Canada: Alberta Township Wants to Develop Geothermal Resource

Whitecourt and Woodlands County identified as potential geothermal hotbed (Town and Country Today.com)

To determine exactly how much potential the region has the Town of Whitecourt would like to commission a geothermal development feasibility study, funded through an Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) grant.

Mayor John Burrows said depending on the temperatures of the fluids contained in the underground rock and soil it could range from tapping into the source as a heat source, to warm buildings to creating electricity.

Economic development coordinator Bert Roach said that in his discussions with Town of Whitecourt economic development officer Ronda Hough the municipality has identified potential sites, including abandoned energy wells, in or close near the municipality that might have water suitable for geothermal applications.

He added the areas the original study which was conducted by Terrapin Geothermics, identified was a 10-kilometre radius around and including the Town of Whitecourt and the Hamlet of Fort Assiniboine.

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

Indonesia: Ormat to Develop 110 MW Units V & VI Dieng Geothermal Power Plant

Geo Dipa Energi and Ormat Sign MOU to Develop Dieng Geothermal Power Plant (LinkedIn)

Geo Dipa Energi - Persero has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ormat Intl. Inc. to cooperate on a feasibility study for the development of the Dieng, Sikidang Wonosobo-2 x 55 MW Geothermal Power Plant unit V & VI of the total 400 MW PPA with PT PLN (Persero).

Thanks to GRC Member Rick Ibrahim for the great news!

Education: Video Explaining Binary Geothermal Power Plant Technology

Video: Geothermal Plant - DiscoverMHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.)

Featuring the Cyrq Energy Lightning Dock Geothermal plant located in the Animas Valley of southwest New Mexico, in Hidalgo County.

(Video 1:14 Minutes)

Philippines: Basic Energy Backs Out of Three Geothermal Service Contracts

Basic Energy withdraws from 3 projects (BusinessWorld Online)

Basic Energy  Corp. on Friday said it is withdrawing from three geothermal and natural gas exploration projects.

In a disclosure, the listed energy company said it notified the Department of Energy (DoE) of its intention to back out of its service contracts in Mabini, Batangas and Mariveles, Bataan. These contracts were for the exploration and development of geothermal energy in those locations.

The company provided different reasons in choosing to pull out of the contracts. For the Mabini service contract, which was first awarded to the company in 2008, the DoE extended its term for the project until 2021, provided that Basic Energy drills two geothermal wells during the extended period.

But the company said the cost of drilling the two wells would go beyond its contractual commitments. It added, “…vis-a-vis the low potential return for this project and the long gestation period thereof, the company was constrained to withdraw from this project.”

For the Mariveles project, Basic Energy has a pending request with the DoE to reconsider its termination of the company’s service contract. To recall, the DoE terminated Basic Energy’s contract in February 2018 due to the company’s difficulties in getting permits from related agencies and host communities.

The company now wants to withdraw its request for reconsideration, saying a review of a study on the project implies it “does not fully support a viable geothermal resource.”

“The withdrawal of the request for reconsideration of the earlier termination of this service contract will thus put into immediate effect the termination of the service contract,” it said.

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

USA, California: Employment Opportunities at The Geysers Geothermal Field

Careers with Calpine at The Geysers

Whether you are a student seeking an internship that offers real-world experience, a recent graduate ready to build a rewarding career or a seasoned professional who wants to expand your horizons, Calpine provides meaningful opportunities and challenges.

Learning and development platforms and educational reimbursement programs enable employees with initiative to explore their own potential in a dynamic and rewarding industry.

• 19-0406 Technical Maintenance Manager
• 19-0457 Steamfield Engineer
• 19-0420 Program Manager - Power
• 19-0520 Wireline Manager
• 20-0023 Geothermal Operations Manager
• 20-0051 Director Budget Controls

More Information and Apply.......

Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis: 10 MW Nevis Geothermal Power Project Advances

NRE International, Inc. completes the construction and operations team and announces plans to move forward immediately with the Nevis Geothermal Project (News Release)

(Courtesy Thermal Energy Partners/
NRE International) 

NRE International, Inc. (NREI), the developer of the Nevis Geothermal Project, in cooperation with the Nevis Island Administration, announced today that Albioma, a developer and operator of renewable energy projects, has been chosen by NREI as a partner for the development of the Nevis geothermal project.  Albioma is currently operating over 900 MWs of power generating capacity in the Caribbean, Europe and the Indian Ocean.

Bruce Cutright, CEO of NREI, stated, “NREI and Albioma together represent the technical and operational strength to ensure the completion and success of the Nevis Project.  We are very pleased to be working together and with the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) to deliver 100% reliable and resilient green energy to the people of Nevis.” 

Nevis Premier Mark Brantley, who has been an advocate and strong supporter of the Nevis Island transition to renewable energy stated, “The Nevis Geothermal Project represents the most important breakthrough project for the Eastern Caribbean.  NREI has worked hand in hand with NIA to bring this project to the construction stage.  We are very pleased that, now, with the actual start of construction, we can see the culmination of all of their hard work and a definitive start date for the generation of reliable renewable energy for Nevis.”

The Nevis Geothermal Project is a 10 MW geothermal generating plant located on the Island of Nevis, Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Nevis Island Administration is a partner and co-developer of the project with NREI. The geothermal plant will enable the island to transition away from the use of fossil fuels and be 100 percent reliant on zero emissions renewable energy for power supply.

Germany: Vulcan Plans New Geothermal Power Plant for Lithium Extraction Demonstration Project

Positive Scoping Study Confirms Potential for Major European Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project (News Release)

Highlights:

• Scoping Study for Vulcan’s Zero Carbon Lithium™ Project demonstrates the potential for a combined operation producing lithium hydroxide and renewable energy, with net zero carbon footprint.
• The Scoping Study is based on a staged expansion plan:
• Stage 1: Construction and operation of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and lithium hydroxide plant at an operating, producing geothermal well and power plant, and;
• Stage 2: Drilling ten new geothermal production wells, construction of new, combined geothermal, DLE and lithium hydroxide plant at Vulcan’s 100 %-owned Ortenau license.

A geothermal power plant and wells already exist for Stage One, at the Insheim Plant, therefore no geothermal process design is required. For Stage Two, details of plant design are provided below to inform the reader of the material factors around geothermal plant development.

The Stage Two Geothermal Power Plant is responsible for four main functions; receiving brine from all geothermal production wells to generate power from ORC units, reduce the temperature of the brine to levels adequate for the lithium extraction circuit, generate steam for use in the Li product dryer (only in the four well plant) and to reinject the brine with any NCGs produced. Scaling prevention is also an important component of the process design. Based on references from other facilities, 50 µm filters are used on both the production and reinjection lines to prevent clogging of fractures within the reservoir with fine particles. Additionally, scaling inhibitors are injected into the brine stream to reduce scaling on equipment, most notably to reduce cleaning frequency of heat exchangers.

Download the study.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Tuesday, January 21, 2020 - Germany: Insheim Geothermal Power Plant Successfully Supplies Brine for Lithium Extraction Demonstration Plant
• Monday, November 25, 2019 - Germany: Insheim Geothermal Power Plant to Supply Brine for Lithium Extraction Demonstration Plant

Australia: Geothermal Doublet Provides 2.6 MWth for Aquatic Center

Drilling Completed for Gippsland Aquatic Center Geothermal Heating Project (Rockwater PTY)

Rockwater, of Jolimont, Western Australia, has announced that the drilling and construction phase of a major new geothermal project in Traralgon has been completed. Rockwater designed, supervised and commissioned the geothermal bore duplet for the Latrobe City Council’s (LCC)’s Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC).

The 630 m production bore and 610 m injection bore were drilled by local drilling contractor Drilltec Pty Ltd. Geothermal temperatures (68 degree Celsius) exceeded expectations and will provide low-cost and low-carbon pool-water heating and space heating (about 2.6 MW) for the GRAC facility.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Monday, December 16, 2019 - Australia: 65 Degree Celsius Geothermal Waters from 620 Meter Well to Heat Aquatic Center
• Monday, October 17, 2016 - Australia: Geothermal Energy Touted for Victoria

Europe: Project Launched to Study Behaviour of Geothermal Fluids to Increase Efficiency of Geothermal Operations

From react to REFLECT: new EU research project will study behaviour
of geothermal fluids to increase efficiency of geothermal operations (News Release)

The efficiency of geothermal utilisation largely depends on the behaviour of  fluids that transfer heat between the geosphere and the engineered components of a power plant.

The EU-funded REFLECT project aims to avoid problems related to fluid chemistry rather than treat them. These physical and chemical properties are often poorly defined, as in situ sampling and measurements at extreme conditions are difficult to date. Therefore, large uncertainties in current model predictions prevail, which will be tackled in REFLECT by collecting new, high-quality data in critical areas.

This data will be implemented in a European geothermal fluid atlas and predictive models allowing to provide recommendations on how to best operate geothermal systems for a sustainable use.

REFLECT recently marked its start with the kick-off meeting held on 29 and 30 January 2020 at the premises of the coordinator, the Helmholtz Zentrum Potsdam Deutsches Geoforschungszentrum (GFZ) based in Potsdam, Germany. The consortium as a whole consists of 14 partners from nine different European countries including three research institutes and geological surveys, one European organisation, four universities, and three companies.

Read More.........

Indonesia: Masters Thesis on the Lahendong Geothermal System in North Sulawesi

MSc Thesis: The dynamic evolution of geothermal system in Lahendong, North Sulawesi, Indonesia (Iceland School of Energy)

MSc in Sustainable Energy candidate, Lily Suherlina, successfully defended her master's thesis where she investigated the dynamic evolution of the Lahendong geothermal system in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Lily's study discussed integrated approaches to characterising dynamical evolution of the exploited high-enthalpy geothermal system of Lahendong, North-Sulawesi, Indonesia. As she explains, Lahendong has two primary reservoirs, the southern and the northern. Lily's main focus was characterisation of detailed fluid dynamics in the system with respect to geological structures and permeability distribution. Her approach combine integrated analysis of well data and detailed hydrochemical analysis to understand how the geothermal system evolves and the distribution of changes due to structural influence and prolonged exploitation of the reservoirs.

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

USA, California: Salton Sea Geothermal-Lithium Project Company Gets Large Investment from Bill Gates' Fund

Bill Gates-backed fund leads $20m investment into lithium start-up (Financial Times)

Lilac Solutions has developed a new ion exchange technology that is fundamentally different from other lithium recovery technologies that have been deployed around the Salton Sea.

The Bill Gates-backed Breakthrough Energy Ventures fund has led a $20m investment into a start-up promising a more efficient way to extract lithium for batteries.

Oakland-based Lilac Solutions says its ion exchange technology will enable a “massive increase in lithium supply needed for electric vehicles” from brine-based deposits.

Lilac is working with a company called Controlled Thermal Resources on extracting lithium from geothermal brines in the Salton Sea in California, Dave Snydacker, chief executive of Lilac Solutions, said.

Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Monday, February 3, 2020 - USA, California: GRC Applauds Energy Commission Support for Geothermal-Lithium Project

India: Pilot 20 kW Geothermal Power Project Advances in Telangana

SCCL, TSGenco to tap geothermal energy (Deccan Chronicle)

Efforts are on by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) and TSGenco to tap geothermal energy from the hot water springs in the forests around Pagideru and Khammamthogu villages in Pinapaka assembly constituency of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district.

To tap the geothermal energy from hot water springs in Pagideru and Khammamthogu, wells are proposed to be dug a mile deep underground for accessing steam and hot water. These can be used to drive turbines connected to electricity generators.

Scientists of the Geological Survey of India have already conducted a survey and dug over 10 bore wells. They found plenty of hot water underground, which they feel can be tapped for producing geothermal energy. SCCL has come forward to invest in the project and T Genco will extend all technical support to it. SCCL will spend `1.5 crore to produce 20 kilowatt power on a pilot basis.

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

Germany: Stadtwerke München to Manage Garching Geothermal Plant

SWM übernehmen Betriebsführung für neue Geothermie-Anlage in Südostbayern - SWM take over operational management for new geothermal plant in Southeast Bavaria (ZfK Zeitung für kommunale Wirtschaft)

(Courtesy Silenos Energy)

In Garching an der Alz, gelegen im Landkreis Altötting, errichtet Silenos Energy derzeit das Geothermiekraftwerk Bruck. Mit dem aus 3.840 Meter Tiefe gewonnenen und 125 Grad heißen Thermalwasser sollen ab Sommer 2020 rund 36 Mio. kWh Ökostrom und bis zu 15 Mio. KWh pro Jahr erneuerbare Wärme für ein Fernwärmenetz produziert werden. Dies entspricht dem Bedarf von bis zu 14.000 Haushalten. Die technische Betriebsführung der zukünftigen Anlage hat Silenos Energy nun an die Stadtwerke München (SWM) vergeben.

(From Google Translate) In Garching an der Alz, located in the Altötting district, Silenos Energy is currently building the Bruck geothermal power plant. From the summer of 2020, around 36 million kWh of green electricity and up to 15 million kWh of renewable heat  are to be produced for a district heating network from  geothermal waters from a depth of 3,840 meters and at 125 degrees celsius. This corresponds to the needs of up to 14,000 households. Silenos Energy has now outsourced the technical management of the future plant to Stadtwerke München (SWM).

Weiterlesen.........                          Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Friday, September 6, 2019 - Germany: Garching Geothermal Plant Plans Summer 2020 Start
• Wednesday, November 28, 2018 - Germany: Garching Geothermal Project - 125 Degrees Celsius Geothermal Waters at 105 Liters Per Second Meets all Expectations
• Wednesday, September 26, 2018 - Germany: First Well Completed at Garching Geothermal Project
• Friday, March 23, 2018 - Germany: Drilling at Garching Geothermal Project to Begin Next Month

United Kingdom: Geothermal Energy Research Opportunities Announced

PhD Opportunities at Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Geoscience and the Low Carbon Energy Transition (CDT)

PhD project titles at participating universities have been announced at the Geological Society Careers Day, held at the Society’s Burlington House headquarters in London.  

The project titles in the listing below have been approved for recruitment by the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)’s Project Award Committee and there are 17 full-funded PhD positions available across the academic partnership for study commencing mid-September to early October 2020.  Applicants must apply separately to each university hosting project(s) that they are interested in.  You can apply for as many projects across as many of the CDT academic partners as you like.  Applicants are welcome to contact project supervisors directly for more information about the project.

• University of Aberdeen: Exploring the rate state frictional behaviour in United Downs Deep Geothermal System Supervisors: Dr Quan Gan, Dr Clare Bond
• University of Newcastle: Geostatistical heat flow modelling of the thermal structure of the onshore UK: Implications for deep geothermal energy Dr Mark Ireland, Dr Cees Van Der Land, Prof Jeroen Van Hunen (Durham)
• University of Strathclyde: Understanding Hydrate Formation in Porous Rock for Enhanced Geothermal Systems Applications Supervisors: Dr Andrea Hamilton, Dr Karen Johnston, Prof Jan Sefcik

More Information..........

Spain: One Hundred Degree Celsius Geothermal Waters from 1,200 Meters Deep to Heat Greenhouse Project

Níjar contará con la primera planta de geotermia para cultivos de invernadero - Níjar will have the first geothermal plant for greenhouse crops (La Voz de Almeria)

Según el gerente de la Cardial compañía, Carlos Díaz, esta agua que aflora desde los 1.200 metros de profundidad con una temperatura media de 100 grados centígrados, permitirá atender una demanda inicial de 14 hectáreas de cultivos bajo plástico y en un segundo sondeo prevé duplicar esa capacidad.

(From Google Translate) According to the manager of the Cardial Company, Carlos Díaz, the water that emerges from 1,200 meters deep at an average temperature of 100 degrees Celsius, will allow the company to meet an initial demand for 14 hectares of crops under plastic and after a second survey forecasts to double that capacity .

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

Kenya: Kengen Looks to Expand Geothermal Business Abroad

KenGen eyes geothermal tenders in 8 African states (Business Daily)

State-owned Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen)  is eyeing lucrative geothermal infrastructure tenders in nine African countries, officials have said.

KenGen, which last October won a Sh5.2 billion tender to drill geothermal wells in Ethiopia, the second win in the landlocked country in under four months, said it is eyeing similar deals in Uganda, Tanzania, Djibouti, Rwanda, South Sudan, The Sudan, Zambia and Comoros to boost revenues.

“We have ready capacity to help these countries exploit their geothermal resources. We are already doing this for Ethiopia and we are in talks with these countries on how to collaborate with them,” said Cyrus Karingithi, the assistant manager, resource development and infrastructure at the KenGen in an interview with Business Daily.

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

Science & Technology: Offshore Carbon Capture and Storage Project Looks for Support

The Promise and Potential of Turning CO2 to Stone (Earth Institute)

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, which remove tons of carbon dioxide from industrial processes and store them away so they can’t add to the climate crisis, are gaining attention and support. A recent review paper details how CCS can contribute to a long-term reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and work to meet the caps on human-caused global warming written into the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.

Under an Iceland-based pilot project called CarbFix — designed and carried out with Columbia University leadership — researchers proved that basaltic rock units react rapidly with CO2 captured from a power plant. The team mixed gasses generated by the Hellisheidi geothermal power plant with water and reinjected the solution into the volcanic basalt below.

With the Solid Carbon project, the team aims to conduct offshore geophysical surveys, study the basalt reservoir, and set up a pilot injection and monitoring experiment at a site in Cascadia, at approximately the scale of the CarbFix project in Iceland.

Today’s announcement that the “Solid Carbon” capture and storage project has been selected by the MacArthur Foundation as one of the highest-scoring proposals in its 100&Change competition offers hope. As one of the top 100 projects, Solid Carbon will be featured in an online database of high-impact ideas. Goldberg hopes this will help to attract the support needed to fund a next-level carbon capture and storage demonstration. The program is designed to connect philanthropists with vetted, high-impact projects in need of funding.

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

Science & Technology: Geothermal Reservoir Stimulation Explained at the Espoo Geothermal Deep Heat Project

Seismic data collected around Otaniemi geothermal project enables earthquake science and explains (Mirage News)

In a paper published online in Seismological Research Letters on 5 February 2020 a team led by Seismologists from the Institute of Seismology at the University of Helsinki discusses observations obtained from a large network of seismic stations that was deployed during 2018 around the geothermal reservoir stimulation below the Aalto University campus in Otaniemi.

In June and July 2018 the operating St1 Deep Heat Oy company injected about 18,000 cubic meter of water at 6 km depth which caused many thousands of small earthquakes. The earthquake fractures reaching at most the meter scale underpin the concept of the Enhanced Geothermal System because they enable an efficient water circulation and thus heat exchange.

This uneven spatial distribution of the disturbances is controlled by the so-called source mechanism-the orientation of the activated fracture and the direction of the earthquake slip motion-of the largest earthquakes, which causes some areas to be more affected than others.

A second borehole is currently being drilled, and a smaller stimulation is planned for this spring to complete the circulation system. The plant is intended to operate for a few decades. Small earthquakes are expected during the forthcoming injection, and may also occur during later operating stages.

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

Hillers, G., T. A. T. Vuorinen, M. R. Uski, J. T. Kortström, P. B. Mäntyniemi, T. Tiira, P. E. Malin, and T. Saarno (2020). The 2018 Geothermal Reservoir Stimulation in Espoo/Helsinki, Southern Finland: Seismic Network Anatomy and Data Features, Seismol. Res. Lett., doi: 10.1785/0220190253.

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Monday, December 9, 2019 - Finland: Helsinki Utility to Start Exploration for Deep Geothermal District Heating Resource
• Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - Finland: Drilling at 40 MWth Espoo Geothermal District Heating Project Reaches Final Phase
• Friday, February 15, 2019 - Finland: How the 15,000 Foot Deep Wells At the Espoo Geothermal District Heating Project Were Drilled
• Tuesday, July 24, 2018 - Finland: Stimulation Begins at at the Espoo Geothermal Deep Heat Project

Science & Technology: Penetrating Rock at Faster Speeds, to Greater Depths, and at a Lower Cost than Conventional Drills

AltaRock Energy Melts Rock With Millimeter Waves for Geothermal Wells (IEEE Spectrum)

Paul Woskov of MIT holds water-cooling lines leading to a test chamber, and a sample of rock with a hole made by a beam from a gyrotron. Photo: Paul Rivenberg/MIT

The Seattle-based company received an ARPA-E grant to test and scale its technology

A vast supply of heat lies beneath our feet. Yet today’s drilling methods can barely push through dense rocks and high-pressure conditions to reach it. A new generation of “enhanced” drilling systems aims to obliterate those barriers and unlock unprecedented supplies of geothermal energy.

AltaRock Energy is leading an effort to melt and vaporize rocks with millimeter waves. Instead of grinding away with mechanical drills, scientists use a gyrotron—a specialized high-frequency microwave-beam generator—to open holes in slabs of hard rock. The goal is to penetrate rock at faster speeds, to greater depths, and at a lower cost than conventional drills do.

The Seattle-based company recently received a US $3.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E). The three-year initiative will enable scientists to demonstrate the technology at increasingly larger scales, from burning through hand-size samples to room-size slabs. Project partners say they hope to start drilling in real-world test sites before the grant period ends in September 2022.

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

Global: Free Article from the GRC Bulletin - The Vikings and Geothermal Iceland

The Latest Geothermal News from the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC)

Free article from the GRC Bulletin - Volume 49, No. 1 - January/February 2020

The Vikings & Geothermal Iceland

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) has made available the latest GRC Bulletin, the voice of the global geothermal energy industry, published continuously since 1972. For over 47 years this magazine has provided the essential news and information for the international geothermal community.

The Bulletin is free with GRC Membership or subscribe (PDF) to six issues a year for $120.

The GRC has generously provided 10 pages from the latest issue for free! However, the full issue is 62 pages and available to download for GRC Members only.

This brand new article looks at why and when did the Vikings come to Iceland—the land of fumaroles, geysers, thermal waters, and volcanic eruptions. And what happened next? It’s quite a story. This is our gift for anyone going to the World Geothermal Congress 2020 in Reykjavík. Enjoy!

The GRC Bulletin is only available online to GRC members. To make sure of your copy join the GRC today!

Global: Geothermal Photo Contest Announced

The Geothermal Resources Council Announces 2020 Photo Contest (News Release)

Winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, USA. 

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) is pleased to announce this year’s Geothermal Photo Contest. The contest serves to showcase the talent of the geothermal community as well as the beauty and intrigue found in every aspect of the geothermal industry.

The winners will be announced and prominently displayed at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo being held in Reno, Nevada, USA from October 18-21.

Geothermal provides our communities long-term jobs and economic benefits while supplying low-cost, low-impact energy with innovative technologies. For the 2020 photo contest, GRC is soliciting submissions in 3 categories that help raise awareness of the benefits of geothermal energy:

• Jobs: Providing long-term, wage earning jobs
• Low Impact: Providing low geographic impact, water use & emissions
• Innovation: Showcasing research & development of new technologies

Awards will be presented to the winners at the GRC Annual Meeting. Winners of each category will receive $100. The award checks will be drawn from a U.S. bank.

More information on the GRC Geothermal Photo Contest, including a Submission Form, can be found on the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo website. The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2020.

Global: Opportunity to Learn from a Geothermal Ambassador

STEAMy Lessons from the Amazon: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Boiling River Project & using STEAM to connect students to science and conservation (National Geographic)

Online Webinar - February 20, 2020, 1:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)

Andrés Ruzo (a GRC Member and inaugural winner of the GRC Scholarship) is a geothermal scientist, conservationist, educator, host, author, and science communicator best known for his work at the Boiling River of the Amazon. Whether it is working with governments, energy companies, students, or indigenous communities, his goal is to connect people to the natural world and help build bridges to an environmentally conscious future.

It’s imperative for students to understand what science can teach them, where it can take them, and how to understand current global issues, and how they can play a part in changing the future for our people and planet. Join Andrés for an update on his latest endeavors on the Boiling River Project and his award-winning NatGeo Latin America television show, Misterios del Inframundo (Mysteries of the Underworld), and other innovative projects. In this webinar, you’ll also learn:

• How to connect kids with nature, conservation, and preservation
• Expert insights into current global events including wildfires, wildlife trafficking (stories recently published by NatGeo Magazine), and responsible tourism
• How to expand your curriculum to include renewable energy projects, sustainable initiatives, and empowerment of students through STEAM education

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

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Thursday, October 26, 2017 - Peru: Video on Geothermal Anomaly Discovered by GRC Member
• Friday, June 24, 2016 - Peru: GRC Member Explores Geothermal Phenomenon in the Amazon
• Thursday, March 17, 2016 - Education: Andrés Ruzo - Geothermal Educator Extraordinaire!
• Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - Peru: GRC Member Gives Lecture on The Boiling River of the Amazon

Indonesia: ADB Director Sees Promise for More Financing of Geothermal

Indonesia’s geothermal drive (The Oil & Gas Year)

Winfried Wicklein, country director for Indonesia at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), talks to TOGY about how Indonesia’s LNG and upstream opportunities can be made more attractive and prospects for its geothermal drive. ADB supports the energy industry in Indonesia by financing private-sector projects, working with PLN on power projects and engaging on policy and regulatory reform.

"ADB has supported the geothermal sector by funding projects such as the 330-MW Sarulla plant; the 80-MW Muara Laboh plant; and the 90-MW Rantau Dedap project, which was approved last year. We are also working with state-owned companies to ensure that Indonesia can develop all designated working areas as soon and effectively as possible.

Despite the general push for non-conventional energy, the geothermal sector has slowed down in the last 12-18 months. Here, pricing may be an important factor. Depending on location, current electricity pricing caps linked to the average generation cost would impact the financial viability of projects, especially in the renewable energy space.

However, we are seeing some promising developments on the financing front. For instance, PT SMI, with support from the World Bank and the Green Climate Fund, has launched a de-risking mechanism for geothermal projects which should help mitigate exploration risks."

Read More.........

Portugal: Iceland Drilling Company Wins Geothermal Contract in Azores

Semja um 2,6 milljarða verkefni á Asóreyjum - ISK 2.6 billion of projects negotiated  in the Azores (Frettabladid)

Jarðboranir hf. hafa tryggt sé verkefni fyrir 2,6 milljarða króna á Asóreyjum að því er kemur fram í tilkynningu sem fyrirtækið sendi frá sér. Hið nýja verkefni á Asóreyjum sem er portúgalskur eyjaklasi í miðju Norður-Atlantshafinu, snýst um borframkvæmdir á eyjunum Sao Miguel og Terceira. Samningur Jarðborana er við portúgalska orkufélaginu EDA Renováveis.

(From Google Translate) Jarborboranir hf. have secured a project for 2.6 billion ISK in the Azores, as stated in a statement sent by the company. The new project in the Azores, which is a Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the North Atlantic, is for drilling on the islands of Sao Miguel and Terceira. Jarðboranir's contract is with the Portuguese energy company EDA Renováveis.

Lestu meira.........                      Read More...........

USA, California: Presentations from Geothermal-Lithium Symposium

California’s Lithium Recovery Initiative Symposium (California Energy Commission)

Presentations from the Symposium on California’s Lithium Recovery Initiative on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at Stanford University, California.

Download the presentations........

Indonesia: 80 MW Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant Inaugurated

Supreme Energy Memulai Operasi Komersial PLTP Muara Labuh - Supreme Energy Begins Commercial Operation of Muara Labuh PLTP (Republika.co.id)

PT Supreme Energy Muara Laboh (SEML) yang merupakan perusahaan patungan PT Supreme Energy, ENGIE dan Sumitomo Corporation hari ini, Senin (17/2) meresmikan pengoperasian Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Panas Bumi (PLTP) Muara Labuh untuk tahap I secara komersial. Founder & Chairman PT Supreme Energy Supramu Santosa mengatakan, kapasitas PLTP Muara Labuh ini sebesar 85 megaWatt.

(From Google Translate) PT Supreme Energy Muara Laboh (SEML), a joint venture of PT Supreme Energy, ENGIE and Sumitomo Corporation, today, Monday (17/2) inaugurated the commercial operation of stage I of the Muara Geothermal Power Plant (PLTP). PT Supreme Energy's Founder & Chairman Supramu Santosa said the capacity of the Muara Labuh PLTP was 85 megaWatts. 

Baca lebih lajut.........                         Read More.........

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Monday, December 23, 2019 - Indonesia: Talks to Expand Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant by 65 MW
• Monday, December 16, 2019 - Indonesia: 80 MW Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant Begins Commercial Operation
• Thursday, April 6, 2017 - Indonesia: 140 MW Phase II Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant Planned
• Friday, March 24, 2017 - Indonesia: 80 MW Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Project Begins Construction
• Wednesday, February 8, 2017 - Indonesia: Funding Provided for Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Project
• Thursday, January 26, 2017 - Indonesia: Sumitomo to Break Ground on 80 MW Muara Laboh Geothermal Power Plant in March

USA, California: "Geothermal is set to Become a Major Player in Renewable Energy"

California Ramping Up Its Reliance on Geothermal (AltEnergyMag)

California, spurred by concerns about the relationship between carbon emissions and climate change, is on track to transition to fully renewable energy production by 2045. Some of the biggest beneficiaries of the pivot to renewables have been wind and solar. Now, however, other renewables are starting to see significant growth.

After years of being overshadowed by solar and wind,  geothermal is set to become a major player in California's renewable energy. Here is how geothermal is growing in California right now, plus why experts believe the energy source is becoming popular.

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Climate Change: World's Richest Man Unveils $10 Billion Fund to Address Climate Crisis

Jeff Bezos Commits $10 Billion to Address Climate Change (The New York Times)

The world’s richest man unveiled a fund to help climate scientists and activists, an escalation of his philanthropic efforts.

Public Domain - Wikipedia

Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s chief executive and the world’s richest man, said on Monday that he was committing $10 billion to address the climate crisis in a new initiative he called the Bezos Earth Fund.

The effort will fund scientists, activists and nongovernmental organizations, he said in a post on Instagram. Mr. Bezos, who has been pushed by Amazon employees on climate issues, said he expected to start issuing grants this summer.

“Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet,” he wrote. “I want to work alongside others both to amplify known ways and to explore new ways of fighting the devastating impact of climate change on this planet we all share.”

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Global: Geothermal Photo Contest Announced

The Geothermal Resources Council Announces 2020 Photo Contest (News Release)

Winners will be announced at the GRC Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, USA. 
The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) is pleased to announce this year’s Geothermal Photo Contest. The contest serves to showcase the talent of the geothermal community as well as the beauty and intrigue found in every aspect of the geothermal industry.

The winners will be announced and prominently displayed at the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo being held in Reno, Nevada, USA from October 18-21.

Geothermal provides our communities long-term jobs and economic benefits while supplying low-cost, low-impact energy with innovative technologies. For the 2020 photo contest, GRC is soliciting submissions in 3 categories that help raise awareness of the benefits of geothermal energy:

• Jobs: Providing long-term, wage earning jobs
• Low Impact: Providing low geographic impact, water use & emissions
• Innovation: Showcasing research & development of new technologies

Awards will be presented to the winners at the GRC Annual Meeting. Winners of each category will receive $100. The award checks will be drawn from a U.S. bank.

More information on the GRC Geothermal Photo Contest, including a Submission Form, can be found on the GRC Annual Meeting & Expo website. The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2020.

Geothermal Energy News from Around the World

Global Geothermal News - Weekly Update (Geothermal Resources Council)

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

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

Netherlands: Employment Opportunity as Experimental Engineer in Geothermal Energy

Vacancy - Experimental engineer for execution of large-scale experiments for geo-energy (TNO)

Location: Rijswijk, Netherlands
Deadline: March 10

As an experimental engineer at TNO Applied Geosciences (AGS) you will focus on the execution of large-scale experiments for a variety of subsurface energy domains (such as geothermal, carbon storage, storage and oil and gas), particularly around well issues. The experiments are simulating the subsurface conditions, implying experimental conditions at different temperature and (high) pressure regimes.

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

Science & Technology: Flow Control Devices Helps in Mitigating Against Thermal Breakthrough in Geothermal Reservoirs

From Oil & Gas to Geothermal: flow control devices (Phoenix RDS)

Flow control devices (FCDs) or inflow control devices (ICDs) have been utilized for many years in well completions in the oil and gas industry. They are down hole tools or equipment designed to promote uniform flow in or out of a well by inducing pressure drop. Devices utilized in injection wells have been referred to as outflow control devices (OCDs) while those in production wells are referred to as inflow control devices (ICDs). FCDs have been successfully utilized in improving oil and gas production through secondary and tertiary recovery methods. They have been used in preventing water/gas breakthroughs. More recently they have been applied to Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) improving recovery in these reservoirs.

(A1) No Flow control –
inefficient zonal heat extraction

(A2) Flow control –
controlled, efficient zonal heat extraction

Reservoirs of hot water that exist at varying temperatures and depths below the Earth’s surface. These conventional systems are often referred to as hydrothermal systems and they naturally possesses all major components (heat >150C; fluid; and permeability) of geothermal systems. In these systems heat is transferred by convection. In these high temperature systems, injection flow control is an effective tool for reservoir management mitigating against thermal breakthrough and to increase productivity. Examples include a number of power plants throughout the Philippines including Gunung Salak, Mindanao, and Palinpinon. The application of FCD’s here can contribute greatly towards reservoir management increasing the longevity of the resource (See A1 & A2 above).

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Science & Technology: Researchers Determine Potential for Occurrence of M > 2.0 Seismicity for Geothermal Operations in Sandstone Target Formations in the Netherlands is Low

Review of induced seismicity in geothermal systems worldwide and implications for geothermal systems in the Netherlands (Cambridge Core)

Here we review the occurrence (or the lack) of felt seismic events in geothermal systems worldwide and identify key factors influencing the occurrence and magnitude of these events. 

Based on this review, we project the findings for seismicity in geothermal systems to typical geothermal formations and future geothermal developments in the Netherlands. 

The case study review shows that doublets that circulate fluids through relatively shallow, porous, sedimentary aquifers far from the crystalline basement are unlikely to generate felt seismic events. On the other hand, stimulations or circulations in or near competent, fractured, basement rocks and production and reinjection operations in high-temperature geothermal fields are more prone to induce felt events, occasionally with magnitudes of M > 5.0. 

Many of these operations are situated in tectonically active areas, and stress and temperature changes may be large. The presence of large, optimally oriented and critically stressed faults increases the potential for induced seismicity. 

The insights from the case study review suggest that the potential for the occurrence of M > 2.0 seismicity for geothermal operations in several of the sandstone target formations in the Netherlands is low, especially if faults can be avoided. The potential for induced seismicity may be moderate for operations in faulted carbonate rocks. 

Induced seismicity always remains a complex and site-specific process with large unknowns, and can never be excluded entirely. However, assessing the potential for inducing felt seismic events can be improved by considering the relevant (site-specific) geological and operational key factors discussed in this article.

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Review of induced seismicity in geothermal systems worldwide and implications for geothermal systems in the Netherlands by Loes Buijze, Lonneke van Bijsterveldt, Holger Cremer, Bob Paap, Hans Veldkamp, Brecht B.T. Wassing, Jan-Diederik van Wees, Guido C.N. van Yperen, Jan H. ter Heege. Part of: Netherlands Journal of Geosciences, Volume 98 - Geothermal Energy. Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 February 2020, e13.

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Friday, January 31, 2020 - Netherlands: Upcoming Journal of Geosciences to be Dedicated to Geothermal Energy

USA, California: Register For The GRC/SPE High-Temperature Well Cementing and Integrity Workshop

Don't Forget To Register For The GRC/SPE High-Temperature Well Cementing and Integrity Workshop (News Release)

Early Bird Rates Expire March 1, 2020

The workshop will highlight cement formulae and slurry blends, placement methods, remedial procedures and result evaluations. Case studies will be discussed and analyzed.

All drilling personnel, both geothermal and oil & gas drilling and production engineers, well-site supervisors, cementing engineers and interested personnel are encouraged to Register........

Sponsorships Available!

Be part of advancing technology while maximizing your company’s exposure to both the geothermal & oil and gas industries. Become A Sponsor..........

Thank you to our Workshop Sponsors!

Peru: Geothermal Potential of More than 3,000 MW - EDC Manager

Potencial geotérmico peruano equivale al 50% de la electricidad que producimos - Peruvian geothermal potential equals 50% of the electricity we produce (Rumbo Minero)

EDC Peru plans to invest more than US $ 1 billion to build two geothermal plants in Arequipa and Moquegua that will initially produce 200 MW.

(Courtesy CIA.gov)

“El Perú cuenta con un potencial geotérmico de más de 3,000 MW, que equivalen al 50% de la electricidad que se produce hoy en todo el país, gracias a nuestra estratégica ubicación sobre el Cinturón de Fuego del Pacífico”, sostuvo Franklin Acevedo, gerente general de Energy Development Corporation Perú (EDC Perú), empresa especializada en geotermia que viene desarrollando proyectos en el sur del país.

(From Google Translate) "Peru has a geothermal potential of more than 3,000 MW, equivalent to 50% of the electricity produced today throughout the country, thanks to our strategic location on the Pacific Ring of Fire," said Franklin Acevedo, manager General of Energy Development Corporation Peru (EDC Peru), a geothermal company that has been developing projects in the south of the country.

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

USA: 2020 Promises to be an Exceptional Year for Geothermal “on the Hill”

Excerpt from the Geothermal Magazine

2020 Promises to be an Exceptional Year for Geothermal “on the Hill”

Volume 49, No. 1 of the internationally-renowned geothermal energy magazine is now available - for GRC Members only.

Here is a free excerpt from the Executive Director of the GRC.

Science & Technology: Geothermal Drilling in Search of Supercritical Fluids - Looking for the Eureka Moment

Want Unlimited Clean Energy? Just Drill the World's Hottest Well (Wired)

Geothermal Sunset, by Fabio Sartori. GRC Photo Contest 2019.
Nuova Monterotondo geothermal power plant, Italy.

An engineering team bored 2 miles into hot rock without causing major earthquakes—a good sign for harnessing the Earth's heat as a power source.

There’s treasure buried deep beneath the viridescent foothills of Tuscany’s Apennine Mountains, where the stark metal trusses of the Venelle-2 drilling tower mark its location like an X on a map. This geothermal well reaches nearly two miles beneath the surface to a region where temperatures and pressures are so high that rock begins to bend.

Here, conditions are ripe for supercritical geothermal fluids, mineral-rich water that exhibits characteristics of both a liquid and a gas. It’s not exactly gold, but if Venelle-2 could tap into a reservoir of supercritical fluids and use them to spin a turbine on the surface, it would be one of the most energy-dense forms of renewable power in the world.

Drilling at Venelle-2 stopped just shy of the K horizon when temperatures at the bottom of the well overwhelmed the equipment. Sensors at the bottom of the well indicated temperatures had breached 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures 300 times greater than at the surface. Nevertheless, Venelle-2 is the hottest borehole ever created, and it demonstrated that it's possible to drill at the extreme end of supercritical conditions.

Read More.........

Riccardo Minetto, Domenico Montanari, Thomas Planès, Marco Bonini, Chiara Del Ventisette, Verónica Antunes, Matteo Lupi. Tectonic and Anthropogenic Microseismic Activity While Drilling Toward Supercritical Conditions in the Larderello‐Travale Geothermal Field, Italy. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 2020; 125 (2) DOI: 10.1029/2019JB018618

Kenya: Using Simulators for Virtual Training in Drilling Geothermal Steam Wells

Kenya’s Geothermal Agency Turns to Virtual Training of Staff (Africa Sustainability Matters)

The specialized simulator provides a detailed experience of drilling operations on a virtual rig illustrating processes such as pipe-handling, tripping in, tripping out, mud system operation, cementing operations & well control training.

Geothermal Development Company (GDC) has installed simulators at its training complex for virtual training of its technicians on drilling steam wells.

GDC, which is fully owned by the government, is running the simulation training at its Geothermal Centre of Excellence in Nakuru, in Kenya’s Rift.

“By simulating actual drilling conditions and procedures, our rig operators gain more experience in handling different drilling conditions,” the company said in an update.

“Our specialised simulator provides a detailed experience of drilling operations on a virtual rig illustrating processes such as pipe-handling, tripping in, tripping out, mud system operation, cementing operations and well control training.”

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Philippines: Bringing the 60 MW Mahanagdong B Geothermal Power Plant Back Online after Earthquake

Reinstating Vital Power Infrastructure in the Philippines Under Challenging Conditions (Jacobs)

Image courtesy of Energy Development Corporation

Jacobs’ rectification work to reinstate the Mahanagdong B power plant in Leyte following earthquake delivers strong safety and sustainability outcomes, winning two prestigious awards.

When an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale struck the island of Leyte in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines in mid-2017, it caused multiple fatalities, injuries and significant damage to critical local infrastructure. The Mahanagdong B 60 MW geothermal power plant sustained severe damage, and power supply to the whole of the Eastern Visayas region and nearby Bohol island was interrupted.

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

From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Friday, March 23, 2018 - Philippines: World Bank Helps Leyte Geothermal Power Plants Recover from Earthquake
• Wednesday, November 15, 2017 - Philippines: EDC Brings Leyte Geothermal Power Plants Back Online After Earthquake
• Friday, July 7, 2017 - Philippines: Geothermal Power Plants Knocked Offline by Earthquake