert in geothermal power,” Beaty says, now executive chairman of Canada’s first geothermal electricity company, Alterra Power Corp. He had built and sold several public mineral companies before establishing Alterra in 2008. Beaty’s plan was to build a clean energy business that would be a good investment for shareholders and a good investment for the future of the earth.

Read More.....

Australia:

Geodynamics Starts Talks to Supply Power to Chevron, Santos (Bloomberg)


Geodynamics, said Santos Ltd. and Chevron Corp., developers of shale gas projects in central Australia, are interested in becoming customers.

Habanero Project Site (Courtesy Geodynamics)

“Those discussions have commenced,” Geoff Ward, chief executive officer of Brisbane-based Geodynamics, said today in a phone interview. “I’ve spoken to those operators, and they are very positive about acting as initial customers for us. They see the interest in this as a long-term supply resource.”

Geodynamics expects to sign a customer in six months to 12 months, Ward said. The company is also planning to apply for funding from Australia’s A$10 billion ($9.3 billion) Clean Energy Finance Corp. and looking for a new partner after Origin Energy Ltd. withdrew from a joint venture this year, he said.

Read More.....

Canada:

Geothermal Technology Roadmap: Global Best Practices Summary – Exploration through Generation (CanGEA)

The  Canadian geothermal industry is significantly lagging behind other countries with comparable resources. To address this issue, CanGEA has embarked upon the preparation of a Technology Roadmap and Implementation Plan (TRM&IP) intended to identify, address and remove roadblocks to the development of a fully fledged Canadian geothermal industry.

The TRM&IP  represents a sizeable body of work and  is not expected  to be published until 2015. This summary report, a preliminary study of global best practices, has been prepared to act as an accelerator to the larger TRM&IP.

Geothermal Technology Roadmap: Global Best Practices Summary – Exploration through Generation (PDF)

Philippines:

Philippines National Geothermal Association Meets to Promote Geothermal (Tempo)

The National Geothermal Association of the Philippines’ (NGAP) held its 10th annual forum to report the resurgence of geothermal energy production in the country. NGAP president and Philippine Geothermal Production Company’s (PGPC) Benjie Aquino along with Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, push for geothermal as a clean, renewable, sustainable energy source that can help supply power to the country and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Present at the forum held at Dusit Thani Hotel are (from left to right)- Carlos Jose P. Gatmaitan (President and CEO, PNOC Renewable Corp.; Michael Pierce (President, AP Renewables, Inc.); Ariel D. Fronda (NGAP BOD/DOE); Benjie Aquino; Carlos Jericho L. Petilla (Secretary, DOE); Mario Marasigan (NGAP BOD/Dir. REMB, DOE); Sylvia Ramos (NGAP BOD/EDC); Eugene Sunio (NGAP BOD/Chevron Geothermal Services Company); Justin Allen (Deputy Head of Mission, NZ Embassy Mla.); Antonio Yee (President, PGPC); and Bing Santos (Chevron Malampaya LLC).

NGAP is an organization of geothermal energy production companies, service providers, geologists, engineers and research and development professionals involved in harnessing geothermal energy in the Philippines.

United Kingdom, England:

English Town to Explore for Geothermal Energy (The Business Desk)

Cheshire East Council is pushing ahead with plans to harness heat from hot water thousands of meters below Crewe.

It wants to use a 2.5-acre site in Leighton West to investigate the potential of tapping into a geothermal energy source which it says could heat every house in the authority's area.

To exploit it boreholes 4km deep would be drilled to access water at a temperature of up to 100C. This water would then be pumped to the surface and used directly as a heat supply, or to produce steam to power turbines for electricity production.

Read More.....

Kenya:

Maasai Leaders Want a Share of KenGen's Revenue (Citizen News)

The Maasai community has vowed to block the expansion of geothermal exploration and taken over the disputed 75, 600 acres of the Kedong ranch.

Over 2,000 members of the Maasai community met on their spiritual land in Suswa where they said that the land belongs to their ancestors. Led by their political and religious leaders, they said they are demanding for 5%  of revenue generated by KenGen as the geothermal plant was on their land.

During the emotional prayer ceremony, the community said that for years it had been oppressed by the previous regimes. Narok East Member of Parliament Ken Aramat said the land belongs to the community and nobody had the right to sell it.

KenGen has already embarked on resettling some Maasai’s in Olkaria at the disputed land in Kedong at a cost believed to be worth billions of shillings. The move by the community puts in jeopardy the ongoing resettlement of their fellow community members living in the geothermal rich area of Olkaria.

Read More.....

USA, California:

Call For Abstracts for 2014 Stanford Geothermal Workshop

Abstract submission is now open for the 2014 Stanford Geothermal Workshop. Abstract submissions will close on Tuesday 22nd October 2013. ~ Submit an abstract.

The 2014 Stanford Geothermal Workshop will be held February 24-26, 2014 at Stanford University, California.

~ Author instructions and a listing of the main themes.

Australia:

Geodynamics Shows Off its 1MWe Habanero Pilot Plant (Geodynamics)

Today Geodynamics is hosting a site tour at its 1MWe Habanero Pilot Plant for a group of delegates including The Hon. Gary Gray AO, MP, Federal Minister for Resources and Energy.

Additional attendees include representatives from the South Australian Government, and Commonwealth authorities, such as Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), the Department for Manufacturing, Innovation, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE), and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (DRET).
The site tour will provide the opportunity for distinguished guests to view the 1MWe Habanero Pilot Plant in operation, witnessing first hand, Australia’s first Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) generated power.



1MWe Habanero Pilot Plant Virtual Tour from Geodynamics Limited.

USA, Wyoming:

How They Blow: Secrets of Yellowstone's Geysers (LiveScience)

Lone Star Geyser in Yellowstone National Park erupts about every three hours. It is one of the park's biggest geysers. (Courtesy Shaul Hurwitz) 

Despite more than a century of scrutiny, the inner workings of Old Faithful and other Yellowstone National Park geysers remain a mystery.

Scientists still hash over the basics, such as how water and steam pressurizes underground before a geyser erupts. Now, a high-tech look at Lone Star Geyser, one of the park's most punctual bubblers, could finally solve some of these long-standing puzzles. The research may also help scientists better understand and predict volcanic eruptions.

"The signals we record in geysers may put better constraints on the sources that generate those signals in volcanoes," said Shaul Hurwitz, a co-author of the study and a research hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, Calif.

Read More.....

Australia:

Geothermal Energy Yet to Capture the Imagination Down Under (CleanTechnica)

A graph courtesy of The Climate Institute, and its new publication, Climate of the Nation shows results from a poll of 1,009 Australians (over 18) taken in the first week of June of the popularity of energy sources.

Solar and wind are by far the most popular, and wind gained the most support from the previous year, jumping from 59 per cent to 67 per cent. Coal and nuclear were the least popular, with nuclear falling from 20 per cent to 13 per cent. No fossil fuel gained more than 28 per cent approval, and geothermal and ocean energy have yet to capture the imagination.

There were also some interesting findings along gender lines.

Geothermal energy seems to be a man-thing in Australia, with 28 per cent of men nominating the technology, but only 19 per cent of women.

Read More.....

USA:

Renewables Outpace Coal, Oil and Nuclear in The U.S. During First Half of Year (North American Windpower)

Renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, biomass, hydro and geothermal, accounted for 24.93% of all new U.S. electrical generating capacity installed in the first six months of this year for a total of 2,144 MW, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) latest Energy Infrastructure Update report (PDF).

Thus far this year, renewables provided more new generating capacity than did coal (1,579 MWe - 18.36%), oil (26 MWe - 0.30%) and nuclear power (0 MWe - 0.00%) combined. However, natural gas dominated the first half of 2013 with 4,852 MWe of new capacity (56.41%).

Among renewable energy sources, solar led the way for the first half of 2013 with 94 new "units" totaling 979 MWe followed by wind with eight new units totaling 959 MWe. Biomass added 36 new units totaling 116 MWe while water had eight new units with an installed capacity of 76 MWe and geothermal steam had one new unit of 14 MWe.

Read More.....

USA, Nicaragua:

Ram Power Commences Drilling Operations at San Jacinto-Tizate (Press Release)

Ram Power, Corp. is pleased to announce that the company, through its subsidiary Polaris Energy Nicaragua, S.A. (PENSA), has begun drilling operations at the San Jacinto-Tizate power project.

The remediation drilling program calls for the refurbishment of two existing production wells with a targeted increase in steam availability of approximately 9 to 14 MW, or 70-110 tonnes/hour of additional net capacity. The company will utilize the knowledge based on extensive geoscience analysis and the production performance of the wells during the first several months of operations.

Drilling operations are being led by Sinclair Knight Merz, the resource consultant for the company, in consultation with PENSA and Thermasource Inc. The program is expected to be completed by late October 2013, and all increased steam resources from the remediation program would be available for plant production during the latter part of the year.

Read More.....

Global:

BP Statistical Review of Geothermal Status Update 2013 (Energy Trends Insider)

The recently released 2013 BP Statistical Review of World Energy, supplemented by REN21′s recently-released 2013 Renewables Global Status Report (GSR), takes a snapshot of the geothermal industry. 

Geothermal energy is one of the most environmentally benign sources of energy, producing little to no emissions during normal operation. Like hydropower, geothermal electricity is a relatively mature renewable technology, which is reflected by its modest 4% annual growth rate over the past 5 years.

In 2012, at least 78 countries used geothermal directly for energy. Over two-thirds of the geothermal energy for direct use was through geothermal heat pumps. 24 countries operated geothermal plants for electricity production. Total geothermal electricity capacity was 11.7 GWe at the end of 2012. Capacity was led by the U.S. with 3.4 GWe of capacity, followed by the Philippines at 1.9 GWe, Indonesia at 1.3 GWe, Mexico at 1.0 GWe, and Italy at 0.9 GWe. On a per capita basis, Iceland leads the world with 0.7 GWe of capacity, which accounted for 30% of the country’s electricity in 2012.

Geothermal power will continue to make important contributions to the world’s renewable energy portfolio, but it is unlikely to see the kinds of growth rates likely to be experienced by solar power over the next decade. Geothermal power still produces more electricity globally than solar PV, but was passed up by wind power in recent years.

Read More.....

Tanzania:

Symbion to Introduce Geothermal Power in Tanzania (AllAfrica.com)

Symbion Power is one of the founding partners of Power Africa, and as one of the initiative’s private sector leaders, it aims to show results. “We were honored that President Barack Obama chose the Symbion Power Plant to announce Power Africa on his recent visit to Tanzania,” said Paul Hinks, Chief Executive Officer of Symbion Power.

Since Power Africa was announced, Symbion has signed a new agreement for geothermal power in Tanzania to use equipment and know how of Ormat Technologies Inc. from Nevada, and it will shortly make an announcement about a new initiative in Kenya, he said, adding “it is the President’s Power Africa initiative that is driving these new investments.”

(Video 7:22 Minutes)

Read More.....

Rwanda:

Rwanda Government Commences Geothermal Exploration (AllAfrica.com)

Rwandans stand to enjoy geothermal energy as an alternative source of electricity after government yesterday launched three wells at the slopes of Mt. Karisimbi in Kabatwa Sector, Nyabihu District.

The project, which is in exploratory stage, will focus on drilling three prospective wells, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Launching the project, the Minister for Infrastructure, Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, said the country looks forward to generating more energy through devising alternative sources.

"Once geothermal is discovered and the extraction done, Rwandans stand a chance to get cheap, accessible and reliable energy," Prof. Lwakabamba said.

"This is a milestone because we are entering a new phase and we hope that it will be productive. We believe this will change the cost of energy supply in Rwanda."

Read More.....

USA, California:

New PPA for Geothermal Energy from The Geysers (Renewable Energy Magazine - press release)

The Marin Energy Authority (MEA) has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Calpine Energy Services for 10 MWe of geothermal power served from The Geysers in Sonoma and Lake Counties, California.

Calpine’s proposal ranked highest among all Open Season proposals received by MEA based upon five primary criteria: location, portfolio fit, project viability, counterparty strength, and contract terms. MEA received 135 project proposals for California renewable energy in response to its annual Open Season Procurement process.

The PPA includes a competitive, fixed price throughout the term, and includes a short-term 3 MWe contract for 2014 as well as a long-term 10 MWe contract for 10 years starting in January of 2017.

The two contracts will deliver more than 900,000 megawatt-hours and enough to power 13,600 local homes.

Read More.....

Italy:

Geothermal Beating Coal Lures ENEL From Tuscan Geysers (Bloomberg)

An employee inspects the inside of a cooling tower at
a geothermal power station operated by Enel Green
Power SpA, a unit of Enel SpA, in Monterotondo
Marittimo, Italy. (Courtesy Bloomberg)

More than a century ago an Italian prince developed a machine that harnessed the hot air rising from the hills south of Florence to spin a turbine and generate the world’s first geothermal power.

Today the region better known for Chianti wine than high-technology produces enough power for a million people. That’s helped make Italy Europe’s biggest generator from underground heat, the world’s cheapest source of electricity.

Enel Green Power SpA (EGPW), which operates the plant, says its experience will give the unit of Italy’s largest utility an edge as it spends 900 million euros ($1.2 billion) in four years to take its technology from Turkey to Peru. Researcher Frost & Sullivan Inc. expects the global market to grow fivefold to $5.89 billion in the seven years through 2017 as governments cut green subsidies and seek alternatives to wind and solar.

The theme for the 37th GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo. Sept. 29-Oct. 2 in Las Vegas, is "A Global Resource, from Larderelllo to Las Vegas", celebrating a hundred years of geothermal power. Paolo Romagnoli - Manager Geothermal Center of Excellence ENEL Green Power will be a speaker at the Opening Session.

Read More.....

Opinion:

Filling a Summer News Hole with News on Earthquakes (Think GeoEnergy)

Recent news on earthquakes and a correlation to geothermal activities seem to fill a news hole in the summer and is only distracting on a larger debate on shale gas and fracking by the oil and gas industry.

The never ending story of scientific studies proving that geothermal activities cause earthquakes continue and it seems the recent wave of articles is simply another run at the same topic in this case likely to fill a news hole over the summer period.

While I am not arguing scientific arguments for geothermal activities being the cause to some seismicity, one has to keep in mind that geothermal power plants and development thereof is in most cases to be found in areas with either ongoing or formerly volcanic activities, which coincidentally can be found in tectonically active areas, such as the San Andreas fault in California, but essentially all along the western coast of the Americas and along the “Pacific Ring of Fire”.

Read More......

Dominica:

Dominica’s Geothermal Project ‘a Pain’ – France Overseas Minister (Dominica News Online)

The French Foreign Affairs ministry is said to be seeking an operator for a 130 MWe geothermal plant in Dominica which will provide electricity to Guadeloupe and Martinique.

French newspaper, France Antilles, has quoted France’s Overseas Minister, Victorin Laurel, as describing the project as a “pain” since it was abandoned by Electricite de France (EdF) which has deemed it unprofitable.

“It’s a pain! We seek an operator,”  Lurel told reporters on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica last week where discussions on energy transition were being held.

Read More.....

Rwanda:

A Milestone for Geothermal in Rwanda

Drilling for geothermal energy started at Karisimbi, in the very north of Rwanda at 7am on Thursday July 18.

USA, California:

Another City Joins Proposed Sonoma Clean Power Authority (news.sonomaportal.com)

Sonoma city is the 5th to join the new power agency which promises to utilize geothermal energy from The Geysers geothermal field

The Sonoma city council Monday put the city into Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) authority with a unanimous vote to join the public program when it amps up in January.

Sonoma becomes the fifth city to join the county-owned power agency, which promises more electricity supplied from clean, renewable resources than PG&E. SCP will start service with 33% renewable power in 2014 and, by 2018, SCP will deliver 50% renewable power.

SCP’s goal is to keep rates comparable with PG&E rates while providing a greener product sourced from wind, geothermal and small hydroelectric projects. PG&E will continue to handle transmission, metering, customer service, billing and repairs.

Read More.....

Philippines:

Basic Energy in Talks With Potential Partners for Geothermal Project in Batangas (InterAksyon.com)

Basic Energy Corp. is in talks with potential partners for the Mabini geothermal concession in Batangas.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Basic Energy said it conducted initial negotiations, as the company has been looking for partners to bankroll the project, which has the potential to generate over 20 MWe of electricity.

Oscar L. De Venecia, Basic Energy president and chief executive officer, told reporters in a recent media briefing that two to three local and foreign companies each are interested in the project.

Under its service contract with the Department of Energy, Basic Energy is required to drill one exploration well at a cost of $3.8 million by July next year.

The exploratory well will confirm the extent of steam gas that can be generated in the service contract area.

Read More.....

USA:

Congressman Highlights Geothermal Energy’s Role in Combating Climate Change (Lake County News)



(VIDEO 3:04 Minutes)

One of Lake County's members of Congress this week used Lake County as an example of success in the geothermal industry during a speech on the House floor.

Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), a member of the Safe Climate Caucus, spoke on the House floor Tuesday to urge greater use of geothermal energy, highlighting its strength as an emissions-free, environmentally friendly and sustainable source of energy.

He called geothermal an extraordinary natural resource that's clean and abundant.

Read More.....

Djibouti:

Geothermal in Djibouti: A Game Changer? (english.globalarabnetwork.com)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

In my very first meeting with a government official, I was asked about World Bank support for geothermal power generation and the exploration needed to identify viable sources.

I must admit, at the time, I was not very familiar with the technology. Nevertheless, I learned fast, given that, at every subsequent meeting I had, my government counterparts inquired about the status of a geothermal project that was under preparation.

Djibouti has been waiting for geothermal energy for almost 40 years.  There have been several attempts to harness the country’s geothermal potential over the years, starting as far back as the 1970’s.  Each attempt confirmed the presence of geothermal fluid, but neither the financial resources nor the available technology were ever adequate enough to confirm its commercial viability and fully develop the geothermal potential. That has now changed.

Read More.....

Iceland:

Iceland Seeks Second Power Cable Study to Tap European Markets (Businessweek)

Iceland will order a second study on building a power cable to Scotland after a feasibility report showed a wide disparity in the profitability of the project.

There’s a “considerable degree of uncertainty” with an estimated range of 4 billion kronur ($32 million) to 76 billion kronur in expected annual export revenue, Industry Minister Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir said in an interview in Reykjavik.

The volcanic island has been considering building a link to broader European markets to harness its untapped power reserves and create another export source as it seeks to emerge from its 2008 financial and economic collapse. The link would be the longest of its kind, stretching a potential 1,170 kilometers (727 miles).

Read More.....

USA, Wyoming:

Teapot Dome Oilfield & Geothermal Wells on the Block (Wyoming Business Report)

(Courtesy RMOTC)

The U.S. Department of Energy's testing facility, known to government as RMOTC and to history as the Teapot Dome oilfield will soon be up for sale.

After several months of reviewing documents and alternatives, the DOE has notified Congress that the 9,481 acre field —also known as Naval Petroleum Reserve #3 (NPR3) and most recently as the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center (RMOTC) — will be auctioned to the highest bidder.
The property also boasts a number of hot water wells. These geothermal features produce hot water from the Ten Sleep and Madison formations.

A minimum bid price for the field is not anticipated, but a conservative sale price of $30-$60 million is estimated. The government's estimate of value will be figured in May of next year at completion of an "upside" study.

Read More.....

Iceland:

Icelandic Geothermal Power Plants a Popular Tourist Attraction (News of Iceland)

(Courtesy News of Iceland)

Geothermal power plants in Iceland are among the most popular attractions for Icelanders and foreign visitors. Gustaf Adols Skulason, CEO of Samorka, a federation of the Icelandic electricity industry, district heating, waterworks and sewage utilities, says that tens of thousands of tourists visit the largest power plants every summer, but some of them are open all year.

"For foreign visitors this is a great experience, especially to examine the geothermal plants. The hydro power plants are more well-known. But geothermal energy is a new experience for many people" said Gustaf Adolf. Both hydro and geothermal power plants are increasingly popular among Icelandic travelers as well.

Gustaf Adolf says that over 100.000 people visit the power plants and related constructions every year. The power plants are therefore among the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland.

Read More.....

Kenya:

Geothermal Energy: 'In Kenya alone, there is a potential of approximately 10,000 MW of electric power' (ESI Africa)

Interview with Dr Nicholas Mariita, Chief Geothermal Training Officer, KenGen, Kenya.

Read More.....

Vanuatu, New Zealand:

Vanuatu Delegation in NZ to Visit Geothermal Power Plants (Radio New Zealand International)

North Efate island in Vanuatu Courtesy Kuth Energy) 

A Vanuatu delegation will this week visit New Zealand’s north island to visit geothermal power plants, in a trip funded by New Zealand’s government.

The Vanuatu’s Minister for Lands, Ralph Regenvanu, says the visit will be important in helping to foster understanding of how a planned geothermal plant to be established by Kuth Energy of Australia at Takara in North Efate can work.

Read More.....

Technology:

Is Fracking for Enhanced Geothermal Systems the Same as Fracking for Natural Gas? (Renewable Energy World.com)

Advocates for both natural gas and geothermal are up in arms over whether fracking for enhanced geothermal systems should be scrutinized with the same parameters as natural gas.

The U.S. geothermal industry recently scored a big win when its first enhanced geothermal system (EGS) project went online in April. Ormat was able to stimulate a previously unproductive well at its Desert Peak project with EGS technology — injecting fluid into a well to reopen cracks and create a resource reservoir — and found an additional 1.2 MWe of capacity. Renewable energy experts applauded the project, dubbing it a "game-changer" and a "shining moment" for the industry.

Though the project represents a breakthrough for EGS technology and the geothermal industry in general, EGS has come under fire, with opponents accusing it as being just as dangerous as oil or natural gas hydraulic stimulation, commonly known as fracking. While traditional geothermal energy is viewed as clean renewable energy, could EGS technology, with its similar "fracking methodology," coupled with its rocky past, come under the same intensive scrutiny as natural gas fracking?

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.

Read More......

Turkey:

Atlas Copco Wins Turkish Geothermal Deal (reNews)

GRC Company member Atlas Copco has clinched a second major order in Turkey to deliver $23m of equipment to two geothermal power plants totalling 80 MWe for Çelikler Jeotermal Elektrik Üretim.

The Swedish company is supplying four geothermal power trains and expander generators. Two of the units are destined for an expansion project near Pamukören while the additional components will be installed at a new site near the town of Sultanhisar.

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.

Read More.....

Global:

GRC Annual Meeting and GEA Geothermal Energy Expo

Sponsorships Opportunities Still Available!

Your organization has the opportunity for high visibility at the 2013 GRC Annual Meeting and GEA Geothermal Energy Expo. Sponsorship opportunities are a great way for companies looking to heighten their exposure at the largest annual geothermal gathering in the world. Over 2,000 people from 30 countries attended last year with an expectation of continue growth for this year.

More information......

USA, California:

Geysers Exploration Yields Geothermal Power Potential (Electric Light & Power)

As part of a geothermal energy exploration effort to search for geothermal resources nationwide, a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy investment to Calpine Corp. this year culminated in the confirmation of an initial 11.4 MW of equivalent steam — 50 percent more than early estimates — from three previously abandoned wells at The Geysers geothermal field in northern California.

Calpine Corp.'s Caldwell Ranch Exploration Project will develop an abandoned steam field, validating technologies that bear immediate implications for other geothermal-rich regions of California — Coso, Salton Sea and Medicine Lake.

The purpose of the Caldwell Ranch Exploration and Confirmation Project is to drill, test, and confirm the present economic viability of the undeveloped geothermal reservoir in the Caldwell Ranch area. The objective of the project is to re-open and re-complete three abandoned wells, Prati 5, Prati 14 and Prati 38, and to characterize the reservoir production flow rates, temperature, pressure, thickness, permeability, and fluid chemistry.

The project faced down barriers to bring commercial increases at unproductive geothermal wells nationwide and created 43 full-time temporary jobs and tax revenues to Sonoma County and the state of California.

Calpine further estimates that, in combination with a portion of the presently undeveloped enhanced geothermal system (EGS) demonstration project to the west, Caldwell Ranch could produce up to 45 MWe equivalent of steam. A proposed power plant has been permitted, and construction is dependent upon Calpine's ability to secure a long-term Power Purchase Agreement.

Read More.....

Global:

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

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Global:

The GRC Awards ‐ Seeking the Best in Global Geothermal

The deadline for nominations for the 32nd Annual GRC Awards is midnight tonight.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has announced that the deadline for nominations for this year’s GRC Awards is midnight (PST) tonight.

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 midnight (PST) tonight.

USA:

Wastewater Wells, Geothermal Power Triggering Earthquakes (NPR)

Credit: Alyson Hurt / NPR

The continental U.S. experiences small earthquakes every day. But over the past few years, their numbers have been increasing. Geoscientists say the new epidemic of quakes is related to industrial wastewater being pumped into underground storage wells.

Now there's new research that reveals two trigger mechanisms that may be setting off these wastewater quakes — other, larger earthquakes (some as far away as Indonesia), and the activity at geothermal power plants.

In this week's issue of the journal Science, geoscientist Emily Brodsky at the University of California, Santa Cruz, reports that the production of geothermal energy is a trigger mechanism for mini-quakes.

Canada, Philippines, Peru:

Alterra Power Secures New Geothermal Authorization in Peru (ThinkGeoEnergy)

Magma Energía Geotérmica Perú has received a new authorization for geothermal exploration in Peru.

Magma Energía is a subsidiary of Canadian Alterra Power Corp. The company recently announced teaming up with Philippines Energy Development Corp. (EDC) in a JV on development of certain assets in Chile and Peru. It is not clear if this new permit will be part of the joint activities of both companies.

The new authorization was given by Peru’s energy and mines ministry for exploration for exploration work in the Arequipa region. It is the 9th geothermal exploration authorization the company holds in Peru and adds another authorization in the same region.

USA:

Tour the USA’s Energy Infrastructure Through a New Interactive Map (blogs.smithsonianmag.com)

Part of the EIA Map showing the western US states
with geothermal power plants shown as circles

Every time you switch on a light, charge your electronics or heat your home in the winter, you’re relying upon a tremendous network of energy infrastructure that literally stretches across the country: power plants, pipelines, transmission wires and storage facilities.

It can be hard to visualize all this infrastructure and understand how it makes abundant energy available throughout the country. A map, though, can be a beautiful way of seeing a bigger picture—and a new map, released yesterday by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, combines a wide range of data (the locations of different types of power plants, electricity lines, natural gas pipelines, refineries, storage facilities and more) into an elegant, interactive interface that helps you understand how it all fits together. You can also zoom in on your own city or region to see the types of power plants generating electricity nearby.

Read More.....

Philippines, Canada, Chile, Peru:

EDC Unveils Spending Plan for South American Geothermal Ventures (InterAksyon)

Energy Development Corp (EDC) has outlined its spending plan for its South American geothermal ventures.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Lopez-controlled EDC said four shareholder agreements it signed with Canada's Alterra Power Corp provide that the Philippine listed firm will spend $58.3 million for their Mariposa project in Chile.

EDC will likewise shell out $8 million for the Tutupaca Norte, Loriscota and Crucero geothermal projects in Peru to compensate Alterra for its previous development costs.

The amount will be used to fund a work plan to develop the Mariposa project "by building infrastructures over the next 18 months."

"For the Peruvian projects, the relevant project agreements contemplate implementing an agreed work plan to conduct various exploration surveys over the next 12-15 months," EDC said.

Read More.....

Global:

Geothermal Resources Council Announces Scholarships (GRC News Release)

The Scholarship Awards will be presented at the 2013 GRC Annual Meeting and GEA Energy Expo.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC), a non-profit educational association dedicated to the promotion of geothermal energy and associated technologies around the world, is pleased to announce the availability of two (2) $USD 2,500 GRC Scholarship Awards.

Selection of recipients will be based upon a variety of factors, including the individual’s academic record, student activities, geothermal industry experience, and career goals.

To qualify, one must be enrolled in, or have been accepted into, a graduate-level program in engineering or geosciences, or be a third or fourth year undergraduate majoring in engineering or geosciences.

Your application must include:

1. Official copies of all college transcripts.
2. List of student activities, including offices held, as well as a list and brief description of all extracurricular and/or community activities.
3. List of geothermal-related classes and any relevant field or operational experience.
4. Two (2) letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional references. 
5. A letter of application discussing the applicant’s background, career goals and objectives, with particular reference to applicant’s relationship to geothermal and the geo-sciences. The letter should also state how the applicant intends to use the scholarship and what results (publications, thesis etc.) will be produced.

Applications or questions should be addressed to:

Geothermal Resources Council
GRC Scholarship Award Committee
P.O. Box 1350
Davis, CA 95617
USA

Applications must be received by August 16, 2013 to be considered. Successful recipients will be notified by September 1, 2013. The Scholarship Awards will be presented at the 2013 GRC Annual Meeting and GEA Geothermal Energy Expo, held at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, September 29 – October 2.

Technology:

How Newberry EGS Uses LiDAR  (Newberry EGS Project)

(Courtesy Newberry EGS Project)

Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR) is remotely-sensed data collected by small aircraft equipped with high-tech laser scanners. Laser pulses aimed at the surface are reflected back to a data collector in the plane, and used to create a Digital Elevation Model, or DEM.

Newberry EGS uses LiDAR data to better understand the geologic structure and the eruptive history of the volcano. LiDAR data has been particularly useful in mapping the fault system, lava flows and cinder cones (buttes) at Newberry Volcano. Understanding the structural geology and volcanic history of an area is useful in determining the best locations for potential geothermal development.

AltaRock Energy, which is running the Newberry EGS Demonstration project, 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.

Read More.....