Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Austria: Excellent Video Demonstration of the Vienna Basin Hydro-Geothermal System

An interesting geothermal energy prospect in the Vienna Basin…and its connection to oil and gas (The Field - AGU)

By Philip S. Prince, Virginia Tech Active Tectonics and Geomorphology Lab

(Video 4:31 Minutes)

I think the hydrogeothermal plans for the Vienna Basin are particularly interesting because some projects intend to target specific deformed sedimentary layers within the buried thrust structures. Carbonate sedimentary units are of particular interest because they should permit adequately rapid flow of waters into the producing wells and out of the re-injection wells. The targets are also sufficiently deep to offer elevated temperature (>100 degrees C). The same Zimmer and Wessely (1996) cross section that was originally prepared to show hydrocarbon plays has actually been re-purposed to show hydrogeothermal target layers in a few reports.

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

Italy: World’s First Geothermal Power Plant was Completed 106 Years Ago!

The oldest geothermal plant in the world (Power-Technology)

To find the first geothermal power plant in the world you have to go to Tuscany, Italy in the early twentieth century.

The creation of the first geothermal power plant was thanks to Prince Piero Ginori Conti of Trevignano. Conti initially worked for his father in law Florestano de Larderel in the processing of boric acid.

It was through this work that Conti eventually found his way into geothermal energy with the creation of the first geothermal energy generator in 1904. Based at the Larderello dry steam field, Conti’s generator was able to produce 10 kW of energy and power five light bulbs.

From these humble beginnings, the geothermal potential of Larderello was expanded in 1911. In an area known as the Devil’s Valley the world’s first geothermal power plant was completed in 1913.

Netherlands: New Data Made Available for Ultra Deep Geothermal Energy Resources

Five new SCAN studies for ultra deep geothermal heat (Scan Aardwarmte)

In September, several research studies were completed and five research reports published. These studies are primarily focused on Ultra Deep Geothermal Energy (UDG). This concerns geothermal heat with a temperature of 120 degrees Celsius or more found in the Dutch subsurface at depths of 4 kilometers or more.

Geothermal heat with these high temperatures can be used in various industrial processes and, as residual heat, for heating the built environment.

Limestone layers from the Dinantien, from the so-called Lower Carboniferous period, may possibly serve as a source for UDG. Because these layers are quite deep in the Dutch subsurface, few drillings have been done and there is limited seismic data available. As a result, there is great uncertainty up to now for this form of geothermal energy extraction. That is why SCAN carries out 12 research studies focused on these deep layers and on the suitability for UDG.

Read More.........

Italy: Potential for Geothermal Energy in the Adriatic Sea

Geological Modelling of Abandoned – Hydrocarbon Prospects for Geothermal Use in The Adriatic Sea, Italy (Industrial Technology)

by S. Cognigni, et al


Collection and processing of geological and geophysical public data for a 3D geological and preo-physical modelling of rocks in the Adriatic Sea: two neighbouring areas located in different geological settings aimed to develop two different approaches for geothermal reservoir characterisation.

This work highlights that:
  • The Adriatic Sea is characterised by different reservoir parameters and thermal conditions even in relatively close areas
  • In carbonate reservoir, temperature values are about 10°C higher than the siliciclastic reservoir at similar depth
  • The Scaglia Reservoir in carbonate area has been identified as the preferential reservoir, due to its shallower depth and higher reservoir properties.

USA, California: Submit Abstracts for Stanford Geothermal Workshop

Stanford Geothermal Workshop 45th Annual

Abstract submission will close on Tuesday 15 October 2019.

10-12 February, 2020
Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center, 326 Galvez Street, Stanford CA 94305

The goals of the conference are to bring together engineers, scientists and managers involved in geothermal reservoir studies and developments; provide a forum for the exchange of ideas on the exploration, development and use of geothermal resources; and to enable prompt and open reporting of progress. We strongly encourage all scientists and engineers involved in geothermal reservoir technology to attend the workshop.

Topics

Papers will be presented on recent research relating to geothermal reservoirs including:
  • Case Studies: reservoir response to production, effects of injection, scaling characteristics
  • Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS): current and future activities
  • Engineering Techniques: reservoir simulation, empirical methods, well tests, tracers
  • Field Management: strategies for exploitation, injection, scale inhibition
  • Exploration: geophysics, geochemistry, geology, heat flow studies, outflows
  • Drilling and Well Bore Flows: well stimulation, bore flow modeling, hydro-fracturing, scaling
  • Low Enthalpy Systems: applications of heat pumps, hot dry rock technology
  • Geosciences: application of geophysics, geochemistry, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.

Indonesia: ABB Supplies Prefabricated Gas-Insulated Substation to Rantau Dedap Geothermal Power Project

ABB Supplies Prefabricated Substation to Harness Geothermal Power (News Release)

ABB's grid solution connects a new geothermal power plant near Rantau Dedap, located in a volcanic complex in a remote highland part of South Sumatra, far from the island's main transmission system. The plant provides 220 MW of electricity - enough to power almost 500,000 local homes.

Working closely with PT Rekayasa Industri, an Indonesia Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) company and their customer, PT Supreme Energy, ABB engineered, manufactured, supplied, installed and commissioned a prefabricated gas-insulated substation, which was delivered on-site fully assembled and factory-tested.

Commonwealth of Dominica: Testing Begins at 7 MW Geothermal Power Project

Well Testing on New CBI-funded Geothermal Plant in Dominica Officially Starts (News Release)


Today marks another milestone in Dominica's journey towards a majority reliance on renewable energy and a carbon negative future. The Ministry of Trade, Energy and Employment and the Dominica Geothermal Development Company announced that well testing on the site of the new geothermal plant will commence on October 8th. The project will drive the country's energy mix to 51% renewables.

Energy Minister Ian Douglas says that the new geothermal plant "will benefit all sectors of productive activity in Dominica." It will initially generate 7MW of clean energy able to supply 23,000 homes across the island, which represents nearly the whole Dominican population. Eventually, Dominica has the potential to be a net exporter of green energy, for example, to nearby French territories Martinique and Guadeloupe via submarine cables.

Read More.........

Monday, October 7, 2019

New Zealand: Employment Opportunity as Modeller of Geothermal Systems

Vacancy: Geothermal Modeller - GNS Science

Deadline: 28 Oct 2019
Location(s): Taupo, Hutt Valley, Wellington

In this role, you will undertake research and contribute to the development of computational and mathematical modelling of geothermal systems for consultancy and research projects.

This position provides the opportunity for someone with an experienced modelling background to work with our geothermal team in the area of reservoir modelling; this is a key area of growth in regard to both our consultancy and research work.

The position is based in our office of Wairakei (Taupo), or possibly in Avalon (Lower Hutt) and would suit someone who likes working in a multidisciplinary team environment.  Candidates will show flexibility, innovation and a commitment to quality. People skills, teamwork, and the ability to approach and interact with a range of clients are a must!

More Information and Apply........

Commonwealth of Dominica: Testing Begins at 7 MW Geothermal Power Project

Geothermal Drill testing in Laudat & Titou Gorge area (News Release)

The Dominica Geothermal Development Company limited in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Energy and Employment, would like to inform the public particularly residents of Laudat and patrons of the Titou gorge area that well testing activities will be ongoing at the drill site located near to Domlec’s balancing tank.

The testing will commence from 8:00 am Tuesday October 8th and conclude Wednesday 23 October 2019.  Patrons should be aware that access through the village of Laudat particularly past the Domlec power station will be restricted as well as to the Trafalgar falls tourism site up to midday on October 8th, 2019.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

United Kingdom: Penzance Lido Makes a Comeback! Thanks to Geothermal

Seeking New Energy, an English Town Digs Deep (The New York Times)

The county of Cornwall hopes that tapping an underground rock formation will bring electricity, economic stimulus and year-round swimming.

Five years ago.... the Art Deco pool was run down after decades of neglect and a major winter storm that struck the southwestern English coast in 2014.

Now it’s tapping an energy source that its creators hope will give new life to the county of Cornwall. By next year, despite some snags, the pool is expected to be available year-round, and a new geothermal plant nearby could provide a fresh source of electricity for a region that has suffered economic decline.

Now, on a small patch of land adjacent to the pool, a bore hole has been drilled into the rock on which the lido is built. Starting next year, it is expected to provide geothermal energy to help heat the lido’s new wintertime section, allowing locals to swim in any weather.

Japan: Experimental Geothermal Energy Conversion Technology System Charges Smartphones at Hot Springs

Beppu 'onsen' offers chance to recharge, along with smartphone (Asahi Shimbun Company)

(Courtesy Katsutoshi Katoh)
Fans of "onsen" bathing never need worry about whether their mobile devices have run out of juice while they are relaxing in this famed southern hot spring resort.

That's because of an experimental thermal energy conversion technology system that kicked off Sept. 19 at the popular Kannawa onsen tourist facility in the Furomoto district.

The charger system targeting users of smartphones and other electronic devices will be accessible to sightseers and other visitors until the end of January.

The aim is to show visitors that spa water can be used for numerous purposes, including generating electricity. 

According to city officials, the system generates a small charge utilizing the difference in temperatures between close to 100-degree spa water springing from the ground at the rear of the Kannawa facility for a large communal bath and the outside air, which is normally between zero and 30 degrees.

The system generates an output of only 2.5 watts, which is stored in a battery. People can recharge their mobile devices by connecting them with any of six sockets on a pillar inside Kannawa through USB ports during its business hours. There is no charge for the service.

France: Good Progress for Geothermal District Heating Networks

Le sous-sol, une mine de chaleur à creuser avec la géothermie - The basement, a heat mine to dig with geothermal (L'usine Nouvelle.com)

Bordeaux Métropole s'apprête à mettre en place un nouveau réseau de chaleur à partir de la géothermie pour alimenter la plaine Rive droite. Confié à Storengy et Engie Cofely, ce chantier, qui se déroulera pendant tout le second semestre 2019, consistera à réaliser deux puits: l'un pour la captation et l'autre pour la réinjection. Ils plongeront à 1,700 m de profondeur dans les aquifères de la nappe jurassique où, selon les études, la température avoisine 70°C et où le débit de pompage pourrait atteindre 300 m3/h. Long de 25 km, le réseau de chaleur sera constitué de deux canalisations principales : l'aller et le retour.

(From Google Translate) Bordeaux Métropole is preparing to set up a new geothermal energy heat network to supply the "Rive droite" plain. Entrusted to Storengy and Engie Cofely, this project, which will take place throughout the second half of 2019, will consist of two wells: one for production and the other for reinjection. They will be drilled to 1,700 meters deep to the waters of the Jurassic aquifer where, according to studies, the temperature is around 70°C and the pumping rate could reach 300 m3/h. 25 km long, the heat network will consist of two main pipes in a loop.

Lire la suite.........                   Read More.........

Philippines: Geothermal is Key for Climate Change Mitigation - EDC Official

With climate woes worsening energy insecurity, geothermal is key–EDC (Business Mirror)

Energy Development Corp. (EDC) said Monday that geothermal energy is key to achieving the country’s goal to move toward attaining energy security amid worsening climate-related challenges.

“Since geothermal energy can provide continuous power 24 hours a day, it serves as the best source of baseload power,” said Marvin Kenneth S. Bailon, head of EDC’s business development, market planning and contracts on Monday.

“Studies have repeatedly pointed out that the Philippines is the third most vulnerable country to climate-related hazards and we need to take bold action to reverse that. One decisive step we can take is to transform our energy sector and the islands of Negros and Leyte show that it is possible and now even a reality,” added Bailon.

Most important, apart from being more eco-friendly, electricity generated from geothermal sources is helping consumers enjoy more competitively priced power rates, according to Bailon.

Serbia: Vojvodina Province Geothermal Project Gets Organized

Working group set up for Vojvodina to get first geothermal power plants (Balkan Green Energy News)

The working group was established last week at the invitation of the Vojvodina Secretariat for Energy, Construction, and Transport and France’s ES-Geothermie, which offers general contracting services for the development of deep geothermal projects. The working group’s goal is to facilitate projects to build the first geothermal power plants in Vojvodina, as well as to supply district heating systems and industrial producers with energy from Vojvodina’s geothermal resources, according to a statement from the municipality of Vrbas carried by its portal Vrbas.net.

The working group’s activities are based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Vojvodina government and ES-Geothermie in March 2017, which led to the signing of a document on further cooperation on the project during French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Serbia.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Friday, October 4, 2019

Geothermal Energy News from Around the World

Global Geothermal News - Weekly Update (Geothermal Resources Council)


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

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

Geothermal Event! Call for Sessions for GRC Annual Meeting & Expo

Reno2020 Call for Sessions Opening Now (News Release)


Due November 8, 2019

This is a “Call for Sessions” for the 2020 GRC Annual Meeting & Expo to be held at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada from October 18-21, 2020. We are inviting proposals for specific sessions at next year’s meeting. Sessions can be organized and led by up to three people, a session chair and two co-chairs. Successful session chairs will be expected to assist the technical chair to recruit authors and organize reviews. A session will include at least four papers.

For more information on the Call for Sessions, please click the button below or visit the GRC website.

Mark Your Calendar:
  • Call for Sessions Deadline - November 8, 2019
  • Call for Papers Deadline - May 27, 2020 - more information coming soon!
GRC Annual Meeting & Expo - October 18-21, 2020
See you at the GRC’s Reno2020 great gathering of our Industry and Community!

USA, Utah: Mapping Helps for Better Understanding of the Quaternary Geologic History of the Utah FORGE Site

Quaternary Geology of the Utah FORGE Site and Vicinity, Millard and Beaver Counties, Utah (Utah Geological Survey)

By Tyler Knudsen, Emily Kleber, Adam Hiscock, and Stefan M. Kirby

We present new Quaternary geologic mapping, geomorphic analysis, and luminescence geochronology to better understand the Quaternary geologic history of the Utah FORGE site near Milford, Utah.

The Utah FORGE site is in the eastern Basin and Range Province, a region of east-west extension that covers much of the southwestern United States. The province consists of north-south-striking, range-bounding normal faults that
define a series of bedrock horst blocks and corresponding basins. Basin and Range extension began in the early Miocene (ca. 17.5 Ma) and continues today (Dickinson, 2006). Within the Basin and Range, most developed geothermal systems are fault controlled (Faulds and others, 2011). In the Sevier Desert of southwestern Utah, several geothermal systems may have magmatic sources (Faulds and others, 2011), and deep-seated faults allow for hydrothermal circulation. Some late Quaternary normal faulting in the Sevier Desert about 75 km north of the FORGE site may be related to rift-assisted magmatism.

Read More.........

Kenya: Baringo-Silali Geothermal Energy Project Helps to Develop Local Water Infrastructure

GDC Baringo-Silali Water Project (GDC Kenya)

(Video 2:56 Minutes)

Water is a critical component in the development and sustenance of livelihoods. GDC has constructed a robust water infrastructure for the residents and livestock of Baringo-Silali area where it is currently undertaking geothermal drilling.

Canada: Using an Abandoned New Brunswick Mine for Geothermal District Heating

Geothermal Energy Could Spark Economic Development In Sussex Region (Huddle Today)

Officials in Sussex,  a town in Kings County, New Brunswick, Canada, say an abandoned potash mine near the town could become an exciting opportunity for the region’s economy.

A town-commissioned report has found “very real potential” to produce geothermal energy using water from the Penobsquis mine.

It comes more than three years after PotashCorp, now known as Nutrien, announced the closure of the mine.

The town says businesses like hatcheries or those that run greenhouses for everything from cannabis to hot house tomatoes would be among those to enjoy the biggest savings from a geothermal system. The energy savings could be in the neighbourhood of 40 – 60 per cent.

After modelling 20 geothermal scenarios, Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions of Fredericton determined an open-loop system has the most potential. In that process, water would be pumped to the surface, run through heat pumps to generate heating and cooling power, and then return below ground after use.

Turkey: Start of Commercial Operations of 30 MW Maspo Ala-2 Geothermal Power Plant

Maspo Enerji Ala-2 30 MW Jeotermal Santralının Bakanlık Kabulu Yapıldı. 27 Eylül 2019 - Maspo Energy Ala-2 30 MW Geothermal Power Plant was accepted by the Ministry. September 27, 2019 (Maspo Energy)

(Video 3:52 Minutes)

T.C. Enerji ve Tabii Kaynaklar Bakanlığı Kabul Heyeti 26-27 Eylül tarihlerinde çalışarak Ala-2'de incelemelerde bulundu. 27 Eylül 2019 tarihinde Bakanlık kabulu yapıldı. Gürmen Grup Yönetim Kurulu Başkanı Sayın Remzi GÜR " Vatana millete hayırlı olsun. Emeği geçenlere teşekkür ederim."dedi.

(From Google Translate) The Acceptance Committee of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Turkey visited the site on 26-27 September and conducted inspections on Ala-2. On September 27, 2019, the Ministry accepted the facility. Gürmen Group Chairman of the Board of Directors Remzi GÜR commented "Good luck to the nation. Thank you to those who contributed."

Daha fazla oku..........                      Read More........

Geothermal Magazine! The Latest News and Knowledge for the Global Geothermal Energy Community

The Latest Bulletin
-
the voice of the international geothermal energy community.


Thursday, October 3, 2019

USA, California: Improving The Permitting Process For Lithium Extraction From Geothermal Brine at The Salton Sea

3 Steps to Improve the Lithium and Geothermal Permitting Process (Panorama Environmental, Inc.)

Hells Kitchen 2 - Darrell Cornett, Darco Productions, El Centro, California, USA. Hells Kitchen Geothermal Fields Salton Sea California 2017. 3rd Place 2017 GRC Geothermal Photo Contest.

Susanne Heim, Principal at Panorama Environmental and Graeme Donaldson, Controlled Thermal Resources, General Manager collaborated to provide input to the California Energy Commission on approaches to improve the permitting process for lithium extraction from geothermal brine at the Salton Sea. Their recommendations include:
  1. State funding for a study to support the US Army Corps of Engineers adjustment of the limits of the Salton Sea to reflect current circumstances. This would remove a regulatory hurdle for extraction of lithium from areas that were previously inundated by the Salton Sea.
  2. Creating a centralized tracking system for lithium project permitting by various state regulatory agencies, requiring regular reporting from regulators on the status of the permit process, and providing training to regulators on the lithium extraction process.
  3. Encourage advanced procurement of geothermal power through the IRP and resource adequacy process to create  new market opportunities for lithium extraction from geothermal brine.
If these steps are taken, the resulting geothermal and lithium development at the Salton Sea present opportunities to:
  1. Generate geothermal power to address the State of California needs for baseload renewable energy to meet policy objectives for renewable energy integration and greenhouse gas reduction. 
  2. Achieve State objectives for creating a reliable domestic supply of lithium to power the electric vehicle market.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, read the full memo here or contact us (Panorama Environmental, Inc.) to discuss!

USA, Nevada: Video of Ormat's First Hybrid Geothermal & Solar Power Plant

Ormat Tungsten SOLAR (Ormat Technologies, Inc.)

(Video 5:46 Minutes)

Ormat's first hybrid Geothermal & Solar power plant in Tungsten Mountain NV USA.

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

St. Vincent & the Grenadines: Video of the St. Vincent Geothermal Project

Video of the St. Vincent Geothermal Project (Pedro Zavarce)

Video about an innovative geothermal energy project funded by the Inter-American Development Bank & the Caribbean Development Bank.


(Video 3:44 Minutes)

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

USA, Texas, California: Employment Opportunity at Geothermal Technology Company

Vacancies at Fervo Energy

Fervo’s innovations include technologies such as advanced computational models, horizontal drilling, and distributed fiber optic sensing that we have developed with partners including Schlumberger, ARPA-E, and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.

Head of Project Development
The Head of Project Development will manage the development of geothermal energy projects in western US and international electricity markets. The Head of Project Development will be responsible for origination, business development, negotiation, management of interconnection and transmission service requests, and project financial modeling for geothermal energy projects in the western US and international locations. The position is based in Houston, TX or Berkeley, CA and requires frequent travel. The Head of Project Development will report directly to the CEO and also be responsible for recruiting and managing a development team to meet Fervo’s growing development pipeline.

Learn more about the position here and submit a resume and cover letter to careers@fervoenergy.com.

Senior Drilling Engineer
The Senior Drilling Engineer will oversee drilling engineering and operations for geothermal wells in the western United States. The Senior Drilling Engineer will be responsible for design and operations of all Fervo Energy drilling activities, including engineering design, operations, vendor and contractor selection and management and coordinating with a cross-functional team to manage regulatory and R&D requirements. The position is based in Houston, TX and requires frequent travel. The Senior Drilling Engineering Engineer will report to the Drilling and Completions Manager.

Learn more about the position here and submit a resume and cover letter to careers@fervoenergy.com.

Philippines: Government Urges Focus on Low to Medium Enthalpy Geothermal Projects

Small-scale geothermal projects pushed as Philippines slides in global ranking (The Philippine Star)

The Philippine government is pushing for the development of small-scale geothermal projects to reclaim the country’s spot as the second largest producer of geothermal energy.

However, developers are asking fiscal and non-fiscal incentives from government as low to medium enthalpy geothermal projects are high risk and require large capital.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is urging the industry to proceed to the next wave in Philippine geothermal growth, assistant secretary Robert Uy said during the First International Geothermal Conference - Beyond Conventional on Wednesday.

He said the country has not seen any geothermal development since the enactment of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which dislodged the Philippines from the second top spot in terms of capacity generated from the resource.

The development of non-conventional geothermal resources, despite the low capacity generated, is more economical to develop due to their proximity to transmission lines and communities, unlike conventional geothermal projects that are expensive, up in the mountains and difficult in securing permitting requirements, NGAP president Joeffrey Caranto said on the sidelines of the conference.

USA: New Geothermal Energy Legislation Would "Shorten the Approval Process Dramatically"

Congressman Fulcher sponsors geothermal energy bill (CBS 2)

Congressman Russ Fulcher is co-sponsoring 40 bills in Congress right now.

In an interview with 670 KBOI, he talked about one of the bills that deals with geothermal energy.

"It shortens the approval process dramatically. If anyone wants to come in and look for geothermal viability on federal property the hope and the promise and that we will develop more of that type of energy because we have it," Fulcher said. "It’s clean, it’s cheap and frankly everybody likes it. It’s very bipartisan. That’s why that one is moving and we will take a win where we can get it."

Read More........

USA: One Day Meeting in Washington DC Considers Oil & Gas Sharing Technologies With Geothermal


Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM EDT, National Academies of Sciences, Washington, D.C.

Geothermal energy is a versatile renewable energy resource that provides baseload power for electricity generation and can also be used for a range of heating and cooling applications in commercial and residential settings. Because geothermal energy relies on capturing the natural heat of the Earth, exploration for and development of geothermal resources requires extensive knowledge of the Earth’s subsurface, including the mechanical, thermal, and chemical behavior and characteristics of rocks and fluids; dynamic processes such as those related to volcanic and hydrothermal systems; and impacts of changes to the subsurface as it is engineered to extract energy.

Development of advanced approaches for exploration and production of oil and gas and nonfuel mineral resources shares many similarities with those required for geothermal energy development particularly in terms of the need for improved understanding of the subsurface and the way rocks and fluids interact and behave in natural and engineered situations. With a foundation provided through an update on the status of new research within conventional geothermal and enhanced geothermal systems, our discussion will take a cross-sectoral approach from geothermal, oil and gas, and mining perspectives to highlight progress, challenges, and opportunities in:
  • Managing uncertainty in subsurface data;
  • Advances in technologies for subsurface characterization; and
  • Dynamic permeability in fractured reservoirs
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office’s (GTO’s) Director, Dr. Susan Hamm is a featured speaker at this upcoming meeting and will present an overview of GTO research activities to kick off a series of public panels on challenges and opportunities in subsurface exploration and development. 

Register.........                           Full agenda........

Canada: DEEP Plans to Begin Construction of Geothermal Power Plant in Late Spring of Next Year

DEEP Continues Project Near Torquay (DiscoverWeyburn.com)

A project near Torquay is getting set to enter its next phase as DEEP Energy continues to demonstrate the feasibility of geothermal power generation in southeast Saskatchewan.

The company recently finished drilling their first well, and are starting work on their second well which will be used to generate power through the use of water which has been heated underground.

“It becomes a production well, and the second well becomes the injection well, so that we have Canada’s first geothermal doublet, so we then produce out of one well, and inject into the other and run our long term 60/90 day flow test,” explained Kirsten Marcia, the CEO of DEEP Energy.

When the doublet is up and running, they can begin their flow tests and determine the viability of the project, as well as determine what changed need to be made.

“Once we have that detailed data, then we can refine our engineering plan,” said Marcia when talking about the next steps of the process. The goal is to begin the construction of the full-scale facility in the late spring of 2020.

Read More.........

United Kingdom: One Year Masters Course in Subsurface Energy Engineering

MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering - The University of Manchester
  • Degree awarded: Master of Science
  • Duration: MSc FT - 12 months
  • UK/EU students (per annum): £11,500
  • International students (per annum): £25,000
The Subsurface Energy Engineering Masters Programme offers a fascinating integrated taught and research curriculum in the context of energy and utilisation of subsurface systems to achieve cleaner and more sustainable energy. 

Geosystems in this context play a critical role as they not only offer sources of fossil fuels (oil and gas) but also renewable energy (e.g., geothermal energy) and capacity for decarbonisation (geological CO2 sequestration). The MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering - jointly developed in collaboration with the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences - will give a unique opportunity to students - with a prior qualification in engineering -  to learn engineering and modelling skills required such as  subsurface characterisation, rock and fluid physics, multiphase flow and transport in subsurface system, reservoir modelling and simulations, and reservoir fluid thermodynamics.  Students will acquire a deep and systematic conceptual understanding and practical engineering skills needed for diverse industry applications such as reservoir engineering, geothermal engineering and carbon sequestration. Additionally, the programme offers unique opportunities to talented students to work with the industry during the MSc research. More Information........

Full entry requirements              Apply online

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

New Zealand: Opportunity as Geochemistry Manager in Rotorua

Employment - Geochemistry Manager - Mercury

Location: Rotorua, New Zealand
Deadline: 14 October

We're currently on the lookout for a Geochemistry Manager to fill a role that is responsible for the long-term performance of Mercury's assets by providing geochemistry leadership through a team of talented scientists and technician.

In this role you will report directly to the Geothermal Technical Resources Manager and will be based in our office in Rotorua. More Details........

Read More........

USA, Canada, Mexico: Are You Interested in a North America Expo Presence at World Geothermal Congress?

Opportunity to Exhibit at World Geothermal Congress 2020 (News Release)

Interested in showcasing your geothermal experience and technology by participating in a North America Cluster at WGC 2020?

We would like to determine - in the next 10 days - if there is an adequate level of interest to justify an approach to the WGC organizers to negotiate a shared North American booth space.

If we proceed with the North America Cluster, we must complete our negotiations with WGC before the end of October, which is just around the corner.

Please contact us with a quick, non-binding indication of your interest, for example:
  • A simple Yes or No
  • “We are already planning to exhibit”
  • “We would be interested if costs don’t exceed $x”
Any individual, firm or institution with North American interests is invited to participate. Your responses will enable us to understand the level of interest from North American companies and proceed accordingly. Exhibitors will need to reserve their booth space by November 1 in order to be co-located with the group.

The organizers of the North American Cluster are committed to:
  1. keeping costs as low as possible;
  2. organizing the booth space logically (such that even competitors can participate); and
  3. showcasing the significant body of geothermal expertise that exists in North America.
Please send your response today, or at the latest by Friday October 4!

Responses should be directed to Estela Smith at grc@geothermal.org.

Science & Technology: Jersey Company Secures Funding to Complete Testing of Innovative Geothermal Drilling Technology

Strada Secures New Funding To Test Breakthrough Technology For Geothermal (News Release)

Strada, a Jersey (a self-governing dependency of the United Kingdom) based geothermal project development company and an innovative technology company specialising in deep drilling, has today announced that it has secured new investment to complete the testing of its unique, patented, Fluid Hammer Operating System (FHOS). 

Once testing is completed, it is anticipated that Strada’s system will enable deep drilling, that could unlock previously inaccessible sources of geothermal energy, in any terrain. It is believed that the technology could also be applied for critical infrastructure projects that require deep drilling that is safe, fast and affordable.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

United Kingdom: Cornish Lithium About to Begin Exploration Drilling

Crowdfunded Cornish Lithium prepares to drill first exploration holes (Mining Weekly)

The company would also like to investigate the possibility of combining geothermal energy and lithium extraction.

British mining company Cornish Lithium is gearing up to drill its first exploration holes to test whether it is possible to exploit lithium from geothermal waters that occur naturally and circulate beneath historic mine workings in Cornwall.

The company has successfully raised £1.4-million in crowdfunding, welcoming 1,200 new investors, and is now preparing to proceed with drilling this month.

Cornish Lithium would also investigate the possibility of combining geothermal energy and lithium extraction.

Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL) had recently drilled two deep geothermal holes at United Downs near Redruth – a production hole 5,275 m deep and an injection hole 2,393 m deep – both of which targeted a similar geological structure to those targeted by Cornish Lithium.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Ecuador: Chachimbiro Geothermal Project to Install 5 MW Power Plant in 2022

La primera central de generación geotérmica estará en Imbabura - The first geothermal power plant will be in Imbabura (La Hora)

En Chachimbiro, Imbabura, se perforó el primer pozo geotérmico exploratorio. Los estudios se financiaron con recursos no rembolsables del Gobierno de Japón, a través de la Agencia de Cooperación Internacional (JICA).

Actualmente el proyecto se encuentra en la fase de desarrollo de campo; para esta primera etapa tendrá un presupuesto de $70 millones, de los cuales 60 millones son financiados por el Préstamo Oficial de laJICA. Asimismo, en esta fase, se procederá también al montaje de una planta de cinco megavatios, a boca pozo, en el año 2022.

Desde marzo del 2018 se han realizado pruebas en el primer pozo exploratorio, con resultados satisfactorios, ya que se han encontrado temperaturas de 235ºC que son ideales para la instalar una planta geotérmica.

(From Google Translate) The first exploratory geothermal well has been drilled in Chachimbiro, Imbabura. The studies were funded with non-reimbursable resources from the Government of Japan, through the International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The project is currently in the field development phase - For this first stage it will have a budget of $ 70 million, of which 60 million is financed by the Official Loan from JICA. Also, in this phase, we will also proceed to the assembly of a five megawatt plant, at the wellhead, in the year 2022.

Since March 2018, tests have been carried out in the first exploratory well, with satisfactory results, since temperatures of 235ºC have been found that are ideal for installing a geothermal plant.

Lee mas.........                                      Read More........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Philippines: National Association to Ask That Government Renewable Energy Incentives Stay in Place

Group seeks lawmakers’ help to keep RE perks (The Manila Times)

The National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (NGAP) seeks the intervention of legislators in a bid to retain fiscal incentives for undertaking renewable energy (RE) projects amid the government’s push to rationalize perks for investors.

“We are in communication with our colleagues in the Congress… We will be visiting the Senate to make sure that the renewable energy incentives stay in place,” Joeffrey Caranto, NGAP president, said on Wednesday.

“We submitted a position paper in the Congress,” Caranto told reporters on the sidelines of the First Philippine International Geothermal Conference (PGC) held in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on Oct. 2, 2019.

Read More.........

Science & Technology: Ultra-Low-Grade Geothermal Heat Engine Validated and Ready for the Market

PwrCor Now Commercializes its Disruptive Heat-to-Power Technology Breakthrough (News Release)

PwrCor stands alone as the leader in ultra-low heat-to-power conversion technology opening new, previously unexploited global markets

PwrCor, Inc., is an advanced technology company focused on clean, renewable energy solutions while reducing the overall cost of energy for power users.  Low-grade and ultra-low-grade heat (150-212 F), which up until now could only be discarded and wasted, can be cost-effectively utilized to generate electrical power, providing cost savings and improving bottom line performance for corporations globally.

The technology breakthrough exceeds cycle efficiencies of competing conventional power cycles and now enables PwrCor to exploit applications and markets, such as Data Centers, which previously could not effectively utilize their low temperature wasted heat, but now can economically convert that heat into useful power.

USA: Opportunity for Paid Internship at DOE Labs

Spring 2020 Paid Intern for Undergraduates at National Labs (News Release)

The student application deadline for the spring SULI program is October 7

The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) program encourages undergraduate students and recent graduates to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers by providing research experiences at the Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories. Selected students participate as interns appointed at one of 17 participating DOE laboratories/facilities. They perform research, under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers, on projects supporting the DOE mission.

The SULI program is sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s, Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists (WDTS) in collaboration with the DOE laboratories/facilities.

Applications for the SULI program are solicited annually for three separate internship terms. Internship appointments are 10 weeks in duration for the Summer Term (May through August) or 16 weeks in duration for the Fall (August through December) and Spring (January through May) Terms. Each DOE laboratory/facility offers different research opportunities; not all DOE laboratories/facilities offer internships during the Fall and Spring Terms.

Read More..........           Key Dates.........                Apply.........

Tuesday, October 1, 2019

Canada: Hybrid Geothermal-Natural Gas Project Company Raises Funds

Razor Energy Corp. Announces Flow-Through Share Private Placement for its Renewable Geothermal Power Project (News Release)

Razor Energy Corp. of Calgary, Alberta, has announced it has entered into an agreement with GMP FirstEnergy on behalf of a syndicate of agents pursuant to which the Agents have agreed to market, on a “best efforts” private placement basis, up to 2,702,800 Common Shares that will qualify as “flow-through shares”. 

The 2,702,800 Flow-Through Shares will be issued at a price of $1.85 per Flow-Through Share, representing an approximate 16% premium to the closing price of the Common Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange on September 30, 2019, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to approximately $5,000,000.

The gross proceeds from the sale of Flow-Through Shares will be used by the Company to incur qualifying “Canadian renewable and conservation expenses” (CRCE) as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) related to the Company’s geothermal power projects in Alberta. The Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of Flow-Through Shares with an effective date on or before December 31, 2019, and in the aggregate amount of not less than the gross proceeds of the Offering.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

USA: NREL Regional Energy Deployment System Predicts Almost 6,000 MW of Geothermal Energy Capacity in California by 2050

Now Publicly Available, NREL’s ReEDS Model Expands Access to Inform the Power Sector (NREL)

The model predicts 5.84 GW of geothermal energy capacity in California by 2050

What might the U.S. energy generation mix look like between now and the year 2050? Thanks to the publicly available Regional Energy Deployment System model, or ReEDS for short, we can now explore how the power system will evolve under changing market conditions.

ReEDS, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s flagship capacity planning model for the North American electricity system, simulates the evolution of the bulk power system—both generation and transmission—from present day through 2050.

Featuring high spatial resolution and advanced algorithms for representing the cost, value, and technical characteristics of integrating renewables into the electricity system, ReEDS depicts energy production and consumption through a regional lens—and it’s now publicly available.

Read More.........

Philippines: National Geothermal Association of the Philippines Holds International Conference

1st Philippine Geothermal Conference (National Geothermal Association of the Philippines)

Beyond Conventional: Tapping New Geothermal Frontiers

2-3 October, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila


Registration........                  Programme........

Uganda: New Software Highlights Geothermal Resources

Uganda enables a sustainable future with geoscience data (News Release)

Geosoft, a Canadian subsidiary of multinational Seequent, together with a global consortium, deliver on a key project to help support a sustainable future for Uganda

Detail of the map showing Geothermal areas in the Kigezi region in southern Uganda
Seequent today announced the launch of the Uganda Geoscience Data Portal, supported by an international consortium that aims to improve the geoscience understanding of the Jinja and Mbarara regions in Uganda to stimulate sustainable socio-economic investment.

The portal makes geoscience data freely available to encourage investment. The primary aim is to encourage mineral exploration and support better early stage decision making. At the same time, the data resources will benefit: environmental and land-use planning, water resource management and sustainable energy development such as geothermal.


From the Global Geothermal News archives:

Global: Calendar of Geothermal Energy Events

Geothermal Energy Calendar from the Geothermal Resources Council

Energy Policy Research Conference (Energy Policy Institute) 
29 September - 1 October, Boise, Idaho, USA
https://www.boisestate.edu/epi/eprc9/

1st Philippine Geothermal Conference (National Geothermal Association of the Philippines) Beyond Conventional: Low-Medium-Enthalpy Geothermal Resources and Applications
2-3 October, Manila, Philippines
https://www.ngaphil.com/

Praxisforum Geothermie.Bayern
7-9 October, Munich, Germany
www.praxisforum-geothermie.bayern/en

European Geothermal Workshop 2019 - Characterization of Deep Geothermal Systems
9-10 October, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
http://www.agw.kit.edu/EGW2019.php

Earth Science Week - American Geosciences Institute
13-19 October, USA
http://www.earthsciweek.org/

Demonstration of deep geothermal in Europe – MEET H2020 technical workshop (MEET project) 
23 October, 9am-7pm, Palais des Congrès, Arcachon, France
Workshop is free
https://www.eventbrite.fr/e/billets-demonstration-of-deep-geothermal-in-europe-meet-h2020-technical-workshop-63956357186

SDG Short Course IIV on Exploration and Development of Geothermal Resources (UN-GTP and KenGen)
4-25 November, Lake Bogoria and Lake Naivasha, Kenya
http://www.unugtp.is/en/organization/frettir/sdg-short-course-iiv-on-exploration-and-development-of-geothermal-resources-to-be-held-in-kenya-in-november-2019

7th London Geothermal Symposium (Geological Society)5 November, Burlington House, London, United Kingdom
https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/GSL-7th-London-Geothermal-Symposium

IGC Turkey Geothermal Congress & Expo
6-8 November, Izmir, Turkey
https://www.igc-turkey.com/

Der Geothermiekongress 2019
19-21, November, Munich, Germany
https://www.der-geothermiekongress.de/kongress-2019/der-geothermiekongress.html

1st Canadian Geothermal Students Day 
21-22 November, Québec City, Québec, Canada
https://canadiangeothermal.wixsite.com/cgsd

Joint EAGE/BVG/FKPE Workshop on Borehole Geophysics and Geothermal Energy
22 November, Munich, Germany
https://eage.eventsair.com/boreholegeophysics2019/event-overview

41st New Zealand Geothermal Workshop (NZGW) 
25- 27 November, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
https://nzgeothermal.org.nz/

4th National Geothermal Conference - RENAG - Colombian Geothermal Association (AGEOCOL)
25-28 November, Medellin, Colombia
https://renagcolombia.wixsite.com/2019

Global Geothermal Energy Summit 2019 (ACI)
27-28 November, Florence, Italy
https://www.wplgroup.com/aci/event/global-geothermal-energy-summit/

COP 25 - Climate Change Conference
2-13 December, Santiago, Chile
https://unfccc.int/santiago

American Geophysical Union - Annual Fall Meeting 
9-13 December, San Francisco, California
https://www2.agu.org/en/Fall-Meeting

GT'2020 Türkiye Jeotermal Kongresi5-6 February, 2020, Ankara, Turkey
https://geothermalturkey.org/

GeoTHERM - Expo & Congress

Joint GRC-SPE Workshop - High Temperature Well Cementing
“Exploring Geothermal and Oil and Gas Synergies”
30 March - 1 April, 2020, San Diego, California, USA

World Geothermal Congress 2020
27 April - 1 May 2020, Reykjavik, Iceland
www.wgc2020.com/

Geothermal Resources in Sedimentary Basins Conference
9-10 September, 2020, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
http://gssb2019.com/

44th GRC Annual Meeting & Expo
18-21 October 2020, Reno, Nevada, USA
www.geothermal.org/meet-new.html