Saturday, November 9, 2013
Friday, November 8, 2013
Technology:
LSU Researcher Collaborates with Chevron Exploring EGS Methods (Louisiana State University)
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), can harvest energy from hot dry rocks beneath the Earth’s surface in artificially created reservoirs. The idea is to generate a network of cracks in the rocks, then inject cold water and let it circulate through the cracked formation. The resulting steam can then be used to produce electricity.
The lack of predictive understanding and numerical simulation of the techniques employed for creating these networks of fractures is what brought Blaise Bourdin, associate professor in the LSU Department of Mathematics and an adjunct faculty at the LSU Center for Computation & Technology (CCT), to this problem.
It turns out the way cracks for geothermal systems are generated is very similar to the way reservoir engineering in the petroleum industry is done, so this research can be applied when drilling for oil and gas.
Read More.....
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), can harvest energy from hot dry rocks beneath the Earth’s surface in artificially created reservoirs. The idea is to generate a network of cracks in the rocks, then inject cold water and let it circulate through the cracked formation. The resulting steam can then be used to produce electricity.
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| Blaise Bourdin, associate professor in the LSU Department of Mathematics |
It turns out the way cracks for geothermal systems are generated is very similar to the way reservoir engineering in the petroleum industry is done, so this research can be applied when drilling for oil and gas.
Read More.....
USA, Oregon:
Tapping Geothermal's Potential in Oregon (Bend Bulletin)
Energy industry officials meet in Bend to discuss industry
In the last decade, numerous tests by geologists, energy companies and government agencies have shown the same thing: Southern, Eastern and some parts of Central Oregon are hotbeds of geothermal activity.
But in many cases, strict regulations and a lack of demand has made tapping into those resources a challenge.
More than 30 renewable energy experts from around the state met in Bend on Thursday to discuss ongoing projects, along with the potential and challenges facing Oregon's fledgling geothermal industry energy.
For five years, Nevada geothermal company Ormat Technologies has been studying the area around Glass Buttes, about 80 miles southeast of Bend. Wells dug 30 years ago by a petroleum company found 200-degree water about 2,000 feet below the surface in the area. Patrick Walsh, Ormat's chief geologist, said the company thinks it can find 300-degree water by drilling down to 3,000 feet.
Philippines:
PSALM Names Top Bidders for Unified Leyte IPPAs (BusinessWorld Online Edition)
In a statement on Friday, PSALM said the auction, which took place Nov. 7-8 in Makati City, was successful.
The state-run firm auctioned off Unified Leyte’s contracted capacity in “strips” and “bulk”, with a total of 200 MW in strips for the IPPAs. Bidders could submit offers for strips ranging from one to 40 MW.
The remaining 40 MW capacity of the power plant was auctioned off as “bulk energy”.
The output of the power plant can be traded by the winning bidders in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market upon registration with the market operator, PSALM said.
(Click below to see the list of bidders......)
Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) has named the highest bidders for the independent power producer administrator (IPPA) contracts of the Unified Leyte geothermal power plant’s contracted capacity.
In a statement on Friday, PSALM said the auction, which took place Nov. 7-8 in Makati City, was successful.
The state-run firm auctioned off Unified Leyte’s contracted capacity in “strips” and “bulk”, with a total of 200 MW in strips for the IPPAs. Bidders could submit offers for strips ranging from one to 40 MW.
The remaining 40 MW capacity of the power plant was auctioned off as “bulk energy”.
The output of the power plant can be traded by the winning bidders in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market upon registration with the market operator, PSALM said.
(Click below to see the list of bidders......)
Global:
Demand for Inexpensive, On-site Power Generation Energises the CHP Market (Frost & Sullivan)
The escalating costs of the fuels used to generate electricity have spawned a need for technology that can improve the efficiency of fuel conversion. This has, in turn set the stage for combined heat and power (CHP) to emerge as the distributed power generation technology of choice. CHP not only generates on-site power, but also meets the heating and cooling requirements of industries and enterprises at reasonable costs.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Markets, finds that the market earned revenues of US$4.26 billion in 2012 and estimates this to generate US$4.91 billion in 2017. The study covers Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region across the application sectors of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional.
The efficiency of electricity derived from the grid is only around 30 percent due to heavy losses incurred during transportation. Owing to this, end users in Europe and Asia are increasingly turning to distributed generation. Another reason for their preference for distributed generation is the looming shortage of power generation capacity and the utilities' inability to meet the growing demand from various sectors.
Read More......
Environmental concerns add heft to the case for combined heat and power equipment
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| (Courtesy EPA.gov) |
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Markets, finds that the market earned revenues of US$4.26 billion in 2012 and estimates this to generate US$4.91 billion in 2017. The study covers Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region across the application sectors of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional.
The efficiency of electricity derived from the grid is only around 30 percent due to heavy losses incurred during transportation. Owing to this, end users in Europe and Asia are increasingly turning to distributed generation. Another reason for their preference for distributed generation is the looming shortage of power generation capacity and the utilities' inability to meet the growing demand from various sectors.
Read More......
Global:
Renewable Energy in the Mining Industry (Navigant Research)
The mining industry is under continued pressure from shareholders and external stakeholders to reduce dependence on traditional energy resources. In countries where mining represents a significant percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), it can also be a significant draw on the country’s electricity grid infrastructure. Even through the global economic downturn, interest in the deployment of renewables remained.
Now the industry has reached a tipping point and is transitioning from using solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies in demonstration projects to an increased focus on larger scale deployments. When combined with the increased use of innovative finance mechanisms, such as Power Purchase Agreements, the use of renewable energy in the mining industry will pick up significantly in the medium term.
Read More.....
Solar PV, Wind Power, Geothermal, Fuel Cells, and Solar Thermal in the Global Mining Industry
The mining industry is under continued pressure from shareholders and external stakeholders to reduce dependence on traditional energy resources. In countries where mining represents a significant percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), it can also be a significant draw on the country’s electricity grid infrastructure. Even through the global economic downturn, interest in the deployment of renewables remained.
Now the industry has reached a tipping point and is transitioning from using solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies in demonstration projects to an increased focus on larger scale deployments. When combined with the increased use of innovative finance mechanisms, such as Power Purchase Agreements, the use of renewable energy in the mining industry will pick up significantly in the medium term.
Read More.....
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Kenya:
Kenya’s First Carbon Credits from Geothermal Energy Pay for Schools (World Bank)
Last month, I drove through dust on bumpy dirt roads from Nairobi to visit the Oloirowua Primary School in Suswa, 140 kilometers northwest of the Kenya capital. The school sits on the vast savannah near Hell’s Gate National Park, an area with substantial geothermal potential.
Here, KenGen, Kenya’s electric generating company, has built the country’s largest geothermal plant with support from the World Bank. It’s part of the utility’s effort to “green the grid.”
At the school, classes are being taught outdoors and kids sit under a few trees with notebooks in their laps. Their old and crumbling school will soon be replaced by a new building that will accommodate 200 students. Their faces light up when they talk about the new school, and I feel thankful for being able to work with projects like this where I see the direct effects of our work on kids’ education.
The money to build the school comes from the sale of carbon credits. KenGen received the credits for investing in renewable energy that displaces dirtier sources such as coal in the national grid, and the company then sells them to the World Bank’s Community Development Carbon Fund (CDCF). The fund pays KenGen a premium on the credits, but in return requires that part of the revenue stream from the credits is used for social co-benefits.
Read More.....
Here, KenGen, Kenya’s electric generating company, has built the country’s largest geothermal plant with support from the World Bank. It’s part of the utility’s effort to “green the grid.”
At the school, classes are being taught outdoors and kids sit under a few trees with notebooks in their laps. Their old and crumbling school will soon be replaced by a new building that will accommodate 200 students. Their faces light up when they talk about the new school, and I feel thankful for being able to work with projects like this where I see the direct effects of our work on kids’ education.
The money to build the school comes from the sale of carbon credits. KenGen received the credits for investing in renewable energy that displaces dirtier sources such as coal in the national grid, and the company then sells them to the World Bank’s Community Development Carbon Fund (CDCF). The fund pays KenGen a premium on the credits, but in return requires that part of the revenue stream from the credits is used for social co-benefits.
Read More.....
USA, Hawaii:
HELCO to Announce Selection of Final RFP Award Group Nov. 30 (ThinkGeoEnergy)
Hawaiian Electric Light Company (HELCO) has provided an update on timing for the process for the bidding on a Request for Proposals on a 50 MW geothermal development on the Island of Hawaii. They expect to announce the final award group of companies on November 30, 2013.
Read More.....
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Kenya:
Regional Geothermal Course Kicks Off in Naivasha (Kenya Broadcasting Corporation)
The course is conducted by Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) in collaboration with the United Nations University Geothermal Training program (UNU-GTP) of Iceland and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC).
The training has attracted participants from 18 African countries among them, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Djibouti, Zambia, DR Congo, Comoros, Eritrea, Cameroon, Niger, Mozambique, Malawi, Burundi, Yemen and Kenya and Sudan. These are countries that lie along the Great Rift.
Read More.....
The training has attracted participants from 18 African countries among them, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Djibouti, Zambia, DR Congo, Comoros, Eritrea, Cameroon, Niger, Mozambique, Malawi, Burundi, Yemen and Kenya and Sudan. These are countries that lie along the Great Rift.
Read More.....
Indonesia:
Red Tape Holding Geothermal Back in Race to Replace Coal (Jakarta Globe)
The government needs to streamline regulations and provide financial incentives for investors to boost development of geothermal energy, an industry expert has said.
“Government is the single prime mover to accelerate geothermal progress,” said deputy chairman of the Indonesia Geothermal Association Sanusi Satar to reporters on Wednesday.
Sanusi noted that the government, through state utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara, is the single largest purchaser of electricity generated by private companies in the country, and has the power to set purchase price.
“The problem is that there is a six-to-seven year period between the tender and start of geothermal operations. A lot can happen within that period, except our cost going down,” he said.
Read More.....
“Government is the single prime mover to accelerate geothermal progress,” said deputy chairman of the Indonesia Geothermal Association Sanusi Satar to reporters on Wednesday.
Sanusi noted that the government, through state utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara, is the single largest purchaser of electricity generated by private companies in the country, and has the power to set purchase price.
“The problem is that there is a six-to-seven year period between the tender and start of geothermal operations. A lot can happen within that period, except our cost going down,” he said.
Read More.....
USA:
New Report Offers Policy Recommendations for the Nation’s Energy Future (Renewable Energy Focus.com)
The October edition of The Electricity Journal features a comprehensive clean energy-related report designed to serve as a toolkit to help energy decision-makers determine the policies needed to allow for a successful transformation of America’s electricity system. Dubbed “America’s Power Plan (PDF),” the report was developed by Energy Innovation, in partnership with the Energy Foundation.
A dedicated interactive website is available featuring videos, blog posts, and opinion pieces from the contributing authors to America's Power Plan.
The report's strongest recommendation, is for policymakers — governors, legislators, and public utilities commissioners — to face the challenge directly, openly and forthwith. PUCs can open proceedings on how to build the electric system of the 21st century. Ensure that these conversations include experts in new technology, in systems optimization, and on the demand side as well as the supply side. Challenge participants to find solutions that meet all three public goals: minimize costs, increase reliability and reduce environmental damage. Insist that they demonstrate how new proposals bring in innovation. Stress-test recommendations for flaws. Launch and accelerate pilot programs, test markets and more.
Read More.....
A dedicated interactive website is available featuring videos, blog posts, and opinion pieces from the contributing authors to America's Power Plan.
The report's strongest recommendation, is for policymakers — governors, legislators, and public utilities commissioners — to face the challenge directly, openly and forthwith. PUCs can open proceedings on how to build the electric system of the 21st century. Ensure that these conversations include experts in new technology, in systems optimization, and on the demand side as well as the supply side. Challenge participants to find solutions that meet all three public goals: minimize costs, increase reliability and reduce environmental damage. Insist that they demonstrate how new proposals bring in innovation. Stress-test recommendations for flaws. Launch and accelerate pilot programs, test markets and more.
Read More.....
Technology:
Scientific Drilling Tool Helps Wellbore Placement
Scientific Drilling, a directional drilling services company, is officially launching it's MagTraC MWD Ranging™ service today.
This unique solution targets the industry’s toughest wellbore placement and risk mitigation challenges. By isolating the earth’s naturally occurring magnetic field from its magnetic interference signature, the distance and direction to the target well or casing is determined. MagTraC utilizes the raw data obtained from Measurement While Drilling (MWD) telemetry ensuring there are no disruptions to the operation.
MagTraC MWD Ranging™ Brochure (PDF) Read More......
Scientific Drilling, a directional drilling services company, is officially launching it's MagTraC MWD Ranging™ service today.
This unique solution targets the industry’s toughest wellbore placement and risk mitigation challenges. By isolating the earth’s naturally occurring magnetic field from its magnetic interference signature, the distance and direction to the target well or casing is determined. MagTraC utilizes the raw data obtained from Measurement While Drilling (MWD) telemetry ensuring there are no disruptions to the operation.
MagTraC MWD Ranging™ Brochure (PDF) Read More......
USA, California:
Yesterday, Geothermal Energy Was Number One in California
The weather here in California has been warm and dry for a few weeks now. A high pressure system sits over the west coast and refuses to budge. This leads to calm, occasionally cloudy days, quite common at this time of year before the storm season begins.
This affects electricity generation especially wind and solar. When the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine these renewable energy providers suffer.
Geothermal energy was the number one renewable energy provider - and this is not the only day when it supports the economy here in California.
The weather here in California has been warm and dry for a few weeks now. A high pressure system sits over the west coast and refuses to budge. This leads to calm, occasionally cloudy days, quite common at this time of year before the storm season begins.
This affects electricity generation especially wind and solar. When the wind doesn't blow and the sun doesn't shine these renewable energy providers suffer.
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| (Courtesy CAISO) |
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) measures the output from renewable energy providers to the State grid. As you can see in the graph on the left it never got windy in California yesterday. There was enough sun to energize solar panels for 11 hours. The weather wasn't cooperating.
However, geothermal energy was still plugging away, supplying a constant supply of clean, dependable, renewable energy 24/7, 365 days a year.
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| (Courtesy CAISO) |
In fact, yesterday in California, geothermal energy was the biggest provider of electricity to the CAISO grid, with almost 20,000 MWh. Solar energy (PV and thermal) peaked at 11 in the morning and only supplied 19,000 MWh. Wind was a distant sixth among all renewables.
Geothermal energy was the number one renewable energy provider - and this is not the only day when it supports the economy here in California.
USA, California:
The Santa Rosa Geysers Recharge Project Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary (City of Santa Rosa)
Santa Rosa’s Subregional Water Reuse System is responsible for the recovery and advanced treatment of approximately 17 million gallons per day of wastewater from Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sebastopol, and the South Park Sanitation District. In a normal year, approximately one-third of the advanced treated recycled water is used for agricultural and urban irrigation and the other two-thirds is delivered to Calpine’s Geysers steamfields via the Geysers Recharge Project pipeline.
To date, the Geysers Recharge Project pipeline has delivered over 42 billion gallons of Santa Rosa’s recycled water to Calpine’s geothermal steamfields. The nearly 13 million gallons a day of recycled water delivered through the pipeline boosts Calpine’s power production by 100 megawatts, equivalent to providing power to nearly 125,000 homes.
Read More.....
The nearly 13 million gallons a day of recycled water delivered through the pipeline boosts Calpine’s power production by 100 megawatts, equivalent to providing power to nearly 125,000 homes.
Santa Rosa Utilities is celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Santa Rosa Geysers Recharge Project -- a 41-mile long recycled water pipeline that connects Santa Rosa’s Subregional Water Reuse System to Calpine Corporation’s Geysers geothermal steamfields in the Mayacmas Mountains.Santa Rosa’s Subregional Water Reuse System is responsible for the recovery and advanced treatment of approximately 17 million gallons per day of wastewater from Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sebastopol, and the South Park Sanitation District. In a normal year, approximately one-third of the advanced treated recycled water is used for agricultural and urban irrigation and the other two-thirds is delivered to Calpine’s Geysers steamfields via the Geysers Recharge Project pipeline.
To date, the Geysers Recharge Project pipeline has delivered over 42 billion gallons of Santa Rosa’s recycled water to Calpine’s geothermal steamfields. The nearly 13 million gallons a day of recycled water delivered through the pipeline boosts Calpine’s power production by 100 megawatts, equivalent to providing power to nearly 125,000 homes.
Read More.....
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Technology:
New Report Highlights Values of Geothermal in Today's Renewable Power Market - Press Conference
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) and Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) have released a new, joint report titled "The Values of Geothermal Energy: A Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Power Provides to the Future U.S. Power System (PDF)."
A press conference on November 6 offered journalists a discussion with geothermal business leaders about their company’s experience, the values their projects bring that aren’t currently recognized, and what the impact could be if full value of geothermal were more fully recognized by states and PUCs.
Taking part in the 49 minute conference were:
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) and Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) have released a new, joint report titled "The Values of Geothermal Energy: A Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Power Provides to the Future U.S. Power System (PDF)."
A press conference on November 6 offered journalists a discussion with geothermal business leaders about their company’s experience, the values their projects bring that aren’t currently recognized, and what the impact could be if full value of geothermal were more fully recognized by states and PUCs.
Taking part in the 49 minute conference were:
- Karl Gawell, Executive Director, Geothermal Energy Association
- Ben Matek, Industry Analyst, Geothermal Energy Association
- Steve Ponder, Executive Director, Geothermal Resources Council
- Brian Schmidt, Librarian, Geothermal Resources Council
- Richard Campbell, Vice President of Renewable Generation, CH2M HILL
- Louis E Capuano Jr., President & CEO, Capuano Engineering Company
- Doug Glaspey, President, COO and Director, U.S. Geothermal Inc.
- Craig Mataczynski, CEO, Gradient
- Bob Sullivan, VP of Business Development, Ormat
USA, Nevada:
Ormat Technologies Management Discusses Q3 2013 Results - Earnings Call Transcript (Seeking Alpha)
Hosting the call are Dita Bronicki, Chief Executive Officer; Yoram Bronicki, President and Chief Operating Officer; Doron Blachar, Chief Financial Officer; and Smadar Lavi, Vice President of Corporate Finance and Investor Relations.
Accompanying Slide Show (PDF) Read More......
Accompanying Slide Show (PDF) Read More......
USA, Oregon:
Sustainability at Oregon Institute of Technology (Green Build TV)
In addition to having one of the top engineering programs in the country, the Oregon Institute of Technology is a shining example of eco-friendly sustainability and renewable energy use. OIT introduced the very first Bachelor of Science program in Renewable Energy Systems. Their renowned Geo-Heat Center also serves as a national hub for geothermal information and development. Oregon’s elected leaders also chose OIT to be home to the Oregon Renewable Energy Center.Given the long history of the use of geothermal as an energy resource in Klamath Falls, it is only fitting that the Oregon Institute of Technology built the very first university-based geothermal combined heat and power plant in the world.
Since 1964, OIT has been using geothermal to provide heat for the entire campus. The first low-temperature power plant was installed in April 2009 and it provides about 10% of OIT’s electricity. A second, much larger 1.75 MW geothermal power plant has also been added on campus and is scheduled to be completed by December 2013.
Climate Change:
Concentrations of Warming Gases Break Record (BBC News)
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), atmospheric CO2 grew more rapidly last year than its average rise over the past decade.
Concentrations of methane and nitrous oxide also broke previous records
Thanks to carbon dioxide and these other gases, the WMO says the warming effect on our climate has increased by almost a third since 1990.
The WMO's annual greenhouse gas bulletin measures concentrations in the atmosphere, not emissions on the ground.
Read More.....
The levels of gases in the atmosphere that drive global warming increased to a record high in 2012.
Concentrations of methane and nitrous oxide also broke previous records
Thanks to carbon dioxide and these other gases, the WMO says the warming effect on our climate has increased by almost a third since 1990.
The WMO's annual greenhouse gas bulletin measures concentrations in the atmosphere, not emissions on the ground.
Read More.....
Technology:
GRC Y GEA Publican Un Informe Sobre Los Beneficios De La Energía Geotérmica En Estados Unidos (Piensa en Geotermia)
Un informe conjunto realizado por el Geothermal Resources Council y la U.S. Geothermal Energy Association, se destaca la energía geotérmica como una opción segura, económica y limpia para proporcionar energía de carga base para el sistema de energía en los Estados Unidos.
En un nuevo informe conjunto realizado por el Geothermal Resources Council y la U.S. Geothermal Energy Association destacan a la energía geotérmica como una opción segura, económica y limpia para proporcionar energía de carga base para el sistema de energía de los Estados Unidos.
El informe, que también es interesante en el contexto internacional está disponible en el siguiente enlace.
Fuente: “The Values of Geothermal Energy – a Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Provides to the Future U.S. Power System” (PDF)
En un nuevo informe conjunto realizado por el Geothermal Resources Council y la U.S. Geothermal Energy Association destacan a la energía geotérmica como una opción segura, económica y limpia para proporcionar energía de carga base para el sistema de energía de los Estados Unidos.
El informe, que también es interesante en el contexto internacional está disponible en el siguiente enlace.
Fuente: “The Values of Geothermal Energy – a Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Provides to the Future U.S. Power System” (PDF)
Technology:
If We Can Bury Carbon Dioxide, Why Not Use It to Make Electricity? (MIT Technology Review)
Researchers might have found a way to economically capture carbon dioxide from power plants and permanently store it underground. The idea is to turn carbon dioxide storage sites into geothermal power plants.
If it works, the technology would provide both the electricity needed to pump carbon dioxide underground and a source of revenue to offset the high cost of capturing carbon dioxide at power plants, compressing it, and shipping it to storage sites.
That technology, known as carbon capture and storage, or CCS, will be essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But because large-scale CCS would be prohibitively expensive, development of the technology has been too slow to meet climate change targets, according to the International Energy Agency.
Read More......
A startup is trying to demonstrate that carbon dioxide can be used to make clean geothermal power economical and far more widespread.
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| (Courtesy University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science) |
If it works, the technology would provide both the electricity needed to pump carbon dioxide underground and a source of revenue to offset the high cost of capturing carbon dioxide at power plants, compressing it, and shipping it to storage sites.
That technology, known as carbon capture and storage, or CCS, will be essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But because large-scale CCS would be prohibitively expensive, development of the technology has been too slow to meet climate change targets, according to the International Energy Agency.
Read More......
Commonwealth of Dominica:
Production Drilling Starting on Dominica (Iceland GeoSurvey)
Production drilling for geothermal energy is recommencing on the volcanic island of Dominica in the Caribbean. During this phase of the geothermal project two wells will be drilled to a depth of 1200-1800 m.
Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR) has designed two new wells for the government of Dominica, one of which is a reinjection well, whilst the other is a production well. Drilling is expected to start next week. Iceland Drilling will be in charge of the drilling and ÍSOR will carry out consulting during the drilling operations, which include borehole geology, borehole loggings, discharge measurements and environmental monitoring, i.e. measurements of hydrogen sulphide. Two to three employees from ÍSOR are expected to stay on the island until March next year.
Read More......
Iceland GeoSurvey (ÍSOR) has designed two new wells for the government of Dominica, one of which is a reinjection well, whilst the other is a production well. Drilling is expected to start next week. Iceland Drilling will be in charge of the drilling and ÍSOR will carry out consulting during the drilling operations, which include borehole geology, borehole loggings, discharge measurements and environmental monitoring, i.e. measurements of hydrogen sulphide. Two to three employees from ÍSOR are expected to stay on the island until March next year.
Read More......
Indonesia:
Philippines a Symbol for Local Geothermal (Jakarta Globe)
Indonesia does not have to look very far to find the best way to tap geothermal energy, which potentially is located in protected, remote forests.
As Indonesia struggles to find a balance between the development of geothermal resources, forest conservation, and development, the Philippines has shown how that can be achieved.
The Philippines gets 14 percent of its electricity supply from geothermal power plants and the nation is the second-largest producer in the world of such energy by capacity, after the United States.
Indonesia can only tap 1.4 percent of its estimated 28,994 megawatts in reserves — the largest in the world — as the country is yet to resolve issues such as conflicting laws that forbid geothermal exploitation in conservation areas, pricing, and opposition from indigenous people.
Read More......
Indonesia does not have to look very far to find the best way to tap geothermal energy, which potentially is located in protected, remote forests.
As Indonesia struggles to find a balance between the development of geothermal resources, forest conservation, and development, the Philippines has shown how that can be achieved.
The Philippines gets 14 percent of its electricity supply from geothermal power plants and the nation is the second-largest producer in the world of such energy by capacity, after the United States.
Indonesia can only tap 1.4 percent of its estimated 28,994 megawatts in reserves — the largest in the world — as the country is yet to resolve issues such as conflicting laws that forbid geothermal exploitation in conservation areas, pricing, and opposition from indigenous people.
Read More......
Australia:
Geodynamics Extends Offer for KUTh Energy, at 57% (Proactive Investors Australia)
Geodynamics has extended its takeover offer for fellow geothermal company KUTh Energy after crossing the 50% acceptance mark on 30 October 2013.
Since then, it has increased its interest to 57.62% representing 84,080,309 shares in KUTh.
KUTh’s directors support Geodynamics’ bid of one share for every five-and-a-half KUTh shares and have lodged Bid Acceptance documents for their stakes.
The deal will deliver Geodynamics a portfolio of geothermal energy projects and prospects held by KUTh Energy in the Pacific Islands.
Since then, it has increased its interest to 57.62% representing 84,080,309 shares in KUTh.
KUTh’s directors support Geodynamics’ bid of one share for every five-and-a-half KUTh shares and have lodged Bid Acceptance documents for their stakes.
The deal will deliver Geodynamics a portfolio of geothermal energy projects and prospects held by KUTh Energy in the Pacific Islands.
Technology:
Joint GRC-GEA Report Extols Benefits of Geothermal Energy
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) and the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) have released a new, joint report titled "The Values of Geothermal Energy: A Discussion of the Benefits Geothermal Power Provides to the Future U.S. Power System (PDF)."
Prepared by our own Brian Schmidt, GRC Librarian, and Ben Matek, GEA's Industry Analyst, the new report documents the many benefits of geothermal power.
"Geothermal power offers both firm and flexible solutions to the changing U.S. power system by providing a range of services including but not limited to baseload, regulation, load following or energy imbalance, spinning reserve, non-spinning reserve, and replacement or supplemental reserve," the report begins.
The report can be downloaded from www.geothermal.org/pdfs/Values_of_Geothermal_Energy.pdf
Prepared by our own Brian Schmidt, GRC Librarian, and Ben Matek, GEA's Industry Analyst, the new report documents the many benefits of geothermal power.
"Geothermal power offers both firm and flexible solutions to the changing U.S. power system by providing a range of services including but not limited to baseload, regulation, load following or energy imbalance, spinning reserve, non-spinning reserve, and replacement or supplemental reserve," the report begins.
The report can be downloaded from www.geothermal.org/pdfs/Values_of_Geothermal_Energy.pdf
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
USA, Nevada:
Ormat Technologies Reports 2013 Third Quarter Results (Wall Street Journal - Press Release)
Ormat Technologies, Inc. today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2013. Operational highlights and recent developments:
Ormat Technologies, Inc. today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2013. Operational highlights and recent developments:
- Increased electricity generation by 5.0% to 985,531 MWh, driven by new capacity coming on line at Olkaria III Plant 2 in Kenya, and increased generation at the McGuiness Hills plant;
- Successfully completed the world's largest binary geothermal plant, the 100 MW Ngatamariki in New Zealand, under a $142.0 million EPC contract;
- Secured a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the Southern California Public Power Authority to supply power from the Heber 1 geothermal plant in California beginning December 16, 2015. The new PPA replaces the Standard Offer Contract No. 4 (SO#4), which is tied to natural gas prices, with fixed-price contract at a higher rate;
- Entered into a joint development agreement with eBay to develop a 5 MW recovered energy generation power plant in Utah to supply cleaner electricity to eBay's new data center; and
- Signed an agreement for a greenfield development of the Hu'u Dompu geothermal prospect in Indonesia.
USA, Nevada:
Yehudit (Dita) Bronicki to Retire from Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ - Press Release)
Ormat Technologies, Inc. today announced that Mrs. Yehudit (Dita) Bronicki, the company's chief executive officer, has decided to retire from her position of CEO, effective June 30, 2014.
Mrs. Bronicki will continue to serve as a director of the company following her planned retirement as CEO. Mrs. Bronicki's decision to retire will bring to a close a remarkable career of 48 years of continuous management service to Ormat and its shareholders.
The company further announced that Mr. Gillon Beck has decided to step down from his position of chairman of the board of directors of the company appointing Yoram Bronicki as the succeeding chairman, with such appointment being effective June 30, 2014. Mr. Beck will continue to serve as a director of the company after he steps down from his position as chairman. Upon assuming the position of the chairman of the board Mr. Yoram Bronicki will relinquish his position as president and chief operating officer of the company.
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Mrs. Bronicki will continue to serve as a director of the company following her planned retirement as CEO. Mrs. Bronicki's decision to retire will bring to a close a remarkable career of 48 years of continuous management service to Ormat and its shareholders.
The company further announced that Mr. Gillon Beck has decided to step down from his position of chairman of the board of directors of the company appointing Yoram Bronicki as the succeeding chairman, with such appointment being effective June 30, 2014. Mr. Beck will continue to serve as a director of the company after he steps down from his position as chairman. Upon assuming the position of the chairman of the board Mr. Yoram Bronicki will relinquish his position as president and chief operating officer of the company.
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Indonesia:
Editorial: Indonesia Needs to Pursue Geothermal (Jakarta Globe)
As Indonesia struggles to develop a comprehensive and sustainable energy policy, it might take a look at its northern neighbor for some guidance and success stories. The Philippines has many similar characteristics to Indonesia — it has thousands of islands, a high poverty rate, a booming economy, and a shortage of electricity.
Indonesia can no longer rely on fossil fuels alone to generate power for its economy and its people.
Geothermal energy has long been touted as a possible alternative. After all Indonesia has the highest reserves of geothermal energy in the world, but only taps 1.4 percent of this energy. The Philippines, on the other hand, gets 14 percent of its energy needs from geothermal sources, making it the second-largest geothermal producer in the world, behind only the United States.
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| (Courtesy CIA.gov) |
Indonesia can no longer rely on fossil fuels alone to generate power for its economy and its people.
Geothermal energy has long been touted as a possible alternative. After all Indonesia has the highest reserves of geothermal energy in the world, but only taps 1.4 percent of this energy. The Philippines, on the other hand, gets 14 percent of its energy needs from geothermal sources, making it the second-largest geothermal producer in the world, behind only the United States.
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USA, Arizona:
Apple to Build Factory in Arizona, Run on Renewables Including Geothermal Energy (Bloomberg)
Apple and the state of Arizona have announced a second Apple factory in the US - in Mesa, Arizona - as Apple works to bring some manufacturing back to its home country. The factory will be in partnership with GT Advanced, which will "own and operate furnaces and related equipment" at the Apple facility.
"This new plant will make components for Apple products and it will run on 100 per cent renewable energy from day one, as a result of the work we are doing with Salt River Project (SRP) to create green energy sources to power the facility."Apple announced in a statement. SRP has a contract with EnergySource to supply geothermal energy from the John L. Featherstone geothermal plant and the planned Hudson Ranch II plant in the Imperial Valley in Southern California.
According to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer “[Apple's] investment in renewable energy will also be greening our power grid, and creating significant new solar and geothermal power sources for the state."
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Local utility will supply renewable energy, including geothermal energy
"This new plant will make components for Apple products and it will run on 100 per cent renewable energy from day one, as a result of the work we are doing with Salt River Project (SRP) to create green energy sources to power the facility."Apple announced in a statement. SRP has a contract with EnergySource to supply geothermal energy from the John L. Featherstone geothermal plant and the planned Hudson Ranch II plant in the Imperial Valley in Southern California.
According to Arizona Governor Jan Brewer “[Apple's] investment in renewable energy will also be greening our power grid, and creating significant new solar and geothermal power sources for the state."
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USA, Alaska:
Will Pilgrim Hot Springs Solve Nome’s Energy Needs? (Alaska Dispatch)
After drilling several test holes at a hot springs near Nome, scientists and prospective developers of a planned geothermal electric project still haven’t found the energy they need. But they may be getting close.
A production-size hole -- big enough to be turned into a working geothermal power plant -- was drilled in September. It produced plenty of water, one of the requirements for a planned 2 MWe power plant. But the water wasn’t quite hot enough. Two smaller holes were later drilled into the tundra at Pilgrim Hot Springs, 60 miles northeast of Nome, in mid-October to test for hotter water temperatures, but scientists aren’t sure yet if the site will produce fluid near 190 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the threshold for a geothermal plant to produce enough energy at the site to make it a worthwhile endeavor.
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| Pilgrim Hot Springs Area (Courtesy ACEP UAF) |
A production-size hole -- big enough to be turned into a working geothermal power plant -- was drilled in September. It produced plenty of water, one of the requirements for a planned 2 MWe power plant. But the water wasn’t quite hot enough. Two smaller holes were later drilled into the tundra at Pilgrim Hot Springs, 60 miles northeast of Nome, in mid-October to test for hotter water temperatures, but scientists aren’t sure yet if the site will produce fluid near 190 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the threshold for a geothermal plant to produce enough energy at the site to make it a worthwhile endeavor.
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New Zealand:
Contact Energy Granted Ohaaki Resource Consents (Your Oil and Gas News - press release)
Contact Energy Limited owns and operates the 40 MWe Ohaaki Geothermal Power Plant 26 km north east of Taupo on land leased from Ngati Tahu. In April 2013 Contact applied for new resource consents to continue its operation.
By a decision of Commissioners appointed by Waikato Regional Council and the Waikato River Authority to hear the applications, resource consents have now been granted, as sought, for a term of 35 years and for a take of 40,000 tonnes per day of geothermal fluid. The consents granted are subject to conditions that do not differ materially from those sought.
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| Ohaaki Geothermal Power Plant (Courtesy Contact) |
By a decision of Commissioners appointed by Waikato Regional Council and the Waikato River Authority to hear the applications, resource consents have now been granted, as sought, for a term of 35 years and for a take of 40,000 tonnes per day of geothermal fluid. The consents granted are subject to conditions that do not differ materially from those sought.
Philippines:
Maibarara Geothermal Gets Green Light To Sell Electricity (BusinessWorld Online Edition)
Maibarara Geothermal, Inc. (MGI), a unit of listed PetroEnergy Resources Corp., has secured approval to sell power from its 20 MWe geothermal plant through the country’s electricity trading platform, the parent said in statement yesterday.
PetroEnergy said the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) authorized MGI’s 20 MWe plant in Batangas “to be a direct trading participant in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) effective Nov. 4, 2013.”
MGI President Francisco G. Delfin, Jr. said in the statement that sales will begin upon start of the plant’s commercial operations.
MGI secured a certificate of compliance for the 20 MWe power plant from the ERC last month.
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| (Courtesy Maibarara Geothermal Inc.) |
PetroEnergy said the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) authorized MGI’s 20 MWe plant in Batangas “to be a direct trading participant in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) effective Nov. 4, 2013.”
MGI President Francisco G. Delfin, Jr. said in the statement that sales will begin upon start of the plant’s commercial operations.
MGI secured a certificate of compliance for the 20 MWe power plant from the ERC last month.
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Global:
2014 Geothermal Resources Council Scholarships Announced
A total of $15,000 in educational awards to be given to six students in the global geothermal energy community
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| Koenraad Beckers (left) and Andrés Ruzo, recipients of the 2013 GRC Scholarships |
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 the 2014 GRC Scholarship Awards.
At the GRC Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, GRC President Louis Capuano announced that due to the success of the inaugural award the total amount awarded has been increased to $15,000 for 2014 from $5,000 in 2013.
To qualify for one of these awards a student must be a GRC member (student memberships are only $5 per year) and must meet the award-specific requirements listed below. 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.
Monday, November 4, 2013
USA, Washington:
Lecture on the Role of Groundwater on Heat Flow in the Columbia Basin (Washington State Geology News)
Monday, Nov. 18, at 2:00 pm
Rm. 172 of the Washington State Natural Resource Building at 1111 Washington St SE, Olympia WA.
Erick Burns, a USGS hydrologist at the Oregon Water Science Center in Portland, is in the final stages of publishing the results of modeling groundwater and heat flow in the Columbia Basin. Anyone interested in geothermal or groundwater resources in the Columbia Basin, GIS, or modeling is especially encouraged to attend. Click for Burns abstract (PDF).
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| (Wikipedia Commons) |
Rm. 172 of the Washington State Natural Resource Building at 1111 Washington St SE, Olympia WA.
Erick Burns, a USGS hydrologist at the Oregon Water Science Center in Portland, is in the final stages of publishing the results of modeling groundwater and heat flow in the Columbia Basin. Anyone interested in geothermal or groundwater resources in the Columbia Basin, GIS, or modeling is especially encouraged to attend. Click for Burns abstract (PDF).
USA, Washington:
November Geology Image of the Month: Exploratory Geothermal Well Logging in Snohomish County (Washington State Geology News)
Pictured are geothermal geologist Jeff Bowman (DNR) and Adam Lewis (Snohomish Co. PUD) logging an exploration well for temperature gradient. This well was located on private land next to the Garland Hot Springs in Snohomish County. The trip to the well required a 3 hour Snowcat (in picture) ride each way. They logged the well in March of 2011.
Exploratory geothermal well logging is an important element of Division of Geology and Earth Resources (DGER) work, and occurs statewide. Below is a picture of a drilling on U.S. Forest Service land in the upper Wind River Valley, Skamania County (from August 2012). In the picture geologists are collecting a sample of the drill cuttings for analysis and lithologic description. The drilling is part of DGER’s National Geothermal Data System (NGDS) grant received from the U.S. Dept. of Energy. It is part of a larger effort to compile and collect existing and new data related to geothermal resources.
Exploratory geothermal well logging is an important element of Division of Geology and Earth Resources (DGER) work, and occurs statewide. Below is a picture of a drilling on U.S. Forest Service land in the upper Wind River Valley, Skamania County (from August 2012). In the picture geologists are collecting a sample of the drill cuttings for analysis and lithologic description. The drilling is part of DGER’s National Geothermal Data System (NGDS) grant received from the U.S. Dept. of Energy. It is part of a larger effort to compile and collect existing and new data related to geothermal resources.
Mexico:
Report from the 21st Annual Congress of the Mexican Geothermal Association (ThinkGeoEnergy)
The 21st Annual Congress of the Mexican Geothermal Association (AGM) took place October 24-26, 2013 in Morelia City, Mexico.
Participants of the congress came from the geothermal division (GPG) of the CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad), the geothermal area of the Electric Research Institute (IIE: Instituto de Investigaciones Eléctricas), private companies as Grupo ENAL, Grupo Dragón, Nalco, Comesa, Weatherford, Powerchem, Schlumberger, Mexxus and Energía Latina, as well as researchers, teachers and students of the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, UNAM, IPN, CICESE and the Technological University of Morelia, and a group of several CFE’s former employees, currently retired. Seventeen students attended the congress, representing more than one-fifth of the total.
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The 21st Annual Congress of the Mexican Geothermal Association (AGM) took place October 24-26, 2013 in Morelia City, Mexico.
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Japan:
Japan Squandering Abundant Geothermal Resources (JB Press)
Japan's quest for viable sustainable energy sources has become increasingly urgent as the country questions its heavy reliance on nuclear energy in the wake of the accident at Fukushima Daiichi. Although wind and solar energy are growing, geothermal energy, which uses the same geological instability that causes Japan's earthquakes and volcanoes, has languished for 15 years due to a lack of funding and interest.
JBpress Editor in Chief Satoshi Kawashima speaks with Hirosaki University's Professor Hirofumi Muraoka to learn why.
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| Hirofumi Muraoka (Head of the North Japan Research Institute for Sustainable Energy) (Courtesy JBpress) |
JBpress Editor in Chief Satoshi Kawashima speaks with Hirosaki University's Professor Hirofumi Muraoka to learn why.
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Iceland, United Kingdom:
Iceland-U.K. Subsea Power Cable Sees ‘Strong’ Investor Interest (Bloomberg)
A plan for an undersea power cable to connect the British and Icelandic grids is attracting “strong” investor interest, Charles Hendry, a U.K. lawmaker and former energy minister who promoted the project, said November 1 in London.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that in Britain the political will is there, so if there is a political will in Iceland, we want to work together,” he told an Iceland energy conference.
The project offers low-risk, predictable returns attractive to institutional investors including pension funds and the U.K. is preparing to change policies needed for the cable, he said.
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“There’s no doubt in my mind that in Britain the political will is there, so if there is a political will in Iceland, we want to work together,” he told an Iceland energy conference.
The project offers low-risk, predictable returns attractive to institutional investors including pension funds and the U.K. is preparing to change policies needed for the cable, he said.
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Technology:
Geothermal Visual: Project Cost and Risk Profile at Various Stages of Development (RenewableEnergyWorld)
The graph above comes from “Geothermal Handbook: Planning and Financing Power Generation,” World Bank, 2012. Authors Magnus Gehringer and Victor Loksha write: “To better understand the nature of the risks that are specific to geothermal power, it is helpful to consider the project cost and risk profile through the various stages of project development."
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The graph above comes from “Geothermal Handbook: Planning and Financing Power Generation,” World Bank, 2012. Authors Magnus Gehringer and Victor Loksha write: “To better understand the nature of the risks that are specific to geothermal power, it is helpful to consider the project cost and risk profile through the various stages of project development."
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Indonesia:
PGE to Spend $2.29b on Geothermal Projects (Jakarta Post)
Pertamina Geothermal (PGE) president director Adriansyah said the company would need to spend about $3.5 million per megawatt (MW) of electricity to be produced by eight new geothermal power plants. Thus, the total investment in the eight projects would reach $2.29 billion.
The eight power plant projects will give an additional capacity of 655 MW to Pertamina Geothermal, which at present produces 402 MW at its existing plants.
The projects include the development of 110 MW Ulubelu units three and four, 110 MW Lumut Balai units one and two, 110 MW Lumut Balai unit three, 440 MW Lahendong units five and six, 30 MW Karaha unit one, 35 MW Kamojang unit five, 110 MW Hululais units one and two as well as 110 MW Sunga Penuh units one and two.
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The eight power plant projects will give an additional capacity of 655 MW to Pertamina Geothermal, which at present produces 402 MW at its existing plants.
The projects include the development of 110 MW Ulubelu units three and four, 110 MW Lumut Balai units one and two, 110 MW Lumut Balai unit three, 440 MW Lahendong units five and six, 30 MW Karaha unit one, 35 MW Kamojang unit five, 110 MW Hululais units one and two as well as 110 MW Sunga Penuh units one and two.
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St Vincent and the Grenadines:
St Vincent Launches Geothermal Energy Project (Jamaica Observer)
St Vincent and the Grenadines has launched its geothermal energy initiative that Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves believes will be a “potentially game changing initiative”.
Speaking at the launch of the testing phase of the project he said geothermal energy "is something which is getting more and more interest across the region".
Chief operating officer of the Iceland-based Reykjavik Geothermal, Gunnar Orn Gunnarsson, said that his company is confident about possibilities of geothermal energy here, but that scientific data was needed to analyse the potential.
Gunnarsson said that scientists from Iceland would visit St Vincent and the Grenadines next week to do surface exploration work and that they would remain here until mid-December and would pay a visit to the Soufriere mountains.
Employment:
Career Choice: Geothermal Production Managers (SayCampusLife)
Employment in environmentally sustainable fields continues to grow with new job titles emerging all the time. Natural heat tapped from the earth can provide an alternate source of energy, a geothermal-derived byproduct that needs to be managed. Overseeing this work are geothermal production managers, part of a larger industrial production managers field and “green economy” job designation.
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Employment in environmentally sustainable fields continues to grow with new job titles emerging all the time. Natural heat tapped from the earth can provide an alternate source of energy, a geothermal-derived byproduct that needs to be managed. Overseeing this work are geothermal production managers, part of a larger industrial production managers field and “green economy” job designation.
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Friday, November 1, 2013
Independent State of Papua New Guinea:
Papua New Guinea Contracts Reykjavik Geothermal for Geothermal Master Plan (ThinkGeoEnergy)
Icelandic company Reykjavik Geothermal last week signed a consulting agreement with the government of Papua New Guinea to work on a master plan for geothermal energy utilization in the country.
The Master Plan work will determine where and how geothermal energy can be utilized most efficiently.
Papua New Guinea has a large geothermal potential and is rich in mineral resources. A large gold mine on Lihir Island, which belongs to Papua New Guinea, is actually utilizing geothermal for the power needs. There are many mining operations on the various islands of Papua New Guinea with a strong electricity demand.
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The Master Plan work will determine where and how geothermal energy can be utilized most efficiently.
Papua New Guinea has a large geothermal potential and is rich in mineral resources. A large gold mine on Lihir Island, which belongs to Papua New Guinea, is actually utilizing geothermal for the power needs. There are many mining operations on the various islands of Papua New Guinea with a strong electricity demand.
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USA, New York:
New York County Announces Airport Geothermal Project (Binghamton Homepage)
Greater Binghamton will be the first airport in the country to use the temperature of the Earth to melt snow in the winter and cool its terminal in the summer. Ground was broken today to dig 500 foot deep geothermal wells at the airport. Water will circulate through the ground, which is roughly 50 degrees year-round, and then be used to warm the tarmac apron and walkway in the winter. In the summer, the geothermal system will augment air conditioning in the terminal building. Aviation Commissioner Carl Beardsley says the system will impress visitors on a snowy winter day.
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Greater Binghamton will be the first airport in the country to use the temperature of the Earth to melt snow in the winter and cool its terminal in the summer. Ground was broken today to dig 500 foot deep geothermal wells at the airport. Water will circulate through the ground, which is roughly 50 degrees year-round, and then be used to warm the tarmac apron and walkway in the winter. In the summer, the geothermal system will augment air conditioning in the terminal building. Aviation Commissioner Carl Beardsley says the system will impress visitors on a snowy winter day.
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Rwanda:
Geothermal Key in Rwanda's Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (TechRwanda)
Geothermal energy plays an important part in the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy of Rwanda, particularly as it would decrease the country’s reliance on imported foreign oil.
In a Climate and development Outlook for the country of Rwanda, the Climate and Development Knowledge Network reported on the country’s efforts on a climate change strategy.
The government of Rwanda has developed a a climate change strategy and established an environmental fund, providing a strategic pathway for tackling climate change and a mechanism to finance its implementation. Both are products of sustained efforts to integrate climate compatible development into core development policies.
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| From left to right: Mr. Ntare Karitanyi, Director General of Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority; Ms. Emma Isumbingabo, Minister of State for Energy and Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, Minister of Infrastructure at the drilling rig. (Courtesy Rwanda Ministry Of Inrastructure) |
In a Climate and development Outlook for the country of Rwanda, the Climate and Development Knowledge Network reported on the country’s efforts on a climate change strategy.
The government of Rwanda has developed a a climate change strategy and established an environmental fund, providing a strategic pathway for tackling climate change and a mechanism to finance its implementation. Both are products of sustained efforts to integrate climate compatible development into core development policies.
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USA, Alaska:
Profile: Pilgrim Hot Springs Geothermal Project (KNOM Radio)
Since late August, researchers and drillers have been living on site at Pilgrim Hot Springs, working around the clock to answer Nome’s energy question: Can Pilgrim fuel a geothermal power plant? Engineers say yes. And a crew has been collecting data all summer to confirm that answer. Listen to hear an in depth review of the project (AUDIO 15:34 Minutes).
Iceland:
Tour One of Iceland's Incredible Geothermal Plants (Popular Mechanics)
The Svartsengi geothermal power plant produces 75 MW of energy, provides thousands of homes with hot water, and created a hot lagoon that became a tourist attraction.
Svartsengi is located in the middle of a lava field (created during a volcanic eruption in 1226) about 45- minutes outside Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik. Because there's not much vegetation to block the view; steam coming from the plant can be seen from great distances.
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Svartsengi is located in the middle of a lava field (created during a volcanic eruption in 1226) about 45- minutes outside Iceland's capital city, Reykjavik. Because there's not much vegetation to block the view; steam coming from the plant can be seen from great distances.
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Philippines:
Geothermal Power Plant Auction Postponed (Manila Standard Today)
The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) postponed the bidding for the 153 MWe Naga power plant and the Unified Leyte geothermal contracts to the first week of November.
PSALM officials said the bidding of the said facilities was originally scheduled in October but was moved to the first week of November to give bidders more time to prepare.
PSALM set the Naga power plant auction on Nov. 8 while the bidding of the Unified Leyte contracts was set on Nov. 7 and 8.
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The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) postponed the bidding for the 153 MWe Naga power plant and the Unified Leyte geothermal contracts to the first week of November.
PSALM officials said the bidding of the said facilities was originally scheduled in October but was moved to the first week of November to give bidders more time to prepare.
PSALM set the Naga power plant auction on Nov. 8 while the bidding of the Unified Leyte contracts was set on Nov. 7 and 8.
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Philippines:
Basic Energy Keen on Bulusan Geothermal Project (Manila Standard Today)
Basic Energy Corp. is keen on pursuing the development of the West Bulusan geothermal power project in Sorsogon province, once it obtains government permits, a company executive said.
Basic Energy president Oscar de Venecia Jr. said the company’s application was still under review by the Philippines' Energy Department. The generation capacity of West Bulusan geothermal project has yet to be determined, he said.
“We are still working with DoE on West Bulusan. All will depend if we get it [service contract] or not,” De Venecia said.
Basic Energy is also undertaking exploratory works for a 20 MWe geothermal project in Mabini, Batangas.
De Venecia said once successful exploration and steam resource was determined, Basic Energy would put up a power plant in Batangas.
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Basic Energy president Oscar de Venecia Jr. said the company’s application was still under review by the Philippines' Energy Department. The generation capacity of West Bulusan geothermal project has yet to be determined, he said.
“We are still working with DoE on West Bulusan. All will depend if we get it [service contract] or not,” De Venecia said.
Basic Energy is also undertaking exploratory works for a 20 MWe geothermal project in Mabini, Batangas.
De Venecia said once successful exploration and steam resource was determined, Basic Energy would put up a power plant in Batangas.
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Technology:
Andres Ruzo at TEDxSMU 2013
Andrés grew up between Texas, Nicaragua, and Peru. Besides giving him a bit of a national identity crisis, it helped him see that most of the world’s problems are not confined by borders. In trying to find their solutions, he realized the way we produce and use energy lies at the root of many of our biggest issues. (VIDEO 19:23 Minutes)
GRC Member and GRC Scholarship winner Andres Ruzo gives a TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) speech on geothermal energy
Andrés grew up between Texas, Nicaragua, and Peru. Besides giving him a bit of a national identity crisis, it helped him see that most of the world’s problems are not confined by borders. In trying to find their solutions, he realized the way we produce and use energy lies at the root of many of our biggest issues. (VIDEO 19:23 Minutes)
Global:
International Geothermal Energy Updates Now Available
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC), the world’s premier geothermal association, has made available the presentations from the International Sessions at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Expo held last month in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Demonstrating the focus on international involvement at the meeting, the GRC and U.S Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) co-hosted the 6th International Luncheon with representatives from Ethiopia and Kenya reporting on the exciting developments in geothermal power in their countries. Mr. Gosaye Megiste Abayneh of the Ethiopia Ministry of Water and Energy and Mr. Albert Mugo of Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN) have very kindly made their presentations available.
In an International Session, as part of the GRC Technical Sessions, 8 experts from around the world gave presentations on updates in North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Australasia, Philippines, the Middle East and Europe.
The GRC has posted these international geothermal energy updates to the GRC Website at www.geothermal.org/meet-new.html.
Presentations from the International Sessions at the GRC Annual Meeting made available by the Geothermal Resources Council
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| At the International Luncheon (From left to right) Steve Ponder, Fernando Echavarria, Gosaye Megiste Abayneh, Albert Mugo, and Peter Omenda. |
Demonstrating the focus on international involvement at the meeting, the GRC and U.S Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) co-hosted the 6th International Luncheon with representatives from Ethiopia and Kenya reporting on the exciting developments in geothermal power in their countries. Mr. Gosaye Megiste Abayneh of the Ethiopia Ministry of Water and Energy and Mr. Albert Mugo of Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KENGEN) have very kindly made their presentations available.
In an International Session, as part of the GRC Technical Sessions, 8 experts from around the world gave presentations on updates in North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Australasia, Philippines, the Middle East and Europe.
The GRC has posted these international geothermal energy updates to the GRC Website at www.geothermal.org/meet-new.html.
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