Dominica:

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

Rwanda:

A Milestone for Geothermal in Rwanda

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

USA, California:

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

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

Philippines:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

USA:

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



(VIDEO 3:04 Minutes)

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

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

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

Read More.....

Djibouti:

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

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

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

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

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

Read More.....

Iceland:

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

USA, Wyoming:

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

(Courtesy RMOTC)

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

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

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

Read More.....

Iceland:

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

(Courtesy News of Iceland)

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

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

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

Read More.....

Kenya:

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

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

Read More.....

Vanuatu, New Zealand:

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

North Efate island in Vanuatu Courtesy Kuth Energy) 

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

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

Read More.....

Technology:

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

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

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

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

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

Read More......

Turkey:

Atlas Copco Wins Turkish Geothermal Deal (reNews)

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

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

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

Read More.....

Global:

GRC Annual Meeting and GEA Geothermal Energy Expo

Sponsorships Opportunities Still Available!

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

More information......

USA, California:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

Global:

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Global:

The GRC Awards ‐ Seeking the Best in Global Geothermal

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

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

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

USA:

Wastewater Wells, Geothermal Power Triggering Earthquakes (NPR)

Credit: Alyson Hurt / NPR

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

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

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

Canada, Philippines, Peru:

Alterra Power Secures New Geothermal Authorization in Peru (ThinkGeoEnergy)

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

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

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

USA:

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

Philippines, Canada, Chile, Peru:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

Global:

Geothermal Resources Council Announces Scholarships (GRC News Release)

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

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

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

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

Your application must include:

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

Applications or questions should be addressed to:

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

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

Technology:

How Newberry EGS Uses LiDAR  (Newberry EGS Project)

(Courtesy Newberry EGS Project)

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

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

AltaRock Energy, which is running the Newberry EGS Demonstration project, will have a booth at the GEA Expo run in conjunction with the GRC Annual Meeting, Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Read More.....

Europe:

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

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

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

Read More.....

Kenya:

Kenya Shifts Renewable Energy Funding (Thomson Reuters Foundation)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

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

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

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

Read More.....

New Zealand:

Māori Look to Develop Geothermal Resources (waateanews.com)

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

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

Read More.....

USA, California:

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

USA, Oregon:

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

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

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

Read More.....

Australia:

Australian Geothermal Energy Conference

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

Thursday 14th and Friday 15th November 2013

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

Philippines:

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

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

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

Read More.....

USA, California:

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

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

Casa Diablo IV Geothermal Development Project Final EIS/EIR

Read More....

Japan:

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

USA, Nevada:

Nevada Invests in Renewables (Reno Gazette Journal)

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

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

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

Read More.....

Djibouti:

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

Global:

The GRC Awards ‐ Seeking the Best in Global Geothermal

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

Last year's GRC Award winners

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

The awards recognize distinguished colleagues in the geothermal community from around the world and have been a highlight of the geothermal calendar since the late 1970’s.

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

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

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

Global:

USA, Nevada:

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

Canada, Chile:

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

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

Netherlands:

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

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

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

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

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

Germany:

Update on German Geothermal Development (ThinkGeoEnergy.)

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

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

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

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

Read More....

Iceland:

UN Secretary General Praises Geothermal Energy (United Nations)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More.....

Philippines:

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

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

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

Read More.....

USA, Nevada:

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

San Jacinto-Tizate (Courtesy Ram Power)

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

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

Read More.....

USA, Nevada:

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

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

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

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

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Commonwealth of Dominica:

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

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

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

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

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Philippines:

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

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

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

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

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

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

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

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USA, Hawai'i:

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

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

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

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


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USA, California:

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

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

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

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

USA:

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

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

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

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

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USA, Oregon:

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

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

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

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

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