Science & Technology: Opinion Piece on Cooperation Between Oil & Gas and Geothermal Technologies

How The Oil Industry Will Survive The Decline of Oil (OilPro)

by Nick Warren, Engineering Manager at Quantum Process Systems

Drilling resources will be redeployed to geothermal applications focusing on hot rock targets, generating – ideally – pure superheated steam.

Most current geothermal plants are open-loop with the more prominent using superheated brines. These are to be found within geologically active regions with shallow high-temperature fractured / permeable strata. The holy-grail target configuration will be closed-loop, which possesses none of the awesome silica scaling challenges associated with the use of open-loop brines.

Extended–reach, horizontal wells can deliver a highly effective steam super-heating system with imaginative completion design. Energy on demand, for short-term bursts of peak time power, forms an attractive target market. Peak-shaving power generation is a growing and rather obvious target. Geothermal is virtually limitless – and available 24/7.

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United Kingdom: Research in Harnessing Geothermal Energy from Abandoned Coal Mines

Exploring geothermal energy potential (Durham University)

Researchers at the University’s Durham Energy Institute (DEI) are exploring the Earth’s geothermal energy potential.

Led by the Centre for Research into Earth Energy Systems (CeREES), researchers are investigating how this potential can be harnessed to provide a low carbon, clean, non-intermittent energy source.

A potential source of heat and warmth for homes could come from the flood water found in abandoned coal mines.

Here, Dr Charlotte Adams, DEI member/Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Research Manager for the BritGeothermal Consortium, explains more about how research could help tap into this valuable resource.

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Kenya: New Transmission Line to Deliver Geothermal Energy from Olkaria to the Coast

Geothermal power line to be commissioned in Mombasa (KDRTV)

A new 480-kilometre Mombasa-Nairobi electricity line meant to deliver geothermal power to Mombasa has been completed.

The 400 Kilovolt line, which is a Vision 2030 flagship project, was initiated in August 2011 and was scheduled for completion in three years but vandalism led to delays.

James Mutemi of Kenya Electricity Transmission Company said the upgrade would boost power supply in the country.

“The line will enable electricity generated from the geothermal power plant at Olkaria to be transmitted to Mombasa,” said Mr Mutemi.

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USA, Nevada: Geothermal Lease Sale to be Held October 26

BLM seeks comments on geothermal land (Elko Daily Free Press)

The Bureau of Land Management’s Elko District is seeking public review of an Environmental Assessment for parcels of public land nominated this year for a competitive geothermal lease sale.

These parcels have the potential for future geothermal exploration and development, according to the agency. The 15-day public review period concludes July 15.

The BLM is considering offering up to 5 parcels, comprising about 12,615.28 acres of land in northeastern Nevada in a competitive Geothermal Lease Sale to be held on Oct. 26.

The document is posted for public review on the NEPA Register project website at: http://bit.ly/2txLxCH. Additional information about the sale will be available in late July after the review period on the EA closes.

If you have issues or concerns or need more information, contact Tom Schmidt, Project Lead at the BLM Elko District, at 753-0200 or email at TuscFO_NEPA@blm.gov.

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Africa: Funding for Geothermal Development Provided by African Union

AU mobilizes fund to boost Africa's geothermal energy development (Medafrica Times)

The African Union (AU) and partners have mobilized 150 million dollars for geothermal development in East African nations.

The figure was provided by Rashid Ali Abdallah, Principal Energy officer at the Department of Infrastructure and Energy of the AU at a press conference on Sunday at the sidelines of the ongoing 29th African Union Ordinary Summit from June 27-July 4 in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

Djibouti, Ethiopia, Burundi, Rwanda and Kenya are the countries that are initially targeted with the funds from geothermal energy which is known for being a high financial risk in early exploration but very reliable energy source once built.

So far 87 million dollars of 150 million dollars fund for geothermal energy has been disbursed to the targeted nations, with the project aiming to help nations eventually be able to generate up to 2,000 MW of geothermal energy.

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GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Geothermal Event

90 Days to the Geothermal Energy Event of the Year!

Technical Sessions Workshops Fieldtrips GRC Mixer Hotels Sponsorships

Golf Tournament Photo Contest Salt Lake City GEA GeoExpo+ Visas

More information on the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+.......

Kenya: GDC Reports Progress in Baringo-Silale Geothermal Project

Firm makes steady progress in construction of power plant (Daily Nation)

Courtesy GDC

The Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has made significant progress in phase one of a key power generation project in Baringo County.

Phase one of the Baringo-Silale Geothermal block is expected to supply 300 megawatts of electricity to the national grid on completion in three years.

Mr George Kinyanjui, the GDC general manager in charge of drilling and infrastructure, said the firm had already opened the road network to the area, with work on more than 120 kilometres already completed. “We’re installing steam fields, three in each of the project areas,” Mr Kinyanjui said.

In total, the Bogoria-Silale Geothermal block will generate more than 3,000 megawatts of electricity once the entire work is completed.

GDC has identified Silale, Paka, Korossi/Chepchuk and areas around lakes Baringo and Bogoria as potential sites for geothermal energy development.

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

Geothermal Energy Event - Registration Now Open

Registration Opens for GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+

Special deals for early birds and students at prestigious geothermal energy event

Registration is now open for the biggest annual geothermal event of the year. The GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ will bring together geothermal companies, academics, financiers, policy leaders, students, and other individuals to attend or exhibit at the event, to be held from October 1-4 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Early birds who register before August 30 pay only $880 as Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) members or $1,030 if non-members. The non-member registration includes GRC membership through 2018. Students with a current identification card from an accredited institution pay just $125 which also includes GRC membership through 2018.

In addition to the Technical Program, the three-day registration to the GRC Annual Meeting includes an Opening Reception on Sunday evening, the Opening Session on Monday morning, a Network Reception on Tuesday, entry to the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) GeoExpo+ and lunch on three days.

Registration is available from the GRC website at www.geothermal.org. A Preliminary Program complete with a Registration Form is available to view and download. However, the GRC recommends online registration through a secured connection. The link is available on the front page of the GRC website at www.geothermal.org.

Geothermal Energy News from Around the World

Global Geothermal News - Weekly Update

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

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

Canada: Direct Use of Abandoned Mine for Geothermal Heating

Canadian innovations continue to shape the future of energy (National Energy Board)

To celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary as a nation, here are a few innovative ways that Canadians have shaped, and continue to shape, the energy industry.

Springhill Mine Water Geothermal

In the mid-1980s, the town of Springhill, Nova Scotia began exploring the potential of nearby mines as a source of geothermal heating. After many years of abandonment, the mines had filled with water, which was heated naturally by the earth to about 18 degrees Celsius.

By 1994, eight local users, including a large plastics manufacturing facility, were drawing on the mine water to feed their heat pumps for space heating. 

The Springhill project was among the first industrial sites in the world to demonstrate the viability of mine water geothermal energy, and this technology is now also being used in countries around the world, including the U.S., the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

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USA, California: Direct Use Geothermal Project in Modoc County

The Cedarville Rancheria Direct Use Geothermal Project (The Bureau of Indian Affairs)

The Cedarville Rancheria in northeast California is exploring techniques for using nearby natural hot springs as a geothermal resource to provide heat for the residents of the Rancheria and the surrounding town. Given the hot spring’s close proximity and underutilized potential, the Cedarville Rancheria applied for an Energy and Mineral Development Program grant to fund the drilling of a geothermal well on the Rancheria.

The first of two local geothermal systems in the region provides heat at a local high school from a well drilled several miles west of the community. This successful effort resulted from a partnership coordinated by the Division of Energy and Mineral Development (DEMD) between the high school and the Tribe. The project’s outcomes inspired the Tribe to drill a closer geothermal well on the Rancheria and to request recommendations for the best uses of the new geothermal well.

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USA: Six Research Teams Chosen for Geothermal Deep Direct-Use Feasibility Studies

Energy Department Announces up to $4 Million for Geothermal Deep Direct-Use Feasibility Studies (News Release)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today up to $4 million in funding for six geothermal Deep Direct-Use (DDU) research projects to conduct feasibility studies of large scale, low-temperature deep-well geothermal systems and cascaded surface technologies. These projects will extend the reach of geothermal energy into previously untapped regions of the country: the Appalachian Basin, the Illinois Basin, the Wassuk Range, the Columbia River Basalt Group, the Walker Lake Valley, and the Gulf Coast region of Texas.

The research teams selected represent a range of partners who will share the cost of performing the feasibility analysis with DOE. The organizations receiving awards today include:

• Cornell University: Ithaca, New York
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory: Golden, Colorado
• Portland State University: Portland, Oregon
• Sandia National Laboratories: Albuquerque, New Mexico
• University of Illinois: Champagne, Illinois
• West Virginia University Energy Institute: Morgantown, West Virginia

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Montserrat: Caribbean Island Nations Looks to Geothermal Energy

18 Degrees North - Montserrat: Geothermal Energy (18DegreesNorthTV)

Montserrat, the beautiful island nation that almost 2 decades ago fell to its knees after an encounter with the deadly forces of the Soufrière Hills volcano. Today, the country is looking to harness the still active volcano's energy by exploring Geothermal energy.

(Video 7:46 Minutes)

Croatia: Construction Contract Signed for Velika 1 Geothermal Power Plant

Croatia's Djuro Djakovic signs 71.1 mln kuna (9.6 mln euro) deal with local company (SeeNews)

Croatian diversified group Djuro Djakovic said on Thursday it has signed a 71.1 million kuna ($10.9 million/9.6 million euro) deal with local energy and construction company Geo-En for the construction of a geothermal power plant near the country's central city of Bjelovar.

Djuro Djakovic will be tasked with building the Velika 1 plant, commissioning it and connecting it to the grid, as well as with the construction of the supporting wells and pipelines, it said in a Zagreb bourse filing.

With this project, Djuro Djakovic Group will strengthen its position on the market as it continues to invest in energy projects that increase the share of renewable energy sources in Croatia.

Global Geothermal News has previously reported that a 10 MW geothermal power plant is planned.

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Science & Technology: Major Update for Leapfrog Geothermal Modelling Software

ARANZ Geo renews geothermal focus (News Release)

ARANZ Geo, developer of 3D geological modelling software Leapfrog®, has released Leapfrog Geothermal 3.3, packed with bespoke functionality for the geothermal industry, including time based visualisation of geophysical data and connectivity to Leapfrog’s model management platform, Leapfrog Central.

The release represents a major development programme for Leapfrog Geothermal, and is the first of a number of specific updates to come in 2017.

Leapfrog Geothermal will be exhibiting at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ from October 1-4, in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

Read More........

Kenya: KenGen Seeks Equipment for Eburru Geothermal Power Plant

KenGen Geothermal Division seeks supply of portable silencers (ESI Africa)

The Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) invites sealed tenders from eligible bidders for the fabrication and supply of portable silencers for the Geothermal Development Division.

Interested bidders may obtain further information and inspect the documents during official working hours by sending an email to tenders@kengen.co.ke; cc jgesaka@kengen.co.ke or call the supply chain director.

Tenders must be submitted on or before: 18 July 2017.

Read More.......                  Kengen Tenders.........

Hungary: Invitation to Tender for Concessions for Exploration of Geothermal Energy

Hungary launches the 5th bid round for hydrocarbon and geothermal exploration and production (Gábor Zelei on LinkedIn)

The Minister of National Development of Hungary has published invitations to tender for concessions for the exploration, development and exploitation of hydrocarbons, as well as the exploration and exploitation of geothermal energy in the area of Gádoros.

Bids must be submitted in person on 25 September 2017.

Invitation to tender..............

Canada: Lecture on Directional Drilling for Deep Geothermal Energy Systems

Public Lecture Series - Directional Drilling and Magnetic Ranging Services for Geothermal Energy Development (University of Waterloo)

Wednesday, July 5, 10:30am-11:30am, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Speaker: Clinton Moss, President, Marksman Ranging Technologies, Scientific Drilling

Precision drilling and wellbore placement techniques have yielded significant improvements in oil and gas extraction but in Canada they have not yet been utilized to improve the technical and economic feasibility of deep geothermal energy systems. 

This talk will review the state of the art in precision directional drilling and discuss how these techniques may decrease the capital cost and increase the operating efficiency of deep geothermal systems in Canada.

More Information (PDF).........

Global: Submit Your Beautiful Geothermal Energy Photos

The Geothermal Resources Council 2017 Amateur Photo Contest

The deadline for submissions is August 18, 2017.

Gleaming Clean Geothermal Energy. By Will Osborn. Svartsengi power plant, Iceland, taken during a group tour at the 2016 Iceland Geothermal Conference. GRC Photo Contest 2016.

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) would like to remind photographers of this year’s Amateur Geothermal Photo Contest. The purpose of the contest is to showcase quality photography featuring geothermal energy around the world. 

The winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ being held in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA from October 1-4. The theme for this year’s meeting is “Geothermal Energy: The Power to Do More”.

The first place winner will receive $150, second place - $100, and third place - $75. Honorable Mention photos will receive certificates. 

Photographs on any subject related to geothermal energy can be submitted such as geothermal energy production, Enhanced Geothermal systems (EGS), direct use and geothermal heat pumps. These can include photos of well testing, drilling, operation of geothermal equipment, newly developed equipment, or plant operation, construction of a geothermal plant or plant site, and geological areas or surface manifestations (holding potential for geothermal exploration or development).

More information on the GRC Amateur Photo Contest, including a submission form, can be found on the GRC website. The deadline for submissions is August 18, 2017.

Mexico: GRC Member Works for USA - Mexico Geothermal Energy Cooperation

Patrick Dobson: Hosted by the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada (CICESE), Mexico (Fulbright Specialist Program)

The Fulbright Specialist Program provides a GRC Member with the opportunity to work one-on-one and try to kindle cross border cooperation in a more sustained way.

Geologist Patrick Dobson (a GRC Member) is an expert in geothermal systems at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory managed by the University of California. His research on geothermal systems and volcanic centers during his career has taken him to Japan, Indonesia, Central and South America, and Mexico.

Dobson wanted to return to Mexico to work more closely with Mexican counterparts and students after attending a technical workshop on clean energy across the border organized by the California Energy Commission.

“Back in the late 1970s and 80s there was a major collaborative research effort on geothermal systems between our lab and Mexican researchers. But funding dried up. We’d like to reinitiate a formal relationship,” says Dobson.

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Italy: Update on Descramble Geothermal Project at Larderello

Enel Green Power Descramble: Geothermal Becomes 2.0 (Enel Green Power)

(Video 0:55 Minutes)

Technological innovation and a deepening of technical-scientific knowledge: these are the key points of DESCRAMBLE (Drilling in dEep, Super-CRitical AMBients of continentaL Europe), a European project focused on the geothermal area of Larderello, coordinated by Enel Green Power and co-financed under Horizon2020, a European framework programme for research and innovation.

Geothermal Innovates with DESCRAMBLE, by Fabrizio Bizzarri - Head of Solar Wind and Geothermal Innovation at Enel Green Power.

Europe: News from the European Geothermal Energy Council

EGEC Newsletter

News from the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC)

Policy:

• Clean Energy Package: ongoing negotiations and EGEC activities
• EGEC calls for a binding target on energy efficiency
• Higher renewable energy ambition required to avoid deployment slowdown

News:

• Geothermal energy allows significant reductions in CO2 emissions at Paris-Orly Airport 
• The Netherlands signs Green Deal for Ultra Deep Geothermal
• Geothermal power plants contribute $260m to the Turkish economy annually
• Greenhouse operations fuelled by geothermal in Kavala Prefecture, Greece
• REN21’s Renewables 2017 Global Status Report 

Projects:

• RHC sector still requires dedicated policies in order to accelerate innovation in the EU
• Deep Geothermal ETIP: Presentations available

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Netherlands: New Football (Soccer!) Stadium to be Powered by Geothermal Energy

New design: First geothermal stadium in the Netherlands (StadiumDB.com)

It's not the first sports venue to be powered by geothermal energy but the first large stadium to supply its surroundings with this renewable form of power. Perhaps already in 2020.

Having seen the initial renderings presented back in 2013, only on June 20 of this year have we seen the final design of SC Cambuur's proposed new stadium. The team aspiring to become a solid Eredivisie side will get a stadium you might find familiar to FC Zwolle's home. And not without reason, both of them were designed by Widdershoven Architecten.

However this might sound, architecture of this stadium is the least interesting thing about it, even taking into account the consultation with various supporter groups. By far the most exciting fact is the energy scheme. Located west of the city centre, the new stadium should be the very first major geothermal stadium in the Netherlands and the first one to become energy-neutral.

Read More........

USA, Nevada: Three New Wells at San Emidio II Geothermal Project Tap 320°F Plus Resource

U.S. Geothermal Inc. Announces Successful Results From Three Wells Drilled at San Emidio II (News Release)

Well rig at the San Emidio II geothermal project (Courtesy U.S. Geothermal)

U.S. Geothermal Inc. today announced that it has successfully intersected high temperature resource in the three additional wells drilled in the Southwest Zone of the resource area at its San Emidio II development project in Nevada.

Drilling began on June 1st, 2017 and the three wells were deepened based on their high thermal gradient and bottom hole temperature. Well 78-20 was drilled to 2,387 feet deep, intersected the geothermal resource at 2,314 feet, and has a measured flowing temperature of 324°F. Well 18-21 was drilled to 2,177 feet deep, intersected the geothermal resource at 1,874 feet, and has a measured flowing temperature of 325°F. The third well (28-21) was drilled to 2,799 feet deep, intersected the geothermal resource at 1,900 feet, and though less permeable than the other two, has a measured flowing temperature of 321°F. For comparison purposes, the wellfield at our San Emidio I project is currently producing at an average temperature of 278°F. All wells were completed with a 6 ¼ inch bottom hole diameter and a 4 ½ inch perforated casing liner.

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East Africa: Kiwis to Help Establish a New Zealand – Africa Geothermal Facility

Signing of Partnership agreement between the African Union Commission and New Zealand (News Release)

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) have signed a Partnership Agreement, providing a framework and basis for the establishment and implementation of the ‘New Zealand – Africa Geothermal Facility’. The goal of this facility is to expand access to affordable, reliable and clean energy in Eastern African countries.

The Facility aims to provide responsive, flexible and timely geothermal technical assistance and capacity development support for focus countries of the Africa Union Regional Geothermal Programme including the eligible countries of the Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF) namely Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Comoros, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, DRC, Burundi, Zambia, Sudan, Eretria, Mozambique and Malawi, with possibility to expand it to all members of African Union in future.

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Science & Technology: The Potential of Critical Materials from Geothermal Brine

In the Future, Your iPad Could Come from Geothermal: 3 Facts about Critical Materials (DOE/EERE/GTO)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) continues to invest in clean energy technologies to strengthen our domestic energy independence. To improve technologies from the onset, the Geothermal Technologies Office is focusing on rare earths and critical materials recovery—the building blocks in many clean energy applications.

• Fact 1: Critical materials play a fundamental role in clean energy technologies
• Fact 2: The U.S. is a large consumer but small producer of many critical materials 
• Fact 3: DOE is advancing technologies for recovering critical materials

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USA: House Energy Spending Bill Readjusts EERE Budget Cut

House energy bill spends $3.6B more than Trump budget (The Hill)

House appropriators on Tuesday introduced a spending bill for federal energy and water departments that spends $3.65 billion more in 2018 than President Trump requested for the agencies.

The bill, which funds the Department of Energy (DOE), nuclear weapons oversight, the Army Corps of Engineers and other departments, would spend $37.56 billion total in 2018, a $209 million cut from current funding levels.

But the measure is a rejection of Trump’s budget proposal, which looked to deeply slash spending for the initiatives funded by the legislation.

Renewable energy research, for instance, is cut by $986 million over current levels to $1,104 million, but that is $468 million less than the cuts for which Trump had aimed.

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USA, California: Interview With Controlled Thermal Resources CEO

Rod Colwell Interview With Gil Rebollar (Small Town News)

Gil Rebollar delves into the Salton Sea Hells Kitchen Geothermal project with Controlled Thermal Resources CEO Rod Colwell - a GRC Member.

USA, Oregon: Chance to Visit Neal Hot Springs Geothermal Plant

Field Trip: U.S. Geothermal Plant at Neal Hot Springs (Boise Weekly)

Saturday, July 22, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Join GRC Board Member Roy Mink for a field trip to the U.S. Geothermal Neal Hot Springs geothermal plant, located west of Vale, Oregon.

Because it’s an active industrial site, sturdy hiking boots and full-length pants are required (no T-shirts). The noise level will be high, so earplugs are provided.

Take lunch and water. Meet at the WinCo parking lot on Meridian Road at I-84 at 7:30 a.m. for a prompt departure at 8 a.m. Return to Boise by 6 p.m. Visit www.idahomuseum.org/field-trips/ for critical details about the trip. Sponsored by the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology. Call Steve at 208-853-1678 to preregister.

More Information.........

Mexico: Renewable Energy Conference in September

Mexico International Renewable Energy Conference (MEXIREC)

11-13 September 2017, Expo Santa Fe México, Mexico City

The Government of Mexico has teamed up with REN21 – the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century – to organize the next International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC) in Mexico from 11-13 September 2017, within the framework of the Strategic Dialogues on the Future of Energy (DEMEX). 

Relevant information can be accessed through the links below: 

• Conference Programme EN 
• About MEXIREC: Conference and Sponsorship Brochure EN | ES 
• DEMEX: Dialogue for the Future of Energy EN | ES

More Information........

Ethiopia: British Company Advances 50 MW Fantale Geothermal Project

Cluff Geothermal gets the go ahead for Power Purchase Agreement kick-off meeting with Ethiopian Electric Power for its Fantale Licence in Ethiopia (News Release)

Following a positive meeting between Cluff Geothermal and the state power company, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), in Addis Ababa in June 2017, arranged by the British Embassy, Cluff has been given the go ahead to set up a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) kick off meeting.

The kick off meeting with EEP will begin the PPA negotiations for the Fantale geothermal licence, awarded to Cluff in July 2015.  Once those negotiations are completed Cluff will be ready to begin exploration drilling at Fantale.  

Following their very successful surface campaign, and extensive consultation as to a Conceptual Development Plan, Cluff plans to begin the Fantale site development with a 50 MWe development phase followed by a 100 MWe development phase.  The total estimated investment for these first two phases could be in the region of USD 750 million.

Hotspur Geothermal Limited operates under the name Cluff Geothermal Limited in Ethiopia. Cluff Geothermal holds the Fantale Geothermal Exploration Licence.

Read More........

USA: Former Secretary of Energy Creates Advanced Energy Group

Former DOE Secretary Moniz launches energy analysis nonprofit (Utility Dive)

Former Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz has launched Energy Futures Initiative, a nonprofit group focused on advanced energy and conducting "objective, fact-based and rigorous technical, economic, financial and policy analyses."

Moniz was named head of the Department of Energy in 2013 under President Obama. The former Secretary last week predicted a budget for the agency proposed by President Trump would be a "nonstarter."

Moniz told Axios that his firm's revenue is expected to come from foundations and companies "who will like to see certain studies done." The group's first project will be a review of the United States' energy grid.

Read More........

USA: Report on The Baseload Versus Flexible Electricity Generation Debate

Advancing Past “Baseload” to a Flexible Grid (The Brattle Group)

How Grid Planners and Power Markets Are Better Defining System Needs to Achieve a Cost-Effective and Reliable Supply Mix

The nation’s electricity grid operators are increasingly turning to more flexible resources and low-cost renewable energy options like wind and solar, rendering outdated the notion that “baseload” generating plants are required to reliably power America’s homes and businesses, according to a new report by the global economics consulting firm The Brattle Group, commissioned by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

The Brattle analysis, Advancing Past “Baseload” to a Flexible Grid: How Grid Planners and Power Markets Are Better Defining System Needs to Achieve a Cost-Effective and Reliable Supply Mix, was published in advance of an upcoming release of a Department of Energy grid study report.  In April, Secretary Rick Perry ordered a 60-day assessment of whether wind and solar energy are undermining power markets and grid reliability by supplanting “baseload” coal and nuclear generating plants, declaring that “baseload power is necessary to a well-functioning electric grid.” The Brattle analysis demonstrates that is not the case.

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Science & Technology: Magma Deep Drilling Project Not Geothermal Energy - Scientist

Volcano Power Could Be ‘Most Exciting Thing Since the Moon Landing,’ Says Researcher (Greentech Media)

Just don’t call it geothermal energy.

"Raw Power" by Joseph F. Batir. Picture of the IDDP-1 shortly after being drilled. Krafla, Iceland. Taken June 6 2010. GRC Photo Contest 2014.

Recent reports about tapping Icelandic volcanoes for power exports to the U.K. may have missed the point, say experts connected to the project.

Stories in mainstream media outlets such as The Guardian refer to a "geothermal project" -- but the work being carried out in Iceland is much, much different than traditional geothermal.

“What we’re trying to do is not geothermal energy,” said Professor Yan Lavallee, chair of volcanology and magmatic processes at the University of Liverpool’s Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences. “It’s the most exciting thing since the moon [landing].”

Read More.......

USA: Geothermal Energy Enjoys Healthy Growth in Generation

EIA: Renewables Share Overtakes Nuclear Years Earlier Than Expected (North American Windpower)

Generation of electricity from geothermal energy increases 5.3% in a year

The latest issue of the U.S. Energy Information’s (EIA) Electric Power Monthly has revealed that renewable energy sources, including wind power, are now providing a greater share of the nation’s electrical generation than nuclear power.

For the first third of this year, renewables and nuclear power have been running neck-in-neck with renewables, providing 20.20% of U.S. net electrical generation during the four-month period (from January to April) compared with 20.75% for nuclear power.

Yet, in March and April, renewables surpassed nuclear power and have taken a growing lead: 21.60% (renewables) versus 20.34% (nuclear) in March and 22.98% (renewables) versus 19.19% (nuclear) in April.

Almost all renewable energy sources are experiencing strong growth rates. Comparing the first four months of 2017 with the same period in 2016, solar has grown by 37.9%, wind by 14.2%, hydropower by 9.5%, and geothermal by 5.3%. Biomass has remained essentially unchanged – slipping by just 0.3%.

Geothermal energy in the USA generated 5,945 megawatt hours in April, up 5.3% over the year.  California generated 4,202 MWh an increase of 6%, Nevada 1,355 MWh - increase of 2.9%, Utah 181 MWh - increase of 3.9%, Oregon 85 MWh - up 15.6%, Hawaii 85 MWh - up 11.5%. Idaho - 32 MWh (up 0.5%) and New Mexico - 5 MWh (up 5.6%) round off the list.

Read More.........

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Golf Tournament at Geothermal Event

GRC Annual Charity Golf Tournament Brochure & Registration Form

Brochure & Registration Form (PDF)........              Register Online..........

GRC Annual Meeting - Golf Tournament Brochure from Geothermal Resources Council

Geothermal Energy News from Around the World

Global Geothermal News - Weekly Update

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

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

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Event App Now Available!

Geothermal Energy Event - We've Got an App for That!

The GRC are again providing a Mobile app for the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+. It is now available to download to an iPhone, Android or Windows Smartphone, tablet or laptop computer giving event attendees better access to information and networking.

The mobile app also allows the GRC to post more information online and avoid print costs.

We strongly encourage you to download the mobile guide to enhance your experience at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+. You'll be able to plan your day with a personalized schedule and browse exhibitors, maps and general show info. You can browse all the essential information even without internet access.

After a simple download and installation the app can be personalized with your own schedule and notes on activities. When you sign-in to the app you will be able to interact with other attendees and build an on-site network. Attendees will also be able to post their own photos and comments to the app for all to see on the "activity stream".

Scan this QR Code

The App is a work in progress, updates are loaded as information becomes available and your feedback is encouraged as you get familiar with it. All questions and feedback can be sent to Ian Crawford at icrawford@geothermal.org.

Download the app now!.......

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Golf Tournament at Geothermal Event

Register for Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Geothermal Resources Council Annual Meeting

The Mountain Dell Golf Course (Courtesy Mountain Dell)

Only 72 Spots Available! Sign up early!

Arrive early for the GRC Annual Meeting and enjoy one of the great social networking events on the geothermal calendar. Considered by many to be the most beautiful public golf course in Salt Lake City, Mountain Dell is nestled in Parley's Canyon, 16 miles east of downtown Salt Lake City. A shuttle will be provided for transportation to the golf course (Only 56 seats available).

The tournament is a four-man scramble. Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams, men’s and women’s closest to hole, longest drive and hole-in-one.

$160 per individual or $560 per foursome

Tournament Fee Includes: Green Fee, Range Balls, Tournament Service, Continental Breakfast and Awards Lunch.

This year the proceeds from the tournament will go to the GRC Scholarship Fund.

More details of the tournament can be found on the GRC website. Download the GRC Annual Charity Golf Tournament Brochure and fill out a registration form which can be mailed or faxed to the GRC office. Online registration is also available.

Netherlands: Geothermal Energy Could Power the Largest Port in Europe

Rotterdam Port Authority To Explore Geothermal Options In Port Area (Port of Rotterdam)

In view of the strong energy demand in Rotterdam’s industrial sector, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is currently examining which options there are to extract geothermal energy from deep within our planet’s crust. 

After all, after descending some 5 km into the Earth, the temperature has already risen to around 170°C. If this heat is transferred to the surface in the form of hot water, it may form a good source of sustainable energy for industrial purposes – particularly the production of steam. 

Furthermore, after being used by industry (and having cooled off a bit further), the hot water can also be used to heat homes and greenhouses via a regional heat network.

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GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Geothermal Event

100 Days to the Geothermal Energy Event of the Year!

Technical Sessions Workshops Fieldtrips GRC Mixer Hotels Sponsorships

Golf Tournament Photo Contest Salt Lake City GEA GeoExpo+ Visas

More information on the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+.......

United Kingdom: Company Involved in United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project

GeoScience returns to its geothermal roots with new power project! (News Release)

GeoScience Limited was founded in 1985 as a spin-off from the Hot Dry Rock geothermal research project run by Camborne School of Mines. That project, based at Rosemanowes Quarry near Penryn, developed techniques for the creation of artificial geothermal reservoirs that have been applied around the world.

Now, twenty five years after work stopped at Rosemanowes, the company is once again at the forefront of geothermal research in the UK. In partnership with Geothermal Engineering Limited we are starting work on the United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project, just a few km from our offices in Cornwall.

Two wells will be drilled into a target geological structure within the granite beneath United Downs; one to a depth of 2.5km and the other to a depth of 4.5km. Water will be circulated through the fracture system from the shallow injection well to the deep production well, mining heat from the rocks. It will be pumped to surface at a temperature of about 175°C where it will supply the demonstration power plant to produce 1 MW of clean renewable electricity.

During the second half of 2017 the site will be prepared for drilling, project infrastructure will be put in place and a microseismic monitoring network will be installed. We hope to start drilling the injection well in early 2018.

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Indonesia: Groundbreaking for 20 MW Geehu Geothermal Power Plant

PLN "Groundbreaking" PLTP Tulehu in Ambon (Kompas.com)

PT PLN (Persero) broke ground Tuesday on the 2x10 MW Geehu Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP). The project is located in Suli and Tulehu Village, Central Maluku District, Maluku Province.

This is the first geothermal power plant built by PLN and is targeted to operate commercially in 2019. The Tulehu Geothermal Work Area has a potential of 60 MW.

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United Kingdom: EGS Survey of Great Britain Reveals Huge Potential Geothermal Resource

Assessment of the resource base for engineered geothermal systems in Great Britain (Geothermal Energy)

Jon Busby and Ricky Terrington, Geothermal Energy, 2017 5:7 DOI: 10.1186/s40517-017-0066-z

An assessment of the engineered geothermal system (EGS) resource base that might be available for the generation of electricity for Great Britain has been undertaken by adopting a globally self-consistent protocol that if universally adopted, would allow estimates of EGS made for different countries and regions to be comparable. 

Maximum estimated temperatures at depths of 5 and 7 km are greater than 200 and 300°C respectively, a considerable increase over previous estimates. The total heat in place in the basement, to a depth of 9.5 km that is theoretically available for EGS is 357,197 EJ. If it were possible to develop just 2% of this resource, this would be equivalent to 1242 times the final UK energy consumption in 2015. 

The theoretical and technical potential power has been calculated from the available heat in place. The total technical potential power, to a depth of 6.5 km, is 222,393 MWe and represents just 0.4% of the theoretical potential power. 

Current EGS exploitation is more likely to be restricted to a depths of around 4.5 km and reservoir temperatures greater than 175 °C. In which case technical potential power is mainly restricted to regions of high heat producing granites and represents a total technical potential power of 2280 MWe. However, improvements in drilling technology are expected to enable economic drilling to depths of 7 km or greater that will enable EGS exploitation in all regions of Great Britain.

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Australia: State Government Support for Extension of Birdsville Geothermal Plant

$428 million more for infrastructure and roads in Western Queensland (News Release)

Western Queensland will see construction booming over the next year with $428 million delivered through the Palaszczuk Government’s 2017-18 Budget.

Projects partly or fully funded in this budget include $15.1 million for Birdsville Geothermal Plant capital works to expand the 80 kilowatts geothermal power station into a 200kW state-of-the-art facility.

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Previous Articles on the Birdsville geothermal power plant from Global Geothermal News:

• Monday, June 27, 2016 Australia: Birdsville Geothermal Power Station to Expand to 200 kW
• Thursday, March 10, 2016 Australia: Upgrade to Birdsville Geothermal Power Station Will More Than Double Capacity
• Monday, February 3, 2014 Australia: Hot Water Sparks Birdsville Debate
• Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Australia: New Power Station for Birdsville, Queensland

Canada: British Columbia is Far Better Situated to Capitalize on Geothermal Energy

If Saskatchewan Can Build a Geothermal Power Plant, Why Can’t B.C.? (DeSmog Canada)

While news of Saskatchewan’s plan for a small geothermal power plant was met with excitement by renewable energy advocates,  experts say British Columbia is far better situated to capitalize on the technology yet has failed to do so.

“It should be a little bit of a shock that a less good resource is being developed in Saskatchewan over a world-class resource in B.C.,” said Alison Thompson, chair and co-founder of the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association (CanGEA).

B.C. is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a geothermal hot zone. Maps produced by CanGEA found B.C. has enough geothermal potential to power the entire province.

“There are geothermal projects all up the coast but they stop at the border. There’s nothing in B.C.,” Thompson said.

“This is clearly not technical, not economic. This is policy driven.”

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Science & Technology: Using Geothermal Energy for Carbon Capture

Turning Bad Air Into Stone (mega)

A new frontier in carbon capture and storage technology

At Hellisheidi geothermal plant just outside Reykjavik, environmental scientists made a major discovery in 2016.

Conducting experiments into carbon capture and storage (CCS), they found that the volcanic island’s basalt rocks could serve as excellent repositories for planet-warming carbon dioxide (CO2).

Mixing CO2 with water and pumping it directly into the rocks, the researchers were able to turn the substance into a storable solid. Impressively, the mineralisation process they used took just two years – at least five times faster than their most optimistic predictions.

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Costa Rica: JICA Provides Funds for 55 MW Borinquen I Geothermal Project

Signing of Japanese ODA Loan Agreement with Costa Rica: Supporting a geothermal power plant project to mitigate the effects of climate change (News Release)

On June 20, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) in San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, to provide a Japanese ODA loan of up to 25.991 billion yen for the Borinquen I Geothermal Project (Guanacaste Geothermal Development Sector Loan).

Through the project, ICE will construct a geothermal power plant in the Borinquen district of Guanacaste Province in the northwest part of Costa Rica, strengthening the power supply with renewable energy to mitigate the effects of climate change, with the objective of contributing to sustainable development in Costa Rica. The loan funds will be allocated to public works for steam development and power plant construction, to the procurement of power generation and related equipment, and to consulting services (including preliminary and detailed design reviews, and bidding assistance).

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Peru: Geothermal Energy Feasibility Studies Underway in South

Yamila Osorio Delgado, Regional President of Arequipa: Interview (Oxford Business Group)

What specific steps are needed to develop geothermal energy in Arequipa?

Yamila Osorio Delgado: It is too early to gauge the prospects of geothermal, however, we have identified areas in Cayoma with potential. Studies are underway to determine the feasibility of producing geothermal energy in Arequipa.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines has already awarded concessions, and the firms are at the stage of establishing relationships with the local communities, under the guidance of the Regional Government of Arequipa.

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United Kingdom: Drilling to Begin Next Year at United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project

New Hot Opportunity at United Downs – ‘Mining for Heat’ gets £10m Euro grant (Cornish Stuff)

An investment from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) worth up to £10.6m will enable a revolutionary geothermal venture at United Downs near Redruth in Cornwall.  

The United Downs Deep Geothermal Power project, which is the first of its kind in the UK, will explore the geothermal resources at depth and hopes to use the energy to drive a demonstration power plant supplying electricity to the local grid. This exciting project will be led by Geothermal Engineering Limited (GEL).

To unlock the potential at United Downs two boreholes (called ‘wells’) will be drilled, one 2.5km deep and the other 4.5km deep. The deeper of the two wells would be the deepest onshore hole in the UK. Water will be circulated between the wells, collecting heat from the rocks, before being brought to surface at a temperature of about 175°C and being fed into the demonstration power plant. The plant will generate 1 MW of clean renewable electricity, which is enough to meet the electricity needs of about 1,500 households.

The drilling will begin in early 2018 and take about 6 months.  Testing the wells, characterising the geothermal system and installing the power plant will take a further 18 months, with a target commissioning date in early 2020. 

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