Mexico: Geothermal Energy Gets 2 Percent of Clean Energy Certificates in Electricity Auction

Renewables come in at $33.47/MWh in Mexico's second auction (pv magazine)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

The preliminary results of the second long-term electricity auction in Mexico show that solar could be the big winner in the contest.

Of the total amount of energy awarded on Thursday, 4.9 million Clean Energy Certificates (CEL) (53%) were provisionally awarded to PV projects, 43% to wind, 3% to hydro and just 2% of CELs to geothermal energy projects.

In total, 9.3 terawatt-hours and 8.9 million CEL were awarded to solar, wind, geothermal and hydroelectric projects.

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Kenya: KenGen Invites Bids for Modular Power Plants for Olkaria Geothermal Project

KenGen bets on modular power plant technology (Standard Media)

Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has announced commencement of bids for the construction of modular geothermal power plants at Olkaria.

The new system will cut the costs of generation. A modular power plant will generate power using a well head generator that will tap steam from the geothermal wells. Unlike permanent power plants which take up to 36 months to construct, the new technology, according to KenGen, will only take six months, therefore ensuring a quick return on investment.

The use of mobile well heads to generate power was first introduced in the country in 2014 and targeted production of 5 MW of electricity.

Tender For Engineering,Procurement,Construction And Financing (Epc+F) Of Modular Geothermal Power Plants Project At Olkaria - Closing Date for the tender is 22 December.

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USA, California: Los Angeles Plans for 100% Renewable Energy

LA Moves Toward All Renewable Energy (Courthouse News Service )

The Los Angeles City Council voted last Friday to ask the LA Department of Water and Power to chart a course to achieve a 100 percent clean energy portfolio.

Under the motion created by 2nd District Councilman Paul Krekorian and 11th District Councilman Mike Bonin, the Department of Water and Power will collaborate with energy experts and local universities to explore how to generate all electricity using renewable energy.

Calling Los Angeles a "leader in the fight against climate change," Mayor Eric Garcetti said the move complements his goal of having the Department of Water and Power use 50 percent renewable energy by 2030. Garcetti wants the department to stop using coal by 2025 and to move away from natural gas sources.

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Europe: 88 Geothermal Power Plants with Total Installed Capacity of 2.28GWe are in Operation

European Geothermal Congress 2016 Opens (EGEC)

The Geothermal Community Meets In Strasbourg For The European Geothermal Congress 2016 To Celebrate European Excellency, Calls For Clear Structural Signals And Tailored Tools For Further Expansion.

More than 800 participants are joining the European Geothermal Congress in Strasbourg this week. The event, organised every three years by the European Geothermal Energy Council, brings together stakeholders from the entire Geothermal community for sessions covering science, markets, and social issues, an exhibition, courses, and side events.

Geothermal in Europe is growing and the sector maintains its technological leadership. Today, 88 power plants with a total installed capacity of 2.28GWe are in operation, with an increasing number of innovative binary turbines. There are also 527 district heating plants with a total capacity of 4.7GWe; new designs and IT techniques will revolutionize the sector, creating modern, adaptable systems for future communities.

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USA, Nevada: Geothermal Drilling Company Helps Explore for Lithium Deposits

Dajin Announces Drill Program at Teels Marsh (News Release)

Dajin Resources Corp. has announced that it has retained Welsh Hagen Associates, (Reno, Nevada), to provide engineering services at Dajin's 100% owned Teels Marsh Lithium brine project located in Mineral County, Nevada.

With the seismic survey now complete, drill targets have been chosen and will be permitted under the Bureau of Land Management Notice of Intent (NOI) procedures.  This exploration phase will focus on five acres – the maximum allowable disturbance under a NOI. Road construction and drill pad design is underway to access two sites on the playa surface.  A water well will also be drilled to provide water for construction and drilling. Capuano Engineering (Santa Rosa, California) - a GRC Member company - has prepared well design proposals to be used in discussions with drilling companies.

Dajin plans to drill two wells from each pad.  A shallow well will test the stratigraphy down to 500 feet and a second well will drill deeper to test deeper targets. The drilling results, in conjunction with the high resolution seismic survey and structural interpretation, will provide data to constrain any resource estimate calculated following drilling.

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USA, New York: Geothermal Energy Would Heat the Entire Cornell University Campus

Earth Source Heat project could heat campus, pioneer new geothermal energy frontier (Cornell University)

 

Cornell University College of Engineering Dean Lance Collins outlines "Earth Source Heat," a project that has the potential to eliminate an estimated 82,000 metric tons of carbon from Cornell's annual footprint and demonstrate a new scalable model for using this sustainable energy source throughout the U.S. and almost anywhere in the world.

This effort to explore enhanced-geothermal energy will combine Cornell’s world-leading energy and sustainability researchers with the living laboratory of Cornell's facilities over the next two decades.

Kenya: Funds for Three Geothermal Drilling Rigs Provided by ADB

Kenyan Geothermal Gets $60 Million From African Development Bank (Bloomberg)

The African Development Bank (ADB) will lend $60 million to finance a geothermal power project in Kenya.

The funds will go to state-owned Geothermal Development Co. to buy three drilling rigs, according to Gabriel Negatu, regional director at the Abidjan, Ivory Coast-based financial institution.

Kenya “has enormous potential in geothermal power capacity which it has not fully exploited,” Negatu said in an interview in Nairobi.

The country has been tapping geothermal power in the Rift Valley since the 1980s and has the potential to add another 10 gigawatts, according to Geothermal Development. It generated 43 percent of its electricity from the underground steam last year, data from Bloomberg New Energy Finance shows.

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Commonwealth of Dominica: Kiwis to Help Realize Construction of 7 MW Geothermal Power Plant

New Zealand invests in Dominica’s exploration of geothermal energy (Dominica News Online)

The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Government of New Zealand expanded their cooperation in geothermal energy development with the signing of a NZ$ 2.05 million (US$ 1.5 million/EC$ 4 million) Partnership Agreement to support the construction of a 7 MW geothermal power plant in Dominica.

The agreement was signed between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Francine Baron of Dominica and Hon. Murray McCully of New Zealand.

The assistance from the Government of New Zealand will provide the Government of Dominica with the technical expertise required to realize the construction of the 7 MW geothermal power plant to be commissioned in 2019.

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New Zealand: $5,000 Scholarship for Geothermal Energy Students

Applications open for engineering tertiary study scholarships (Eastland Group)

Eastland region university students have until 31 October to apply for Eastland Group’s annual tertiary study scholarship.

The scholarship offers $5,000 to students studying engineering, and comes with the possibility of paid holiday work with the company.

Group chief executive Matt Todd said a new category of engineering study had been added to the scholarship conditions for 2017.

"Our aim is to select students studying subjects that complement Eastland Group’s business and operations. Therefore, applicants must be studying civil, mechanical or electrical engineering. This year - given our long-term commitment to geothermal energy - we have added chemical and process engineering to the mix as well."

Eastland Group owns the 9 MW GDL geothermal power plant, and expects its new 25 MW Te Ahi O Maui geothermal project to be operational in 2018. Both plants are located on the Kawerau geothermal field in the Bay of Plenty.

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Canada: Opinion - Geothermal Project in West-Central Alberta is Applauded

Geothermal is heating up (The Hinton Voice Inc.)

A handshake deal between the Town of Hinton (Alberta) and Epoch Energy to try and develop a geothermal project was an intriguing announcement this past week.

The vision being put forward would see existing wells in the Hinton area tapped for their geothermal capacity to heat municipal buildings, and potentially Harry Collinge High School, along the Switzer Drive corridor. Down the road, if feasible, the scope may be expanded to include geothermal power generation and heat used for greenhouses.

This localized geothermal idea would put Hinton at the forefront of this 

trend and, coupled with the research undertaken by the University of 

Alberta about geothermal potential in our area, should be seen as an 

opportunity that is worth pursuing to at least see what it can be and what it 

will entail.

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Philippines: Discussion Continues on Possible Geothermal Energy Project in Northern Negros

Capitol drafts position paper on proposed EDC geothermal study (Sun.Star)

The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental is drafting a position paper on the proposed study of geothermal producer Energy Development Corp. (EDC) in the Northern Negros Natural Park (NNNP).

Fifth District Board Member Alain Gatuslao, chairman of the Provincial Board committee on chairman of committee on laws, rules and ordinances, said Wednesday he was tasked to draft the joint statement of the executive and legislative regarding the issue.

“The provincial government should come up with a clear policy that this is what we want and that is no exploration and that we’re pro-environment. If you (EDC) wants to come in, we want renewable energy,” he said.

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USA, California: Geothermal Grant and Loan Program Workshop

Notice of Geothermal Grant and Loan Program Pre-Solicitation Workshop (CEC)

Monday, October 17, 2016, 10:00 a.m., California Energy Commission, Sacramento, California

Staff from the California Energy Commission’s Geothermal Grant and Loan Program will conduct a workshop on October 17, 2016, to go over program participation requirements and discuss project planning in advance of the program’s upcoming grant funding project solicitation .

The workshop will provide an opportunity for interested parties to learn about the Geothermal Grant and Loan Program and applicant eligibility requirements, as well as the application process and application development. Staff will also discuss project planning considerations, including requirements for project compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In addition to staff presentations, the workshop will include time for discussion and questions from participants.

More information........

Indonesia: Registration for Interest in Gunung Hamiding Geothermal Working Area Auction to Begin Sept 28

Indonesia energy ministry auctions Gunung Hamiding geothermal WK (Rambu Energy)

The Director General for New, Renewable and Energy Conservation at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry today launched the pre-qualification process for the Gunung Hamiding geothermal working area located in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku province.

Those who can participate in the pre-qualification process are those that have experience in geothermal, upstream oil and gas, mining and minerals or power plant development.

Registration can be made between Sept 27- Oct. 20, 2016 online through the office’ website at www.ebtke.esdm.go.id, beginning Sept. 28, 2016.

There is an estimated reserve of a potential 265 MW of 250-300 degrees celsius reservoir that can support an initial 20 MW geothermal power plant. The estimated Commercial Operation Date (COD) target is 2024.

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Iceland: Þeistareikir Geothermal Power Plant to Supply Electricity to Silicon Factory

Power Line Project to Resume (IcelandReview)

Google Map view of
Þeistareikir geothermal power plant

At a meeting this morning, the Icelandic government approved a resolution, allowing work to resume on a power line project from the Þeistareikir geothermal power plant to the industrial area Bakki, near Húsavík, North Iceland, RÚV reports. 

A dispute had arisen between the government and Landvernd, the Icelandic Environment Association, about whether environmental laws passed less than a year ago should be retroactive and, thus, able to halt projects already approved. A decision by a ruling committee for environmental and natural resource issues was being awaited, but the project was temporarily halted last month.

The project planned at Bakki is PCC’s silicon plant, but the initial environmental assessment assumed that an aluminum smelter would be raised there. The latter requires much less energy than an aluminum smelter would have, and, thus, Landvernd argues, the power line project that has been approved exceeds the one needed in terms of size.

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Kenya: USTDA to Fund 70 MW Akirra Geothermal Power Project

USTDA Revitalizes Kenya Program With Six Power Africa Grants (News Release)

Today, during the U.S.-Africa Business Forum, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) launched its largest single investment in Kenya’s power sector to date. 

At a ceremony witnessed by the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, the Honorable William Ruto, and Power Africa Coordinator Andrew Herscowitz, USTDA Director Leocadia I. Zak announced support for six projects, including one geothermal energy project, that will identify U.S. solutions that can help increase access to affordable, reliable electricity across Kenya and help diversify the country’s energy mix.

During the ceremony, USTDA and its Kenyan partners agreed to support the

Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant: USTDA will partner with Akiira Geothermal Limited with a $939,699 grant, to assess the viability of a 70 MW geothermal power plant northwest of Nairobi. Successful implementation of the project would provide clean, baseload renewable power and support Kenya’s participation in the regional power pool. USTDA Director Zak and Mr. Paul Stroud, a Board Member of Akiira Geothermal Limited, signed the grant agreement.

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St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Outreach to Locals by St. Vincent Geothermal Company

La Soufriere Power Plant (Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines)

The Energy Unit and the St. Vincent Geothermal Company are advancing plans for the development of a 10 to 15 Megawatt Power Plant in the vicinity of La Soufriere Volcano.

As part of this country’s thrust towards renewable energy development, the Unit will meet with all Government agencies this Thursday, 22nd September, to share information about the geothermal project, review environmental and social management plans and discuss stakeholder engagement.

The two agencies will also host two public meetings next week on the geothermal energy project. The first meeting takes place on Saturday 24th September at the Farmer’s Training Institute, Orange Hill beginning at 2:00 p.m., and on Sunday 25th September the session will be held at the North Union Secondary School auditorium from 3:00 p.m.

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Kenya: KenGen Wins Two Awards for Geothermal Energy at World Energy Engineering Congress

Kenya Scoops 6 Awards In World Energy Awards (Oil News Kenya)

KenGen managing
director Albert Mugo

In a ceremony to recognize individuals and corporations that have made significant contributions in the energy sector worldwide, Kenya has scooped six out of the seven awards in the Sub-Saharan category during the 39th World Energy Engineering Congress in Washington, DC, including two from the geothermal sector.

The awards are run by The Association of Energy Engineers, a global nonprofit professional association represented in 98 countries, whose objective is to promote the scientific and educational interests in the energy industry and to foster action for sustainable development.

Energy Manager of the Year – Albert Mugo – As the CEO of Kengen, his leadership has seen him steer the organization to implement sustainable energy projects and to develop partnerships to further the energy agenda, with specific focus on the successes recorded in the Geothermal Power Plant projects in Olkaria.

Innovative Energy Project of the Year – 280 MW Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant – The project has been truly innovative because Kengen has managed to reduce the lead times of generation energy from geothermal using a new wellhead generation technology. It has also managed to save a lot of resources using this new technology.

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USA, Washington D.C.: Forum on Using EGS to Mine Geothermal Heat

Earth Source Heat: Renewable Energy Source for the Future?

Thursday, October 6 – Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel

Cornell University is pursuing a project that has the potential to eliminate an estimated 82,000 metric tons of carbon from its annual footprint and establish one of the country’s most advanced geothermal systems to heat the 745-acre Ithaca campus – an effort that could demonstrate a new scalable model for using this sustainable energy source throughout the U.S. and almost anywhere in the world. Cornell is calling the project “Earth Source Heat.”

This effort to explore the potential of enhanced geothermal energy will combine Cornell’s world-leading energy and sustainability researchers with the living laboratory of Cornell’s facilities over the next two decades.

Hear our panel of speakers discuss this innovative research and how it could open new doors for renewable energy.

Read More.......                   Register........

Finance: Another Study Shows Geothermal Energy Plants as Least Expensive Plant Type to Operate

Low operating costs align with future gas, renewable plant additions (SNL Energy)

The costs of operating U.S. power plants aligns with the planned additions over the next four years, an SNL Energy analysis of both fixed and variable costs shows, with gas and renewable plants types making up more than 95% of additions from August 2016 through 2020.

While geothermal and hydro-powered plants came in as the two least expensive plant types to operate, limited site availability and a long development process have made it more difficult for developers of this plant type to capitalize on policy incentives.

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Finance: Renewable Energy Will Help Accelerate the Transition to a Low Carbon Economy

New report on variable renewables: Answers to the integration challenge (World Energy Council )

Renewables, including hydro, now account for over 30% of the total global installed power generation capacity and 23% of total global electricity production.

In the past 10 years, wind and solar PV have witnessed an explosive average annual growth of 23% and 50% respectively, although their combined contribution to the global electricity supply is currently only 4%, according to a new report by the World Energy Council launched on 20 September.

Hydropower accounts for 17%, biomass 1.8% and geothermal 0.4%, with tidal energy making up the rest.

Variable Renewables Integration in Electricity Systems 2016 – How to get it right

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USA: Latest News from the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry

Heat Exchange Industry News (Geothermal Exchange Organization)

The latest GEO Industry News is now available from the Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO).

Headlines and features in this month’s edition include:

• GEO Pulling Out All the Stops - New Funding Gives GEO Big Push for Tax Credit Extensions
• GEO and HRAI (Canada) Sign Memorandum of Understanding
• GEO Asks EPA for Energy Efficiency
• GEO Tax Credit Would Protect New York Jobs - NY-GEO Implores Governor Cuomo to Sign Geothermal Legislation

The Geothermal Exchange Organization, a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association based in Springfield, Illinois, USA that advocates the environmental, energy efficiency and economic benefits of geothermal heat pump systems for heating and cooling applications in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in the USA.

GEO Industry News (PDF)

Science & Technology: Drilling for Helium Could be Profitable Side-Line for Geothermal Power Plants

Tanzanian Volcanoes May Hoard Helium Ready for the Taking (EOS)

Sweet spots of volcanic heat that are not too close to active eruptions may hold the world's richest reservoirs of the scientifically and medically important gas helium.

A team led by Peter Barry, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Earth Sciences at University of Oxford, U.K., recently found evidence for unusually rich helium deposits across the Rift Valley. One apparent reservoir of the gas offers the unheard-of helium concentration of more than 10% by volume. At sites around the valley, the researchers more commonly found helium in the 1.5%–2.5% range.

“In Tanzania we can drill a well to target just helium. This is … unique—no one else is doing this,” said Barry.

On the basis of the findings, Barry and his colleagues suggest that most deposits of concentrated helium gas occupy a Goldilocks zone that lies at a “just right” distance from volcanoes.

(Thanks to GRC Member Marcelo Lippmann, Staff Scientist (retired) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for the submission.)

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Global: Seven Geothermal Energy Figureheads Receive International Awards

Geothermal Energy Awards Announced (News Release)

Best and brightest of the global geothermal community will be honored at the 
40th GRC Annual Meeting in Sacramento, California, USA

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC), one of the world’s premier geothermal associations, has announced awards honoring the best and brightest of the global geothermal energy community. These prestigious awards have been a highlight of the geothermal calendar since the late 1970's.

The GRC will present the prestigious Aidlin, Pioneer, Henry J Ramey Jr., Ben Holt, and Special Achievement awards at its Annual Membership Meeting & Awards Luncheon, the climax to the GRC Annual Meeting, in Sacramento on Wednesday, October 26.

"The recipients of these awards have a lifetime of achievement in the geothermal academic, scientific and commercial communities", said GRC Executive Director Steve Ponder. "The GRC Awards recognizes the contributions of these individuals to educational institutions and the geothermal community around the world".

This year’s award winners are:

Joseph W. Aidlin Award
Anna Carter - For untiring effort and contribution to the geothermal industry across many facets, and for her decades of commitment to the GRC.

Geothermal Pioneer Award
Wilfred Elders - For a career of outstanding contribution and ground breaking research in petrology, geochemistry, conceptual modeling and high-profile geothermal project management.

Henry J. Ramey Jr. Award
John Pritchett - For distinguished, technical advancements in geothermal reservoir simulations applied to a wide variety of fields.

Ben Holt Award
Dan Hoyer - For outstanding achievement in the development of geothermal resources worldwide.

Geothermal Special Achievement Award
Dale Merrick - For outstanding accomplishment within Direct-Use and Direct-Use outreach worldwide.

Geothermal Special Achievement Award
Paul Spielman - For over 30 years of outstanding geothermal field measurements and production management contributions to the industry.

Geothermal Special Achievement Award
Aroha Campbell - For outstanding achievement of geothermal development on Maori lands and the dramatic increase in value these efforts have brought to New Zealand.

For more information about the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ at the Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, California, USA visit www.geothermal.org or call (530) 758-2360.

GRC Annual Meeting: Deadline to Register for Two-Day The Geysers Geothermal Fieldtrip is Today

Last Call For 2-Day Geysers Fieldtrip

Must register by Midnight Tonight

(Courtesy Calpine)

2-Day Santa Rosa Geysers Recharge Project and Calpine Geysers Geothermal Operations Tour

• Date: Saturday & Sunday, October 22-23    Cost: $625
• Led by: Mark Walters & Allen Sonneville
• Departs: 8am on Saturday, October 22, returning to Sacramento by 5:30pm on Sunday, October 23
• Trip includes: 1 night lodging, snacks, refreshment, transportation, 2 lunches and one dinner.

You can register for the fieldtrip when you register for the GRC Annual Meeting under "Optional Events" on page 2 of the Registration Form or Register Online under "FieldTrips." If you have already registered for the meeting and would like to add this trip, please contact Anh Lay at alay@geothermal.org.

More information........

USA, New York: EGS to provide Geothermal Heat for Cornell Campus

Cornell wants to drill 2 to 4 miles underground for enhanced geothermal heating (arsTechnica)

Geothermal energy—energy drawn from the internal heat of the Earth—has long been the purview of mountainous, volcano- and earthquake-prone regions like the western United States or Iceland. The US’ eastern states, on the other hand, have been generally disregarded as geologically unfit for geothermal projects because the rock beneath them rarely has the natural fractures or water sources necessary to easily build a geothermal system. But that’s not stopping Cornell University—based in upstate New York—from thinking it can warm its Ithaca campus in winter by tapping into heat from “basement rock,” two to four miles underground.

Cornell announced a new project, called “Earth Source Heat,” this month. The university will research and potentially execute a system that will involve drilling deep into the rock near the campus, circulating fluid to capture the naturally-occurring underground heat, and using that fluid to directly heat the campus (rather than change the heat into electricity, as many geothermal plants do).

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New Zealand: Production Well and Two Injection Wells Completed at Te Ahi O Maui Geothermal Project

Drilling completed at Te Ahi O Maui (News Release)

Drilling of the production well and two injection wells has been completed at the Te Ahi O Maui geothermal project, near Kawerau.

Project manager, Ben Gibson, said today that the drill rig and associated equipment have now completely demobilized from site, where they had been working since May.

The drilling process targeted known sources of geothermal fluid, which could be as hot as 200-300 degrees Celsius, he said.

“The drilling was successful – we located the high-temperature fluid that will ultimately fuel the geothermal power plant, and the injection capacity necessary to manage the cooler fluids that have passed through geothermal power plant.”

The project focus now shifts to the construction of the power plant, transmission line and steamfield. Mr Tomairangi Fox, Cultural Adviser to the project, said “We are very happy to have completed drilling and the next stage is very exciting too.”

The new plant is planned to be operational in 2018.

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GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Get Into Hot Water at Geothermal Energy Event

Hot Springs to Visit Near Sacramento (Sacramento Press)

A good overview of hot springs a short drive from the 40th GRC Annual Meeting

Travertine Hot Springs  (Photo Courtesy of John Fowler)

Hot springs are an intriguing phenomenon, merging science with relaxation in an exciting and luxurious way. While these natural hot baths fueled by geothermally heated water can be found all over the United States, there are a substantial number of them scattered throughout the Northern California region.

For an indulgent experience unlike any other, consider a trip to one of these hot spring spas relatively close to Sacramento. Some exist in the solitude of nature while others are in more central urban areas, oftentimes with an entire resort spa built around them. Peruse this collection of hot springs in the area for a relaxing retreat not far from home!

• Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa and Resort — Calistoga, CA
  (Distance From Sacramento: 1 Hour, 45 Minutes)
• Sierra Hot Springs — Sierraville, CA
  (Distance From Sacramento: 2 Hours, 15 Minutes)
• Vichy Springs — Ukiah, CA
  (Distance From Sacramento: 2 Hours, 40 Minutes)
• Wilbur Hot Springs — Wilbur Springs, CA
  (Distance From Sacramento: 1 Hour, 30 Minutes)
• Steep Ravine Hot Springs — Stinson Beach, CA
  (Distance From Sacramento: About 2 Hours)
• Orr Hot Springs Resort — Ukiah, CA
  (Distance From Sacramento: About 3 Hours)
• Travertine Hot Springs — Bridgeport, CA
  (Distance From Sacramento: About 3 Hours, 45 Minutes)
• Mercey Hot Springs — Firebaugh, CA
  (Distance From Sacramento: About 2 Hours, 30 Minutes)

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Finance: Good Infographic Shows Geothermal Power Plant Turbines Manufacturing Value Chain

Data Points: The Geothermal Manufacturing Value Chain (RenewableEnergyWorld)

USA: Concerns With Remote Sensing Regulations Could Provoke Change

Remote Sensing Regulations Come Under Congressional Scrutiny (EOS)

(Courtesy Newberry EGS Project)

The remote sensing industry uses satellites, drones, and other platforms to collect and process imagery of Earth that has a wide variety of applications, including mapping, disaster response, and natural resource management.

Members of Congress and some industry experts raised concerns last week over policies governing the commercial remote sensing industry. Regulation of the industry is drawing congressional attention amid concerns that U.S. companies are facing increasing competition from foreign firms and may fall behind as innovators in an economic sector that the United States has led.

Amid general agreement that changes are needed, speakers at a 7 September hearing of a subcommittee of the House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space, and Technology differed over how broad an overhaul the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992 needs.

(Thanks to GRC Member Marcelo Lippmann, Staff Scientist (retired) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory for the submission.)

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Republic of Ireland: €100,000 Funding On Offer for Research Into Development of Geothermal Energy

Social Science-Geoscience research call launched  (GSI)

The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) have this year partnered with the Irish Research Council (IRC) and Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for a new research funding call. The 2016 IRC Society and Policy Call will include 3 geoscience specific projects;

• Strand 4.1 Public Perception of geoscience in Ireland (co-funded by IRC and GSI)
• Strand 4.2: Public and health policy in relation to groundwater resources (co-funded by IRC and GSI)
• Strand 4.3 Economic and public policy for the development of geothermal energy in Ireland (co-funded by IRC, GSI and SEAI)

Each project is a max of 24 months and €100,000. We strongly encourage social science researchers to apply for this call, preferably in partnership with geoscience researchers.

Expressions of interest must be submitted to IRC by September 30th. Application deadline is October 28th. Projects are expected to start in December 2016.

For all information, please see the IRC website http://research.ie/scheme/research-policy-society-2016

Finance: "Geothermal Energy Remains a Very Attractive Source of Electricity" - US EIA

US EIA Paper Shows Promise of Geothermal, Need for National Effort (Movenergy)

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently released a report which was quickly hailed as showing “geothermal energy remains a very attractive source of electricity.” 

The report shows its great potential and confirms its current reality could be vastly improved if the governments gave geothermal support comparable to more prominent renewables — whether in terms of tax credits, streamlining the permitting process, or inclusion of geothermal technology in Western states’ clean power plans. Geothermal has vast potential, as the EIA paper reveals, and much more room to grow if critical programs are implemented to support the industry.

In the paper, Levelized Cost and Levelized Avoided Cost of New Generation Resources in the Annual Energy Outlook 2016, EIA compares the “levelized cost” of geothermal energy and other technologies, which means the costs shown are not based on actual, reported prices for energy based on competitive bidding in state procurements, but are modeled costs based on various analytical assumptions.

Despite a modeling paradigm that favors other renewables, the results are still impressive. Taking a quick look at the results, you can see why it is exciting news for geothermal.

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Honduras: OPIC Approves Financing for 35 MW Platanares Geothermal Project

OPIC Board Of Directors Approves Over $1 Billion In Support For Investments In Developing Countries (News Release)

The Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, yesterday approved support for new development projects including a geothermal energy project in Honduras.

OPIC approved up to $135 million in financing to Geotérmica Platanares, S.A, sponsored by Reno, Nevada-based Ormat Technologies, Inc. for the development, construction, and operation of a 35 megawatt geothermal baseload power plant in Western Honduras.  Honduras requires a 26 percent increase in power generation capacity over the next decade to keep up with projected GDP growth.

This project will be the first utility-scale geothermal project in Honduras and is expected to generate sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective power, while contributing to the Honduran Government’s goal of generating 80 percent of its energy from renewables by 2032.

Ormat will be exhibiting at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+, October 23-26 in Sacramento, California.

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Germany: Munich Plans to Become First Large City in the World to be Heated by 100 Percent Renewable Energy - Mostly Geothermal

Munich geothermal energy planning is underway (Hydrogen Fuel News)

The large scale Munich geothermal energy plans have now been released for the city located in Bavaria, Germany.

The city’s plans for the renewable energy as a heating source are quite ambitious.

The Munich geothermal energy strategy goals involve a 2040 deadline. By then, it wants to become the first large city in the world to be heated by 100 percent renewable energy. Geothermal energy will be playing a considerable role in this sizeable effort.

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USA: Chinese Nuclear Power Company Now in Running for Chevron's Asian Geothermal Energy Assets

Chevron Said to Narrow Bids for $3 Billion Geothermal Sale (Bloomberg)

China General Nuclear Power Corp., the country’s biggest nuclear power operator, has been invited to make a second-round bid for Chevron Corp.’s Asian geothermal energy assets, which could fetch $3 billion, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Jakarta-based PT Medco Power Indonesia is considering joining a separate short-listed consortium that includes Japanese trading house Marubeni Corp. and Philippine energy producer Aboitiz Power Corp., said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. Citigroup Inc., Chevron’s adviser on the sale, will call for second-round bids later this month, the people said.

Read More........

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Geothermal Fieldtrips Gives Hands-On Experience

Four Fieldtrips from Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting

Popular excursions from the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ in Sacramento, California. 

In addition to the main event of the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ taking place October 23-26, 2016, there will be three fieldtrips before the conference and one fieldtrip just after.

There will be three fieldtrips to The Geysers, the largest geothermal field in the world. A one-day and an extended two-day trip will see how the area has recovered from a devastating wildfire that caused infrastructure damage and some loss of life in September 2015. The fieldtrips will also look at how the geothermal reservoir beneath The Geysers has been recharged using recycled water from neighboring communities. Another post-meeting one-day fieldtrip will visit Calpine’s EGS field demonstration project.

In addition, there will be a half-day trip to the headquarters of the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), in nearby Folsom, California to learn how CAISO keeps the 25,500 miles of the California transmission grid reliable and efficient.

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USA, Idaho: EGS Led to 25% Increase in Electric Production at Raft River Geothermal Plant

Raft River Geothermal Success Story Marks Breakthrough in Commercializing EGS Technology (EGI)

The Raft River Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) Demonstration Project is considered by DOE to be one of their major geothermal success stories and is one of the few EGS successes worldwide.

In collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), Energy & Geoscience Institute (EGI) and the University of Utah are pushing forward the boundaries of EGS demonstration successes with “groundbreaking accomplishments at Raft River.”

The goal of EGS is to create, sustain, and improve the performance of man-made geothermal reservoirs. The Raft River project, managed by EGI’s Geothermal Group and led by Dr. Joseph Moore, has succeeded in transforming a non-commercial well that could only accept 20 gallons per minute into a commercial well that now accepts 1000 gallons per minute. Tracer returns demonstrate the well is connected to the rest of the geothermal system. EGI’s success at Raft River will be an important stepping-stone on the road to our FORGE Utah project.

Because of the improvements to the well, US Geothermal, the field operator, will be able to produce an additional 2.5 megawatts, which represents an increase of approximately 25% in electric production.

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GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ Hotel Has Excellent Green Credentials

Hyatt Sacramento celebrates largest single hotel EV charging cluster in the US (News Release)

The Hyatt Regency Sacramento celebrated its newly installed 26 electric vehicle charging stations this week. It is the largest single hotel EV charging cluster in the United States. Twenty ClipperCreek communications enabled Level 2 HCS-40 Charging Stations and six Tesla charging stations were installed to service hotel and parking lot guests.

Hyatt Regency Sacramento, a 505-room hotel, is located in the heart of downtown Sacramento, across the street from the California State Capitol. It features luxurious guestrooms with high definition televisions, and Hyatt Grand Beds, two award-winning restaurants, a resort-style swimming pool and is adjacent to the Sacramento Convention Center. For additional information about Hyatt Regency Sacramento, please visit sacramento.regency.hyatt.com.

Reserve a room for the geothermal energy event of the year at the Hyatt Regency Hotel

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USA: Department of Interior Approves Phase 1 of Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan

Secretary Jewell, State of California Announce Landmark Renewable Energy, Conservation Plan for 10 Million Acres of California Desert (News Release)

The plan designates Development Focus Areas with high-quality solar, wind and geothermal energy potential and access to transmission, sited in low conflict areas. Applications in these areas will benefit from a streamlined permitting process, predictable survey requirements, and simplified mitigation measures. 

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell today joined federal, state and local officials to announce approval of Phase I of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP), an innovative, landscape-level renewable energy and conservation planning effort covering 10.8 million acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in the California desert.

Phase I is part of a larger, comprehensive effort with the State of California designed to provide a blueprint across 22 million acres of public and private land in California’s desert region for streamlining renewable energy development while conserving unique and valuable ecosystems and providing outdoor recreation opportunities. The lands specifically identified for renewable energy development by the plan have the potential to generate up to 27,000 megawatts of renewable energy – enough to power over eight million homes – that will help meet federal and state renewable energy and climate change goals.

An informational webinar will be held on Sept. 15, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. PST to present an overview of the plan and next steps for implementation. Webinar details are available at www.drecp.org and www.blm.gov/ca/drecp.

The federal plan for these 10.8 million acres of public lands is detailed in the Bureau of Land Management's Record of Decision and Land Use Plan Amendment. To view these documents as well as additional DRECP information, visit www.drecp.org or www.blm.gov/ca/drecp

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USA, Idaho: Environmental Survey to Analyze the Potential Effects of Panther Creek Hot Springs Geothermal Project

Geothermal plant proposed near Salmon River (Idaho Mountain Express)

The U.S. Forest Service is beginning an environmental study of an application to lease public land for a proposed geothermal power plant near the confluence of the Salmon River and Panther Creek, adjacent to the River of No Return Wilderness.

Ormat Technologies wants the right to use hot water from Panther Creek Hot Springs to produce power that would be connected to Idaho Power’s grid. A BLM study of geothermal potential in the West estimated that the site has 10-20 megawatts of generating capacity—enough to power up to 20,000 homes.

The proposed site covers almost nine square miles on the Salmon-Challis National Forest about 25 miles west of the town of Salmon. The Forest Service announced in the Federal Register on Sept. 24 that a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is expected in May 2016 and a final EIS in September.

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Columbia: First Meeting of the GRC Uniandes Student Chapter

GRC Uniandes Student Chapter

15 September, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

Ethiopia: Toshiba To Partner in Geothermal Energy Development

Toshiba signs geothermal power generation deal in Ethiopia (News Release)

Toshiba Corporation has signed a deal with Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) on a comprehensive partnership in geothermal power that will see the parties collaborate in power generation projects and personnel development. 

Through the partnership with EEP, Toshiba will draw on its long-standing experience and expertise in geothermal systems to contribute to projects in Ethiopia. 

The company will, more specifically, develop and manufacture major equipment, create operation and management guidelines, co-operate in personnel development, and start a waste heat utilization business. 

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Finance: Renewable Power Generation Costs are Already Lower on Average Worldwide than Fossil Fuels

CarbonTracker Declares Renewable Power As Today’s Cheapest Option (CleanTechnica)

According to a new report from the independent financial think tank Carbon Tracker Initiative, renewable power generation costs are already lower on average worldwide than fossil fuels.

The new sensitivity analysis published by Carbon Tracker this week, End of the load for coal and gas? makes the bold claim that renewable power generation costs are already lower on average worldwide than generation costs of fossil fuels, and that clean energy plants are only going to become more cost-competitive by 2020. The report’s authors clarify further, however, by explaining that their findings are based on Levelized Costs of Electricity (LCOEs), and that there are “widely recognized … large ranges of values for each technology” within a technology’s LCOE. 

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Finance: A Major Shift in Investment Towards Low-Carbon Sources of Power Generation is Underway

World Energy Investment 2016 (IEA)

In this inaugural annual report on energy investments around the world, the International Energy Agency (IEA) looks at the lifeblood of the global energy system: investment. The ability to attract and direct capital flows is vital to transitioning to a low-carbon economy while also maintaining energy security and expanding energy access worldwide. The success or failure of energy policies can be measured by their ability to mobilize investments.

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Papua New Guinea: Big Potential for Geothermal Energy

PNG Geothermal Energy Potential (EMTV Online)

Hydropower at present makes up 40 percent of Papua New Guinea’s installed power capacity, due to the optimal conditions and terrains for hydropower plants.

According to the Oxford Business Group, the second major power source to be developed in the country was geothermal energy, initially exploited to power the Lihir Gold mine in New Ireland province.

The volcanic belts around the country are home to significant amounts of active volcanic activity, including 55 known geothermal sites.

Michael Petterson, Director for the Geoscience division at the Pacific Community, states that this figure may be in theory only as developing this energy source takes a lot of effort, however just half or a portion of this is still a significant amount and if harnessed correctly, can power the country for millions of years to come.

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USA, Idaho: BLM Issues Permit for 25 MW Walker Ranch Geothermal Project

First Idaho Geothermal Project on Public Land since the 1980s Receives Permit to Drill (News Release)

Just this week, Burley Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Field Manager Ken Crane gave the nod to Walker Ranch Energy for a geothermal energy project that will take place 13 miles south of Malta, ID. Eventually, the project will produce 25 megawatts (MW) of energy. Once in production, the project will generate royalties which will be shared between the BLM and the State of Idaho.

While the power plant itself will be built on private property, up to 22 production and injection wells will be drilled on approximately 200 acres managed by the Burley Field Office. The geothermal fluids produced from BLM land would be piped to a binary power plant, heating a secondary fluid that will flash to steam and turn turbines that generate electricity.

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Canada: Good Potential for Geothermal Energy in West-Central Alberta

Geothermal study shows promising results (Hinton Parklander)

Currently most of Alberta’s electricity is produced by 18 coal-fired generating plants. With the NDP government focused on retiring 12 of those plants by 2018, Hinton is going to have to find new ways to power its homes. Wasting no time, council has already started focusing on a new alternative: geothermic reserves.

Jonathan Banks, Research Associate from the University of Alberta, brought back findings from a deep-dive analysis, examining areas within a 50km radius of Hinton for potential geothermic reserves. The results were promising.

“Within that 50 km radius, there’s about 2.5 gigawatts of thermal energy … and approaching 200 megawatts of electrical capacity … just within 50km from here.”

Using data from wells that reach up to 4,000 meters deep, he says they’ve found three reserves from Obed, Swan Hills and Leduc strong enough to provide geothermic energy. Of the three. Swan Hills reserve is the greatest and Obed is the least.

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USA: 40 Percent of U.S. Geothermal Energy Capacity is Generated on Public Lands

Powering Up Renewable Energy on Public Lands (Department of Interior)

In just eight short years, renewable energy on America’s public lands has gone from zero to hero -- generating domestic clean energy, cutting carbon pollution and creating good-paying jobs here at home. 

When President Obama took office in 2009, there were few renewable energy projects on public lands. Fast forward to 2016, and the Interior Department’s renewable initiatives are unlocking the energy potential of public lands and waters in unprecedented ways. And they’re all done using leasing strategies that make sure renewable energy projects are built the right way with community and stakeholder input, in the right places. 

Interior is working with producers on the cutting edge of geothermal energy -- tapping reservoirs of steam miles beneath the Earth’s surface to create electricity. The Bureau of Land Management has approved 818 geothermal leases across 11 western states and Alaska. That adds up to a total capacity of 1,500 megawatts of geothermal energy, which means that a record-breaking 40 percent of U.S. geothermal energy capacity is generated on public lands.

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Finance: More Renewable Energy Does Not Lead to Increase in Cost of Electricity

Does Renewable Energy Raise Electricity Prices? (Renewable Energy World)

By Daniel Fleischmann 

Sunset at Alaşehir 2 - by Tim Dunford, POWER
Engineers, Inc., Hailey, Idaho, USA. Honorable
Mention, 2015 Geothermal Photo Contest

Since the big push from the U.S. government for investment in renewable energy in 2009, we’ve had the opportunity to see how prices have changed between states that have made large investments in renewable energy, and those that have not.

Critics of renewable energy investment say that renewable energy will never be as cost-effective as fossil fuels and could give customers sticker shock. But is that the case?

The average increase in prices between the 20 U.S. states that had the most investment in renewable energy was 4.3 percent, when comparing the average from 2010 to 2015 with the average over the last 18 months. However, for the 20 states that had the least investment in renewable energy, the average increase was 4.6 percent.

Therefore, the impact of renewable energy on the price of power appears to be statistically insignificant. Sticking with fossil fuels has not been a pathway to lower energy prices. And this result challenges critics’ assertions that renewable energy is simply too expensive, while fossil fuels will maintain reliable, inexpensive electricity prices.

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New Zealand: Funding Provided for Silica Removal from Geothermal Brine Project

$209m funding for new science projects (News Release)

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce has today announced a total investment of over $209 million over the next five years in new scientific research projects through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) 2016 Endeavour Fund.

Successful applications for 2016 include Enhanced Geothermal Energy Recovery Through Nanotechnology – Research Trust of Victoria University – Wellington:

The development of geothermal energy is compromised by the presence of silica in geothermal brines, which forms problematic silica scale in pipelines, heat exchangers, and valves. Innovative disruptive technology will be developed so that no silica scale can be formed.

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