USA:

Innovative Activity in Geothermal Energy Continues to Increase (Lexology)

The Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI), published quarterly by the Cleantech Group at Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. provides an indication of the trend of innovative activity in the U.S. Clean Energy sector.

Results from the first quarter of 2015 reveal the CEPGI to have a value of 851 granted U.S. patents, which is the fifth highest total for any quarter on record with the other top four all occurring within the prior year and a half.

Geothermal patents (5) are up two compared to the fourth quarter but down one compared to the same quarter a year prior.

Read More........

USA:

Senate Energy Bill Would Help Achieve the Nation’s Geothermal Potential (GEA - News Release)

The Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015, introduced last week features five titles reflecting common ground on energy efficiency, infrastructure, supply, accountability, and land conservation.

In the supply title, it includes several provisions supporting geothermal energy. It would:

• Set a 50,000 MW National Geothermal Goal;
• Direct federal agencies to identify priority areas for development;
• Allow federal oil and gas lease holders to obtain a non-competitive geothermal lease to facilitate coproduction of geothermal power -- today 25 billion barrels of hot water are produced annually from oil and gas wells within the United States;
• Facilitate new discoveries by allowing the limited non-competitive leasing of adjacent lands where a new discovery has been made; and
• Provide geothermal exploration test projects a limited categorical exclusion provided the lands involved present no extraordinary circumstances.

Read More.......

Turkey, Azerbaijan:

Turkey and Azerbaijan to Cooperate on Developing Geothermal Resources (Daily Sabah)

Istanbul-based Turcas Petrol aims to start producing electricity from geothermal energy in 2017 as part of the company's joint long-term transformation strategy with Azerbaijan's Azalternativenerji to invest in renewable energy both in Turkey and Azerbaijan, Turcas Petrol CEO Batu Aksoy said.

A recent statement released by Turcas Petrol through the Public Disclosure Platform (KAP) on July 21 said the company signed a good-will agreement with Azalternativenerji, which operates within the body of Azerbaijan's State Agency on Alternative and Renewable Energy Sources (SAARES), with the objective of cooperating and developing joint projects to invest in power plants that are based on solar and wind energy and geothermal resources in Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Read More......

USA:

Bank of America Announces Additional $125 Billion Environmental Business Initiative (News Release)

The bank has provided $265 Million to geothermal projects since 2007

Bank of America has pledged to increase the company’s current environmental business initiative from $50 billion to $125 billion in low-carbon business by 2025 through lending, investing, capital raising, advisory services and developing financing solutions for clients around the world.

Bank of America has provided more than $39 billion in financing for low-carbon activities since 2007, including $12 billion in 2014 alone, of which 40% went to renewable energies – solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, advanced biofuels or mixed portfolios.

Read More.......

Bolivia:

Bolivia Mulls 420 MW of Renewables by 2020 (SeeNews Renewables)

State power company Ende to develop Apacheta I geothermal energy project

Bolivia is studying 11 renewable energy projects with the aim to develop 420 MW by 2020, Eduardo Paz, CEO of state-owned power company Empresa Nacional de Electricidad (Ende), said Saturday.

The package, worth some USD 600 million (EUR 542.4m), includes four solar and two biomass projects studied by Empresa Electrica Guaracachi SA, as well as four wind and the Apacheta I geothermal energy project managed by Empresa Electrica Corani SA.

The country will seek to reduce its fossil fuel consumption and export surplus electricity to the region, Paz added.

Read More.......

USA:

Renewable Energy Delivers 70% of New Generating Capacity in First Half of 2015 (Energy Collective)

According to the recently released Energy Infrastructure Update from the Office of Energy Projects at the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), renewable energy sources accounted for 69.75 percent of new electrical generation placed into service in the first six months of 2015.

Wind provided more than half (50.64 percent) of all new capacity, or 1,969 megawatts (MW) thus far this year from 18 generating “units.” Solar followed with 549 MW (71 units), biomass with 128 MW (7 units), geothermal steam with 45 MW (1 unit), and hydropower with 21 MW (1 unit).

Twenty-one units of natural gas contributed 1,173 MW and one unit of coal provided just 3 MW of new generating capacity. For the first half of 2015, new generating capacity from renewable energy sources was 904 times greater than that from coal and more than double that from natural gas. To date, no new capacity came from either nuclear or oil.

The trend continues with renewable energy now accounting for 17.27 percent of total installed operating generating capacity in the U.S.: water – 8.61%, wind – 5.84%, biomass – 1.40%, solar – 1.08%, and geothermal steam – 0.34% (for comparison, renewables were 16.28% of capacity in June 2014 and 15.81% in June 2013).

Renewable electrical capacity is now greater than that of nuclear (9.20%) and oil (3.87%) combined. In fact, the installed capacity of wind power alone has now surpassed that of oil.

Read More.......

Italy:

Enel Green Power Finalizes Geothermal-Biomass Hybrid Project (SeeNews Renewables)

Enel Green Power SpA announces it has completed the construction of a 5 MW power plant in Italy’s Tuscany region that uses biomass to add heat to existing geothermal steam.

The new facility was built next to the existing 13 MW Cornia 2 geothermal power plant and is expected to increase the latter's output by more than 30 GWh annually. Enel Green has invested over EUR 15 million (USD 16.6m) in the biomass project.

The newly-installed power station uses virgin forest biomass to heat steam from an initial temperature of 150-160 degrees Celsius to 370-380 degrees Celsius. This boosts net electricity production capacity because of the increased enthalpy of the steam and the improved efficiency of the cycle, Enel Green explained.

Read More.......

Indonesia, United Kingdom:

British Prime Minister Offers Loans to Find Geothermal Energy Development in Indonesia (ABC Online)

Geothermal power projects worth 66 million pounds ($140 million) could be funded

British prime minister David Cameron and
Indonesian president Joko Widodo (AFP: Adek Berry)

British prime minister David Cameron says his government will make available loans of up to 1 billion pounds ($2.1 billion) to Indonesia to help finance infrastructure projects.

The British government said the financing for South-East Asia's largest economy could pave the way for 200 million pounds ($425 million) worth of Indonesian exports to Britain.

Possible projects include a 400 million pound ($850 million) sewage treatment system in the capital, Jakarta, and geothermal power projects worth 66 million pounds ($140 million).

Read More........

USA:

US Senate to Consider Bill Targeting Barriers to Geothermal Development (Renewable Energy Magazine)

Would establish a 50 GW goal for geothermal development

Sen. Lisa Murkowski

A bill intended to unleash the potential of geothermal energy in the United States was introduced over the weekend, and, right out of the gate, it's got bipartisan support.

The bill, entitled "The Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015," is sponsored by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, and Sen. Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington state.

Among its provisions is establishing a 50 GW goal for geothermal development. It also directs federal agencies to identify priority areas for development, allows federal oil and gas lease holders to obtain a non-competitive geothermal lease to facilitate coproduction of geothermal power, and will provide geothermal exploration test projects a limited categorical exclusion provided the lands involved present no extraordinary circumstances.

The bill will be considered by the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday.

Read More.......

Ethiopia:

Ethiopia: Iceland Investors Keen to Engage in Geothermal Energy Dev't in Ethiopia (All Africa)

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland said his government will support investors from Iceland to engage in the development of geothermal energy in Ethiopia.

Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson visited the Aluto-Langano Geothermal Power Plant Thursday as well as held discussion with his Ethiopian counterpart, Dr. Tedros Adhanom.

Sveinsson on the occasion told ENA that "like my country, Ethiopia has abundant geothermal energy potential. Hence, my government will support investors from Iceland to exploit this potential." Read More....

Caribbean:

St Vincent geothermal project on track to start-up in 2018 (Caribbean News Now)

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent -- The geothermal energy project in St Vincent is on track to start-up in 2018, according to Peter Williams, a representative of Emera Caribbean Limited, one of the companies that is partnering with the government of St Vincent and the Grenadines to execute the project.

Williams told a group of stakeholders at a luncheon on Friday that his company is on track to move to the drilling phase of the project. He says they should get to this stage by the second quarter of 2016.

Williams said that, after the drilling is done, wells will be set up and the environmental analysis completed, following which they will begin work on the geothermal energy plant at the end of 2016.

Williams said the aim of the project is to bring stable pricing and a lower cost to energy consumers. He said although the upfront cost is high, it will be cost-effective in the long run.

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Expo:

60 Days to the 2015 GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Expo

A Preliminary Program is available to view online, or download and print-out if you wish.

There are two methods of completing the registration process......we recommend registering online...........

1. Download the Registration Form (PDF) to your desktop.

Fill-in, saving as you progress. Print out and mail to:

GRC Annual Meeting
P.O. Box 1350,
Davis, CA 95617-1350

You can also attach the Registration Form (PDF) to an email and send to Anh Lay at alay@geothermal.org

Note: Speakers and Exhibitors only have the option of completing the PDF Registration Form - They cannot register online using the link below.

OR

2. We Recommend Registering Online........... 

Register Online at: https://eseries.geothermal.org

New Zealand & Japan:

New Zealand institute, Japan's JOGMEC team up on geothermal development (SeeNews Renewable)

New Zealand Crown Research Institute GNS Science and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corp (JOGMEC) last week unveiled an agreement to cooperate on geothermal energy development.

The pact calls for technical cooperation in environmental impacts, survey methods, improving exploration accuracy and sustainability of geothermal reservoirs and supporting public acceptance of geothermal projects.

The Japanese want to tap into New Zealand expertise as they seek to raise their geothermal output, GNS Science said. New Zealand is the world's fifth largest geothermal producer with 1,100 MW of capacity, while Japan is the ninth largest with 540 MW, according to its announcement.

GNS Science said it has provided specialist services to the Japanese geothermal industry for many years.

The agreement follows a meeting in Japan earlier in 2015 between New Zealand's energy and resources minister and Japanese officials.

Australia:

Winton council to go ahead with $3.5m geothermal power plant in bid to ease electricity costs (ABC Australia)

A western Queensland shire council says it will go ahead with a plan to build a $3.5 million geothermal plant.

The Winton Shire Council said it would need to borrow some money for the construction but a geothermal power plant could save $15 million over 20 years in electricity costs.

The plan is to use heat from artesian water as an energy source to power council buildings.

Mayor Butch Lenton said the plant should be operational by the end of 2016 and would help ensure the small town's sustainability.

"Anything to do with the sustainability of small towns I think councils have got to look towards it," he said. Read More.....

Caribbean:

St Kitts Eyes Geothermal Energy (Caribbean Journal)

St Kitts and Nevis is strengthening is geothermal energy initiatives as part of its effort to expand renewable energy sources, the government said this week.

St Kitts and Nevis Minister of Energy Ian Liburd pointed to plans for a feasibility study for the establishment of geothermal energy systems in St Kitts, with reference to strategies for reducing the high cost of electricity.

“Geothermal development is a key factor, as well as moving forward to establishing such resource on St. Kitts, without retarding the progress of the geothermal development on Nevis,” he stated.

After years of stops and starts on its own geothermal project, Nevis has passed the exploratory drilling stage of the geothermal development process, and the government is now in the midst of revising the energy policy to meet the current demands of the various stages of the process, it said.

“The government is looking at the legislation and bringing it up to speed to deal with feeder tariffs, geothermal development and other renewable energy resources,” Liburd said.

The country has been at the forefront of the region’s green energy movement, from a solar-powered airport in St Kitts to a wind farm in Nevis.

Philippines:

Maibarara Geothermal expansion operational by mid-2017 (Business World)

THE EXPANSION of Maibarara Geothermal, Inc.’s (MGI) 20-megawatt (MW) geothermal plant in Batangas is scheduled to go online in two years’ time, an official said last Thursday.

“The 10-MW expansion is programmed to be commissioned in mid-2017,” MGI President Francisco G. Delfin, Jr., said during PetroEnergy Resources Corp.’s annual shareholder meeting in Makati City.

PetroEnergy’s subsidiary, PetroGreen Enery Corp., holds a 65% interest in MGI. Other stakeholders are Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. (25%); and PNOC Renewables Corp. (10%).

Last month, PetroEnergy reported that MGI completed tests within the site that confirmed sufficient steam to support the 10-MW expansion of the operational geothermal project in the municipality of Sto. Tomas. Read More......

Japan:

These Geothermal Mountain Dwellings Look Like They Belong In The Shire (Fast Company)

In Japan, a country whose territory is almost three-quarters mountainous, developing new property outside of the densely packed urban areas can be problematic—unless you're willing to work with the terrain instead of against it. That's what architect Keita Nagata did when he built Miyawaki Gurido, a Shire-ready housing complex that is literally buried into the side of the mountain.

Living inside of a mountain also has its practical advantages: since the complex is surrounded by the mountain's soil, geothermal energy stabilizes the indoor temperature to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating and cooling tubes below the dwelling capture fresh air through an air-supply tower and pump it into the house to regulate the temperature as needed. Each unit also has a front yard landscaped with a variety of oak trees—a yard which also happens to be the roof of your downstairs neighbor. Read More....

Heat Pumps:

How To Install A Geothermal Heat Pump System (Planet Save)

If you are planning to live “off the grid” or just minimize your carbon footprint, you may be thinking about adding solar panels to your roof. Perhaps you want to install a storage battery in your basement as well, so you can charge up for free on sunny days and use that stored electricity for your own personal use later.

Those are good steps to take, but you still have to provide for heating and cooling your home. For that, the most energy efficient system you can buy is a geothermal heat pump. Yes, such a system will cost more than a traditional system powered by oil, propane, natural gas or electricity. But it will more than pay for itself after a few years and put money in your pocket every year thereafter. It will also add value to your house when it comes time to sell. Read More.....

American Samoa:

Geothermal drilling to start in American Samoa (Radio New Zealand)
 
Geothermal power is one of the renewable energy projects the American Samoa Power Authority is undertaking as it attempts to reduce the territory's reliance on imported fossil fuels.
The authority's board chairman, Fonoti Perelini Perelini, says scientists have discovered that the selected sites as being adequate to produce electricity, and the drilling will help provide more conclusive data.
Fonoti says the chance of the drilling yielding a positive result is high.
The authority says that by 2020, 30 percent of the territory's electricity will be generated from renewable sources such as sun, wind, and geothermal, which will save the territory about 8 million dollars in fuel costs.
Drilling is scheduled to start next month at three sites in American Samoa identified as potential locations for a geothermal power plant.

Global:

The Latest News from the Leading Geothermal Energy Magazine (GRC)

A free article from the GRC Bulletin - Volume 44, No. 3 - May/June 2015

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has made available the latest GRC Bulletin, the definitive voice of the global geothermal energy industry, published continuously since 1972. 

The Bulletin is free with GRC Membership or subscribe (PDF) to six issues a year for $90 in the USA or $140 worldwide.

The GRC has generously provided 2 pages from the latest issue for free. However, the full issue is 48 pages!

In this issue, there is a review of the World Geothermal Congress, a preview of the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Expo, 15 pages of geothermal news from around the world and a conclusion to the overview of geothermal potential in Peru by Susan Hodgson.

Join the GRC or subscribe to get the complete issue.

Global:

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Global:

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

Global Geothermal News is the award-winning news website from the Geothermal Resources Council a trusted source for information.

Enter your email address:



Delivered by FeedBurner

Get a summary of the very latest geothermal energy news from around the world delivered by email every day. Subscribe now!

Mexico:

French Companies to Help Develop Geothermal Energy in Mexcio (Diario Rotativo)

The head of the Mexican Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), Enrique Ochoa Reza, signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation (MOU), with French energy company Engie, and a Letter of Intent with the French Development Agency (AFD) that will help develop geothermal energy projects in Mexico.

The objective of the MOU is to exchange technological knowledge, experience and best practices on activities of the gas industry and power generation, including geothermal energy. CFE says this exchange will include workshops, training sessions and visits of technical personnel from both companies to CFE facilities and Engie. The Letter of Intent aims to launch projects aimed at reducing technical and non-technical losses in the electricity distribution network.

The agreement includes the basis for developing a new geothermal unit at Los Humeros in Puebla, financed by 100 million euros.

Read More.........

USA, California:

Imperial Irrigation District Launches Antitrust Lawsuit (The Desert Sun)

California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the entity that manages California's electricity grid has stifled clean energy projects and plotted to "crush" the Imperial Irrigation District" out of existence," a new antitrust lawsuit claims.

The Imperial Valley has some of the best sunlight in the country, and some of the best geothermal resources in the world. Proponents say expanded clean energy development in the Imperial Valley would help California meet its ambitious climate goals, while creating jobs in an area where the unemployment rate hovers around 25 percent.

Some new solar and geothermal projects are under development in the Imperial Valley. But there could be more projects, district officials say, if the system operator didn't make it so difficult for energy companies to send electricity to coastal cities via the district's power lines.

Read More.......

Canada:

Geoscience BC Releases Study Results of Economic Viability of Geothermal Resources in British Columbia (Geoscience BC - News Release)

An assessment of 18 sites resulted in an estimated total capacity of 400 MW

Geothermal exploration has occurred in British Columbia for a number of years. Currently however, no electricity is produced in British Columbia from geothermal sources.

To better understand the economic viability of geothermal energy in British Columbia, Geoscience BC and partner BC Hydro retained Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Ltd. (KWL) in January 2015, who with its partner GeothermEx Inc., a GRC Member company, undertook a high level technical and economic assessment using publicly available information for 18 specified geothermal sites around the province.

Download the Economic Viability of Selected Geothermal Resources in British Columbia report

Read More.........

Belgium:

Open Day for Deep Geothermal Energy Project in Belgium (VITO)

District heating network will benefit from geothermal water from a 13,000 feet deep well

VITO, a research and technology organization in areas of cleantech and sustainable development based in Belgium,  invited local inhabitants for an Info Day on the further course of the “deep geothermal energy” project on the Balmatt site in Mol, in northern Belgium.

One year after the demolition of the cooling tower and chimneys of the Electrabel plant and the clearing of the site, the second phase will start in August: the first drilling. VITO announced the timing of the project, from the launch of the drilling rig at the end of July and the start of the first drilling in August to the evaluation of the first drilling and the decision to perform a second drilling. Furthermore, VITO informed the neighbors about the planned roll out of the heating network surrounding the Balmatt site.

Hot water from a few kilometers below the surface will be used for the production of sustainable energy for domestic and industrial use. At first, VITO will use the energy to heat its own VITO buildings. At a later stage, the possibility exists that other nearby companies and homes may also join by means of a heating network. In order to realize this, a drilling in the deep subsurface must be performed. For this, a temporary 60 m high drilling rig will be installed in August. The drilling rig will create 2 wells up to a depth of approx. 4 km.

Read More........

United Kingdom:

University Applies for Geothermal Drilling Permit (Crewe Chronicle)

6,000 foot well will reach known geothermal resources

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has applied for permission to drill for geothermal energy at its Crewe campus. MMU wants to use the alternative energy source to power its buildings.

The application is due to be considered by Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning committee on August 26. If it gets the go-ahead it will be the first geothermal site in the UK.

The application for land at the Crewe Green Road campus is for a single vertical well drilled to a depth of 2km below ground level together with associated infrastructure, which will include above ground well head.

Read More.......

USA, California:

Tour of The Geysers Geothermal Field

July 31, 2015, 8 am-6 pm

Calpine is giving California Women in Energy (CA WiE) a tour of their northern California Geysers facilities on July 31, 2015.

Transportation will be provided to and from the California State Capitol area - buses will leave from 13th Street, in the area between the Sacramento Convention Center and the Esquire Building, at 8:00 a.m. and return to Sacramento at approximately 6:00 p.m.

This will be a full day tour with boxed lunches provided while we are viewing the facilities. RSVP by July 17, 2015 to RSVP@cawie.org!

CA WiE members will receive first priority on tour spots. BECOME A MEMBER TODAY.

USA, Utah:

Vacancy: Maintenance Manager, Blundell Geothermal Plant, Milford, Utah, USA (PacifiCorp)

The 34 MW Blundell geothermal plant

The maintenance manager position provides direct supervision to the maintenance personnel, ensures the efficient, reliable operation of the facility, and ensures compliance with safety and environmental standards. Salary in in the range $77,200 - $99,600.

Blundell is a 34-megawatt geothermal facility near Milford, Utah. The plant was completed in 1984, becoming the first geothermal electric plant outside of California.

PacifiCorp is the sole owner of the 38-megawatt geothermal plant which consists of two different generating units. The 26.1-megawatt Unit 1 uses “flash” technology and was commissioned in 1984.
In 2007, we expanded the plant’s capacity by 12 megawatts with the addition of the Unit 2 “bottoming” cycle. The “bottoming” cycle employs an innovative “binary” heat-recovery process to
extract more energy from the hot geothermal brine left over from the steam separation cycle.

More Information........                         Apply Online.....

Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis:

St. Kitts Looks To Geothermal Energy (SKNVibes)

The Caribbean island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis has ramped up its pursuit of geothermal energy, as it seeks to expand renewable energy alternatives.

Speaking at the Prime Minister’s monthly press conference on Wednesday (July 15), Minister of Energy, the Honourable Ian ‘Patches’ Liburd,  pointed out that plans have been put in place to conduct feasibility study in St. Kitts, to establish the potential of geothermal energy.

“Our new administration has taken a comprehensive approach to facing the many challenges as it relates to energy,” he said, while outlining the government’s approach to reducing the high cost of electricity. This, he stressed, can be done by looking at the federation’s renewable energy resources.

In Nevis, the development of geothermal has passed the exploratory drilling stage. The government believes that it would be prudent to establish what the potential of the geothermal resource on St. Kitts is, and how best they can develop it.

Read More.......

Canada:

Geothermal 101:Coffee Break & Networking Reception (CanGEA)

An Introduction to Geothermal & Canadian Business Opportunities

Thursday, July 23, 2015, 3:00-4:30pm
Suite 800, Baker Centre, 10025 106 St. NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1G4, Canada

The following topics will be covered:

• Basic introduction to geothermal energy & Alberta's resources
• Different types of geothermal power plants 
• Commercial and industrial uses of geothermal heat applicable in Alberta
• The state of Canada's geothermal industry
• Business opportunities globally and nationally
• Geothermal projects coupled with biomass and solar

USA, California:

Imperial Irrigation District Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against CAISO (IID - News Release)

By using the concepts of resource adequacy and maximum import capability interchangeably, CAISO has blocked access to renewable energy projects interconnecting to IID’s transmission grid. 

The IID service area includes several geothermal fields including the Salton Sea

The Imperial Irrigation District filed civil litigation in U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, against the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Corp. for its deliberate and systematic marginalization of IID, its ratepayers and all renewable energy generators seeking to develop projects in the district’s service area.

Through its actions over many years, CAISO has exercised its monopoly power to manipulate the import capability values, or deliverability, it assigns to IID to stifle competition, create uncertainty in the marketplace and effectively take over IID’s energy balancing authority area.

"The abundance of renewable energy resources found only in this region will go untapped," said IID General Manager Kevin Kelley, "if CAISO continues to manipulate the deliverability it assigns to IID."

• IID Summary of Civil Action Against CAISO 7-16-2015 [PDF]
• Full Complaint With Exhibits 7-16-2015 [PDF]

Read More.......

Serbia:

Study Finds Geothermal Resources in South-West Serbia (Balkan Green Energy News)

The city of Novi Pazar, in the south-west of the country, has the greatest geothermal potential in Serbia the results of a six-month research showed. The study on potential utilization of local groundwater was presented at a public event, attended by mayor Meho Mahmutović and ambassador of Kuwait Yousef Ahmad Abdulsamad.

What was found in Novopazarska banja (spa) and Rajčinovića banja is just an indicator of proper temperatures in the depth, on the territory of the city of Novi Pazar, the chief author of the study Dejan Milenić said, as quoted in the report on Rtvnp.rs. The associate professor in Belgrade’s Faculty of Mining and Geology added research should be continued.

The study of groundwater, geothermal potential and possibility for utilization consists of three books on 400 pages with maps and supplements by the seven-member team from the Faculty of Mining and Geology.

United Kingdom:

Prime Minister Cameron Says Devolution for Cornwall will Unlock Geothermal Energy (Western Morning News)

UK Prime Minister David Cameron

Writing in a major regional newspaper Western Morning News, UK Prime Minister David Cameron said he was going to make Cornwall the first county outside a major city to benefit from major devolution. This would allow the county to move forward on it's plans to utilize geothermal resources.

"The good news is that Cornwall is packed with potential. It has the stunning scenery and attractions to draw in the world’s tourists and investors. It has the resources and goods to sell to the world – and the ports and airport to transport them. It has the geothermal energy underground to generate power. And with one of the fastest-growing populations in the UK, it has plenty of potential to generate growth."

"The question is: how do we make the most of this potential? The answer is: by putting power in the hands of the people who live and work here. So I’m making a big announcement today. We are going to make Cornwall the first area outside a major city to benefit from major devolution. This Devolution Deal marks a big shift. Powers once wielded 300 miles away in Westminster will now be held right here. Cornwall will decide who runs its buses. It will be able to reshape adult training. When the EU gives money to the county, you will decide how it’s spent. You will be able to unlock the geothermal energy under your feet."

Read More........

USA, Oregon:

Oregon Tech Sues Maker of Geothermal Pump It Says Failed (OPB)

The 1 MW geothermal power plant at the Klamath Falls campus of OIT

Oregon Institute of Technology has filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the maker of a pump that was to supply geothermal water for the university’s power plant in Klamath Falls.

Oregon Tech attorneys say in a federal complaint filed in Medford that the equipment from Hydro Resources failed shortly after it was installed last spring. The pump was sent out for repairs, but problems persisted and the university opted to buy a more expensive pump from a second contractor.

The lawsuit says Oregon Tech had to meet its energy demands for eight months by buying power from a utility at a cost that was likely more than $1,000 per day.

The suit also claims portions of the failed equipment broke off, fell into the well and are believed stuck. Oregon Tech says it has spent $170,000 trying to remove the equipment.

Read More.......

USA, Hawaii:

Video: Kona Geothermal Exploration Expansion (Big Island Video News)

On Friday, the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources gave their OK to an expanded geothermal resource exploration permit on Hualalai volcano in Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii.

DLNR’s Chief Engineer Carty Chang presented the application to the land board. The applicant is the University of Hawaii.

USA:

The Power War: Geothermal vs. Nuclear (Corvallis Advocate)

Although funding has been granted for Phase One of the Frontier Observatory for Research on Geothermal Energy (FORGE) laboratory, there is no guarantee it will be provided for the remaining two phases of the project, regardless of where the site is ultimately located. Alternative energy is big now, but in two years, with elections and possible changes in Congress, it may not be.

For instance, for the first time in history, Congress is specifying the amount of money each individual directorate of the National Science Foundation is allotted. Political influence within the NSF is an alarming notion if you’re a scientist, more so when considering the fact that federal research and development funding has decreased dramatically, and continues to do so. While FORGE is funded by the Department of Energy rather than NSF, all federal agencies are subject to similar political realities.

However, the potential benefits of successful development are undeniably promising. “If you could develop a Cascade-style volcanic system, you’re looking at something that would be a real good competitor with a nuclear reactor on the scale of power output,” stated Adam Schultz, professor of geophysics at Oregon State University and principal investigator for OSU’s part of the FORGE partnership.

“Successful development would lay a foundation for a new industry that doesn’t exist right now, which is large-scale enhanced geothermal energy. So if you make it exist, just thinking about the Northwest, because we happen to have the highest geothermal potential, you have a chain of volcanoes stretching from Southern British Columbia to Northern California, with a lot of potential that could be tapped into, using closed loop systems.”

 Of course, the DOE is very interested in the continued research in geothermal energy production. “Enhanced geothermal systems could represent the next frontier of renewable energy and hold the potential to diversify the nation’s energy portfolio while reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere,” said undersecretary for science and energy Lynn Orr in a recent Department of Energy press release.

Read More........

New Zealand, Japan:

NZ-Japan Commitment to Geothermal Energy (News Release)

New Zealand Energy and Resources
Minister, Simon Bridges

New Zealand Energy and Resources Minister, Simon Bridges, says a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed today will strengthen the strategic partnership in renewable energy research and development between New Zealand and Japan.

Mr Bridges witnessed the signing of the MOU, between New Zealand’s GNS Science and the Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) during his visit to Tokyo this week. The MOU establishes the basis for cooperation in geothermal energy.

“Globally, geothermal energy is experiencing a renaissance, and I’m pleased that our two countries can share their pioneering experience - characterized by innovative, sustainable and respectful management of geothermal resources.”

The agreement includes technical cooperation in the evaluation and mitigation of environmental impacts of geothermal energy development, development of survey methodologies over large spatial areas, and methods for sustainable management of geothermal reservoirs.

Read More.......

St.Vincent and the Grenadines:

St.Vincent and the Grenadines Launches National Geothermal Project (NBC Radio)

A Media Launch was held at Cabinet Room this morning for the National Geothermal Project, which is expected to bring major benefits for the national economy.

The project aims to provide this country with a source of affordable sustainable energy, stabilize electricity prices and improve energy security.

Among those addressing this morning’s launch was the Chief Operating Officer of Reykjavik Geothermal, Gunnar Gunnarsson.

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USA, Nevada:

Poll: 75 Percent of Nevada Voters Want State to Promote Renewable Energy (Las Vegas Sun)

Nearly 75 percent of respondents in a new poll said it would be appropriate for the government to promote the development and use of renewable energy, such as solar, wind and geothermal power. More than 70 percent said Nevada isn’t doing enough to promote renewable energy. More than 90 percent said consumers should be able to create electricity with rooftop solar panels.

That’s according to the poll of 500 Nevada voters conducted by GOP pollster The Tarrance Group and paid for by local think tank Clean Energy Project.

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Netherlands:

Dutch Geothermal Greenhouse Project Officially Launched (Horti Daily)

The derrick is up, drilling has begun. Involved parties were invited to take a look at the geothermal project in Vierpolders. It is now at 700 meters of depth, that is only the beginning, the well will be 2.3 km deep, (the drill can get to a depth of 3 km).

Drilling will take approximately 3 months. After that the pipelines will be laid to the participating companies. The water will be around 85 up to 90 degrees Celsius.

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Kenya:

KenGen Told to Tap Private Sector Cash (Daily Nation)

The Kenyan government has urged KenGen to team up with private sector players and hasten completion of power generation projects so as to attract investors into the country.

Energy and Petroleum Principal Secretary Joseph Njoroge Wednesday said joint ventures will help KenGen reduce their operational costs.

He added that it would also increase chances of realization of the 5000 MW power project which is important to government.

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USA, Nevada:

Data Center and NV Energy Strike Deal to Access Renewable Energy (Las Vegas Sun)

Switch will be able to access geothermal resources to power its operations when the sun isn't shining and the wind is not blowing

After more than eight months of debate, Las Vegas data center company Switch and NV Energy have reached a compromise that will keep the tech firm as a customer of the power company.

The deal, which still awaits approval from the Nevada Public Utilities Commission, will end an attempt by a large-scale electricity consumer to cut ties with the power company in order to produce and buy energy from other sources.

It mandates the utility build a 100-megawatt solar array in North Las Vegas that will generate power for Switch by the end of 2016. NV Energy will partner with First Solar to build the array. When the sun is down, Switch will be able to access the utility’s geothermal and wind resources to power its operations.

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Indonesia:

New Indonesian Geothermal Power Plants Leads Push for Eco-Friendly Energy (The Establishment Post)

The government has launched a massive Indonesia geothermal power plant project, as it aims to shift from coal towards more environmentally friendly resources to generate electricity for the country.

Last week in West Java, President Joko Widodo officially launched the construction of six new Indonesian geothermal power plants spread across several provinces in Indonesia, while state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina said that it was ready to spend up to Rp 33 trillion (US$ 2.5 billion) to finance the development of geothermal electricity plants up to 2019.

The geothermal projects are hoped to help the government achieve its ambitious target of generating a total of 35,000 MW in the next five years, as well as ease its heavy reliance on coal.

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New Zealand:

Research Explores Geothermal Law Framework (Scoop)

A lack of clarity surrounding geothermal resource management has prompted new research by a University of Waikato masters student.

Phoebe Parson is studying towards her LLM (Master of Laws degree) and is carrying out the research to provide clarity for organisations such as regional councils and commercial users of geothermal resources, such as geothermal energy operators.

The focus of the research is the framework for sharing information about geothermal systems that are in commercial production.

In the course of their operations, the companies that hold resource consents gather information about the geothermal resource, for company purposes.

However, regional councils which administer the resource also need information to carry out their roles as custodians on behalf of the public.

Parson will analyse the existing legal framework for information sharing under the Resource Management Act and compare it with other regimes for managing natural resources, and similar legislation overseas.

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Kenya:

Full Steam Ahead: the Role of Kenya’s Civil Society in a Geothermal Success Story (Climate Investment Funds)

Kenya’s current geothermal capacity is 241 MW, but the government hopes to increase capacity to 5,530 MW by 2030 – close to a 21-fold increase in the country’s geothermal output.

To help replicate this success in the future, project participants from the CIF, AfDB, civil society, and the Geothermal Development Company (GDC) (the public body overseeing its implementation) came together to share lessons learned. The meeting took the form of a panel discussion at the CSO forum side event at the AfDB annual meeting in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.

The session provided five key lessons:

1. Stakeholder engagement requires a multilevel effort
2. Civil society must be engaged from the start of the process
3. CSOs provide valuable oversight
4. Effective knowledge management can help proliferate the use of best practices
5. Country context must be taken into account

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Global:

Leaders Endorse Action Plan To Increase Island Renewables (IRENA)

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) now have an action plan to increase their domestic deployment of renewable energy.

The Martinique Action Plan (MAP), developed during a June conference in Martinique, outlines practical steps for deployment of renewable energy resources and technologies on SIDS. The MAP focuses largely on the development of wind, marine, geothermal and biomass, but stresses all renewable energy sources are needed for the transition to a sustainable future.

The report recommends engaging and developing partnerships through the Global Geothermal Alliance to help create necessary enabling policy, regulatory, and institutional frameworks, develop new financing and risk-mitigation tools and mechanisms geared to the islands context to accelerate resource exploration and assessment, and reinforce technical and institutional capacities at regional and local level.

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Chile:

Enel Green Power and ENAP Begin Work On First Geothermal Plant In South America (News Release)

Once completed, the Cerro Pabellón plant will have a total gross installed capacity of 48 MW

Enel Green Power and Empresa Nacional del Petróleo (ENAP), the Chilean state-owned company active in the hydrocarbons sector, have begun construction in Chile on Cerro Pabellón, the first geothermal plant in South America.

Cerro Pabellón, located in the municipality of Ollagüe, in the region of Antofagasta, in the Andean Plateau, near the border with Bolivia, will also be the first geothermal plant in the world built at 4,500 metres above sea level.

The plant, owned by Geotérmica del Norte SA, company controlled by Enel Green Power Chile Ltda with a 51% stake and 49% participated by ENAP, comprises two 24 MW units for a total gross installed capacity of 48 MW. Once fully operational, Cerro Pabellón will be able to generate nearly 340 GWh per year, equivalent to the annual energy consumption needs of almost 165 thousand Chilean households, while avoiding the emission of more than 166 thousand tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere each year.

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Philippines:

Geothermal Provides Over 10% of Philippines Energy Mix (RenewablesBiz)

Courtesy CIA.gov

Despite government efforts to strengthen the Philippines' renewable energy (RE) portfolio, clean energy sources still lag far behind fossil fuels in the capacity mix, indicating that there is still a lot of room for growth for investment in this sector.

The latest Department of Energy (DOE) data show that the Philippines is still heavily dependent on coal, oil, and gas for its electricity needs, with non-RE resources comprising 67.10 percent of the country's capacity mix while RE accounts for only 32.9 percent.

1. Hydro power - 3,543 MW of installed capacity or 19.75 percent of the energy mix.
2. Geothermal - 1,918 MW (10.69 percent); 
3. Wind - 283 MW (1.58 percent); 
4. Biomass with 131 MW (0.75 percent); and 
5. Solar with 23 MW (0.13 percent).

For non-RE resources, coal-fired power plants are on top of the list with 5,708 MW of installed capacity or 31.81 percent of the mix. In fact, 70 percent of the committed power expected to come online until 2019 are coal-fired power plants.

Oil-based power plants came in second in with installed capacity of 3,476 MW or 19.37 percent of the mix, followed by natural gas with 2,862 MW or 15.95 percent.

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China:

China's Long-Dormant Geothermal Energy Sector May Soon Wake Up (China Economic Review)

China had 28 MW of geothermal capacity operating last year, but Beijing is hoping to reach its target of 100 MW of installed capacity by the end of 2015.

After lying dormant for decades, a series of central government initiatives could potentially revive China's geothermal industry and allow the country to harness its vast, untapped heat reserves.

China's Geothermal Energy Data and Information System, due to be established this year, could reinvigorate an industry that has faced more difficulties and setbacks than more visible, above-ground renewables. 

While it will probably remain a small portion of China's overall energy mix for the foreseeable future, the new data system, alongside the National Energy Administration's forthcoming Geothermal Development Plan, could help stimulate growth in a sustainable resource with enormous potential.

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