Saturday, September 30, 2017

Workshop at Geothermal Energy Event

Today at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - GRC Workshop

  GRC 2017 - Workshop

Workshop Photo Album on the GRC Flicker Website.........

Spain: Geothermal Energy Could Power the Whole of La Palma Island

Geothermal Energy Coming Soon to La Palma (Canary Islands Report)


The Instituto Volcanologico de Canarias (IVOLCAN) and the Government of La Palma have signed an agreement to evaluate the geothermal potential of this island. This research will begin in the southern region of the island, and the hope is that this initiative could result in 100% autonomous energy, and reduction of carbon energy production.

The first stage will be to identify locations where geothermal potential is the greatest, and this research centre explains that it estimates at a depth of around 5 km, the temperature reaches around 150ยบ and this type of energy supply is capable of producing electricity.

This agreement has already been included in the Government’s budget planning to eventually achieve 100% self-sufficiency for energy needs. The research centre suggests that the geothermal energy produced could be used in public buildings, such as the General Hospital of La Palma, in hotels, blocks of apartments and homes in rural areas.

Science & Technology: Improving Geothermal Drilling With Geo-Cooler from Drill Cool Systems

High Temperature Drilling Safety (Drill Cool Systems)

After the first use of the Geo-CoolerTM in 1977, Elwood’s mud coolers were used throughout the rest of the 70’s and 80’s for geothermal projects in California. The engineers and company men involved in these geothermal wells later became the HTHP oil and gas drillers of the early 90s. Due to their experience with the Geo-CoolerTM, they requested for Elwood to ship his equipment to both onshore and offshore drilling rigs. 


By 1995, Geo-CoolersTM were shipped frequently outside California and even internationally. The demand for Geo-CoolersTM led to a new design, which could be cost effectively shipped to international customers.

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

Drill Cool Systems will be exhibiting at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ from October 1-4 at the Salt Palace Convention Center.

Education: Nice Graphics from Hotspur Geothermal

About Geothermal Energy

Lower temperature geothermal reservoirs, and waste water from geothermal power plants, can be used directly for heating domestic and commercial buildings, for industrial and agricultural applications, and even for cooling buildings using absorption chillers.

The multiple uses of geothermal energy


Thanks to Hotspur Geothermal (formerly Cluff Geothermal), a British geothermal development company based in London.

Education: Nice Graphics from Hotspur Geothermal

About Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy is increasingly recognized as one of the most important renewable sources of energy available. It has one of the lowest carbon emissions of any renewable energy source.


Thanks to Hotspur Geothermal (formerly Cluff Geothermal), a British geothermal development company based in London.

Workshop at Geothermal Energy Event

Today at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+

Geothermal Resource Decision Workshop 2

Salt Palace Convention Center - Room 250 B              8am - 5pm

Led by William Cumming, Nick Hinz, and Pete Stelling

The 2017 GRC Geothermal Resource Decision Workshop 2 extends the successful 2016 GRC workshop on building realistic geothermal resource conceptual models to support decision risk assessments of well targeting and resource capacity, but focuses on both preliminary evaluation and the use of more detailed geoscience and engineering data available from wells to support field operations decisions.

The experience of the 2016 workshop will be summarized to provide context for the integration of rock cuttings analysis, fluid geochemistry and well test results to support decisions on well design, real-time well completion and success/failure assessment at the appraisal stage following an exploration success in a >240°C volcano-hosted resource. Lectures on preliminary geoscience evaluation of <180°C fault-hosted prospects will support an exercise that will simulate a geothermal lease auction.

Read More........

Friday, September 29, 2017

St. Kitts and Nevis: Geothermal Energy Project Drilling Rig About to Arrive on Nevis

Nevis Geothermal team meets with DOSECC Exploration days ahead of Drilling Rig arrival (News Release)

Geothermal development continues aggressively on Nevis. In recent days, members of Nevis Renewable Energy International (NREI) and DOSECC Exploration Services LLC concluded a meeting in Austin, Texas.

Drilling contractors DOSECC, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, are engaged to conduct and complete the well installation. DOSECC is known in the geothermal industry for its commitment to scientific integrity, core quality, safety, and risk mitigation, all of which will continue to drive forward the Nevis geothermal project.

Once drilled, the geothermal reservoir data collected will measure the necessary performance data, geologic and reservoir information needed for the turbine heat exchangers and production well design.

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

DOSECC Exploration Services (DES) will be exhibiting at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ from October 1-4 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

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: Tender Offered for Drilling for Springhill Geothermal Project

Request for Quotations - Geothermal Test Wells: Drilling and Construction

Municipality of the County of Cumberland, Nova Scotia, Canada

The Municipality of Cumberland is requesting quotations from qualified drilling contractors, to provide the necessary services to drill test wells and install casing into former mine workings as various locations within the Springhill Coalfield mining district, in the community of Springhill NS. 

Since their abandonment in 1958, the workings flooded. In the late 1980s and early 1990s their value as a geothermal energy source was realized and a number of boreholes were drilled to tap the energy source. Some of the original wells and a number of new wells are still being utilized as a mine water geothermal energy source. All the current geothermal wells were drilled into the upper portions of the mine workings. 

Closing on October 17  at 02:00 PM AST.   Tender Documentation (PDF).......
More information, email Brian Herteis at bherteis@cumberlandcounty.ns.ca

United Kingdom: UK Geoenergy Observatory to Study the Underground will Help Develop Geothermal Energy

New North Cheshire energy research site to be UK's 'eyes and ears of the underground' (NERC)

The British Geological Survey (BGS) has announced the location for a new 'observatory for the underground' that will provide important research evidence on natural resources for heat and energy. The BGS has confirmed the Ince Marshes area in North Cheshire as its preferred location for the Cheshire Energy Research Field Site, part of a £31 million science investment.

The UK Geoenergy Observatory will gather new information from the two research sites, the Cheshire Energy Research Field Site and the Glasgow Energy Research Field Site. Together they will underpin the development of energy technologies and advance our understanding of the underground environment.

Professor John Ludden, Executive Director of the BGS, said: "We need the subsurface environment to develop a mix of low-carbon energy technologies at the required scale - whether that's for carbon storage, energy storage, geothermal energy, hydrogen production or lower-carbon energy sources. It is vital that we build the best-possible geological evidence base to be able to optimise the process without an adverse impact on the environment.

Read More........

Science & Technology: First Successful Bore Drilling by Electro Impulse Could Boost Geothermal Energy Exploration

Blitze zertrรผmmern Fels: Neues Bohrverfahren fรผr Tiefe Geothermie - Lightning Shatter Rock: New drilling method for deep geothermal energy (Euwid)

Bohren mit dem Elektro-Impuls-Verfahren kรถnnte die Bohrkosten fรผr die Tiefengeothermie deutlich reduzieren. Anfang des Monats ist auf dem Campus der TU Bergakademie Freiberg erstmals erfolgreich Gestein in einem echten Bohrloch durch Blitze zerstรถrt worden.

(Google Translation) Drilling with the electric impulse method could significantly reduce the drilling costs for deep geothermal energy. At the beginning of the month, on the campus of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg  rock in a real bore hole was successfully destroyed by lightning for the first time.

Finland; 40 MWth Espoo Geothermal District Heating Project Resumes Drilling

A Finnish Forbes billionaire is pioneering a geothermal well that could cover 10% of Espoo’s heating needs (Nordic Business Insider)

Despite having made his $1,5 billion dollar fortune on fossil fuels, Mika Anttonen is among the most passionate renewable energy champions in Finland. His St1 petrol chain, with some 1500 stations around the Nordics, has made big bets on wind power, biofuels, and now, emission-free deep heat technologies.

Although the latter project, called St1 Deep Heat, put its drilling on hold back in February due to technical issues it has now resumed excavations.

The goal is both simple and breathtaking: drill two 7 kilometer wells deep into the granite bedrock, pump water into one of them, let the 115 celsius environment warm the water and push it back out of the second well.

After feeding the recovered water through a heat exchanger in Espoo, the plant seeks to cover 10% of the district heating needs of the city and produce up to 40 MW of thermal energy. As Finnish heat networks currently rely heavily on fossil fuels, completely emission-free geothermal heat production can mean a large jump towards the goal of reducing CO2 emissions.

Read More.........

USA: New FERC Rule Could Boost Baseload Electricity Generation

DOE proposes cost recovery for baseload generators in new FERC rule (Utility Dive)

The Department of Energy pushed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Friday to boost compensation for generators providing baseload power supplies, proposing the most significant overhaul in the nation's competitive power markets in over a decade.

DOE filed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) under the Federal Power Act to enhance grid resilience, directing FERC to "accurately price generation resources necessary to maintain reliability and resiliency." The rule would provide for "recovery of costs of fuel-secure generation units frequently relied upon to make our grid reliable and resilient."

The filing comes after the completion of a grid reliability study from DOE that urged federal regulators to boost compensation for baseload generators. The NOPR directs FERC to act within 60 days.

Read More.........

United Kingdom: Stoke-on-Trent Geothermal District Heating Project is Underway

First pipes to be laid in pioneering, energy-efficient heat network (City of Stoke-on-Trent)


A pioneering programme to bring a network of sustainable, low carbon and low cost heat energy to Stoke-on-Trent is underway.

Over the next 11 weeks, the first 700 metres of pipe will be laid underground between Leek Road and Boughey Road in Stoke. It is the first phase of four kilometres of piping around the University Quarter, which when completed next year, will mean that businesses and households will have the potential to connect to receive low maintenance, affordable heat, without the need for gas boilers in their properties.

It is the first step in Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s innovative district heat network, a programme which won multi-million pound investment through the government’s City Deal that was secured by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership in 2014. The network will go on to see 18 kilometres of piping laid underground across the city. The council’s ambitious proposals have already mapped out the geology under the city to look into ways of tapping into naturally forming underground geothermal energy, which would heat the network, helping to power the local economy and provide alternative, sustainable energy for households.

Read More.........

Europe: News from the European Geothermal Energy Council

EGEC Newsletter - September

News from the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC)


  • SPECIAL REPORT: High Level Conference of the Global Geothermal Alliance

Policy:
  • Clean Energy for EU Islands and the geothermal potential
News:
  • Turboden to supply two new geothermal ORC units
Projects:
  • Geothermal pre-feasibility studies in Poland: a week of site visits
Read More........

Workshop at Geothermal Energy Event

Today at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+

Geothermal Resource Decision Workshop 2

Salt Palace Convention Center - Room 250 B              8am - 5pm

Led by William Cumming, Nick Hinz, and Pete Stelling

The 2017 GRC Geothermal Resource Decision Workshop 2 extends the successful 2016 GRC workshop on building realistic geothermal resource conceptual models to support decision risk assessments of well targeting and resource capacity, but focuses on both preliminary evaluation and the use of more detailed geoscience and engineering data available from wells to support field operations decisions.

The experience of the 2016 workshop will be summarized to provide context for the integration of rock cuttings analysis, fluid geochemistry and well test results to support decisions on well design, real-time well completion and success/failure assessment at the appraisal stage following an exploration success in a >240°C volcano-hosted resource. Lectures on preliminary geoscience evaluation of <180°C fault-hosted prospects will support an exercise that will simulate a geothermal lease auction.

Read More........

Thursday, September 28, 2017

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Event App Updated!

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

More exhibitors added and Photo Contest entries can be enjoyed from within the App


The GRC is 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.

Did you know you can advertise in the GRC Event App? Contact Anh Lay at alay@geothermal.org for more information.

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!.......
Web Version.........

USA: Geothermal Developers Should Speak Directly to DOE About Projects on DOE Sites

DOE should take steps toward facilitating energy development on its public lands

The U.S. Department of Energy should place a higher priority on developing an accurate and actionable inventory of agency-owned or managed properties that can be leased or sold for energy development, says a new report

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) should place a higher priority on developing an accurate and actionable inventory of agency-owned or managed properties that can be leased or sold for energy development, says a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The report recommends a sequence of activities DOE can follow to manage its lands and identify properties that have promising profiles for energy resource development.

Regarding geothermal, the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) performed an effective analysis on the relatively limited potential for geothermal development on the DOE sites evaluated. Given the limited number of private-sector groups involved in geothermal development, any future development can occur by direct talks between these firms and DOE.

Read More.......                       Download the Report.........

Indonesia: Star Energy Geothermal Increases Share in Darajat Project

Acquisition of additional interest in Darajat Geothermal Project in Indonesia (News Release)

The Electricity Generating Public Company Limited (EGCO) has announced that Star Energy Geothermal (Salak - Darajat) B.V. (SEGSD), the affiliate of EGCO (20.07% indirect ownership interest), Star Energy Group Holdings Pte. Ltd. and AC Energy Holdings, Inc. have entered into Share Sale and Purchase Agreements with PT Austindo Nusantara Jaya Tbk (ANJ) on July 14, 2017 to acquire 95% share of PT Darajat Geothermal Indonesia (DGI). The share transfer was completed on September 27, 2017.

DGI holds the participating interest of 5% in Darajat Geothermal Project Unit 2 and Unit 3, which have total capacity of 216 MW. The transaction increases SEGSD's indirect ownership interest in Darajat Geothermal Project Unit 2 and 3 from 95% to 99.75% while SEGSD remains to hold 100% indirect ownership interest in Darajat Geothermal Project Unit 1.

Read More........

Philippines: 20 MW Maibarara Geothermal Plant Gets Major Award

Two PetroEnergy Power Plants Get International Awards

Two power facilities of publicly-listed PetroEnergy Resources Corporation (PERC) were recently recognized by international and regional energy observers and experts.

On September 27, 2017, the 20 MW geothermal plant of Maibarara Geothermal, Inc. (MGI) in Sto. Tomas, Batangas was recognized in ASEAN Energy Awards 2017 as the Best Renewable Energy Project in the National Grid Category.

The ASEAN Energy Awards, given since 2000 by the ASEAN Centre for Energy, recognize outstanding work for excellence, creativity, practicality and dedication in the energy sector. The awarding ceremony was held in conjunction with the 35th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) and the 2017 ASEAN Energy Business Forum in SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, Philippines.

Science & Technology: Steel is Integral to the Safe and Efficient Functioning of Geothermal Plants

Steel and steam form reliable partnership (World Steel Association)

Geothermal is an attractive complement to nuclear, fossil and intermittent forms of renewable energy production, such as wind and solar, which are dependent on the weather

Kizildere-3 C, by Matt Fishman. 65 MW Kizildere-3 Unit 1 Geothermal Power Plant, Turkey,.
GRC PHOTO CONTEST 2017

At the heart of this powerful technology lies steel. The material is integral to the safe and efficient functioning of geothermal plants due to its strength and durability. Dissolved carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and chloride are all present during the geothermal process, which when exposed to the majority of metals cause corrosion and destroy components ­– such as valves, filters and piping – over time.

Steel, along with nickel and titanium alloys, are selected for their resistance to pitting and cracking, with thermally treated and ferric stainless steels with a low carbon content being the most resistant to corrosion overall, making this technology possible.

Greece: Opportunities for Low Heat Geothermal Energy Development

Exploitation of Low Enthalpy Geothermal Resources in Greece (LinkedIn)

Canada: Abandoned Gas Well to be Re-Purposed for District Geothermal Heating Project

Alberta town hopes to pull new kind of energy from old gas well (CBC)

The town and Calgary-based Epoch Energy propose to re-open an abandoned gas well near the community and use heat from the bottom of the hole to warm municipal buildings.

Water five kilometres down simmers at 120 C. It would be pumped topside and used to warm another fluid, which would be piped downtown to the networked buildings. The water would then be re-injected.

One study has run the numbers for 12 public buildings, including schools, government offices, the hospital and the RCMP detachment. The $10.2 million cost would be paid back in 16 years at current natural gas prices. The town would cut its CO2 emissions — and associated carbon tax costs — by 3,795 tonnes a year.

Read More........

GRC Annual Meeting and GEA GeoExpo+ Starts in Utah, USA

Geothermal Energy Event Opens in Salt Lake City (News Release)


Over 1,000 attendees will gather at the world’s largest annual geothermal energy event, the GRC Annual Meeting and GEA GeoExpo+, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah from October 1-4, 2017.

Utah Governor Gary Herbert will address the Opening Session of the meeting on Monday, October 2, and he will be joined by other special guests and energy experts. The Opening Session will attract leading researchers, academics, students, state and federal agency officials, and executives from over 200 companies, such as CYRQ Energy, Coso Energy, ENEL Green Power, Ormat Technologies, Inc., U.S. Geothermal Inc., and others that develop, build, maintain and operate geothermal plants around America and the world.

The GRC Annual Meeting features over 70 hours of technical presentations, workshops, fieldtrips, a plenary session, networking events and more. The GRC Technical Session programs will cover a wide array of topics pertaining to geothermal energy.

The GEA GeoExpo+ features exhibits by leading companies who are paving the way for geothermal development through new projects, products, services, and technology. The exhibit hall will be open Monday at noon through Wednesday at noon.

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Abstracts for Geothermal Energy Conference Due October 13, 2017

SMU Power Plays Conference (SMU Geothermal Lab)

Abstracts for Geothermal Energy Conference Due October 13, 2017


Power Plays will advance the understanding of geothermal resources, providing you with insights into developing this clean energy reserve. Join others with expertise in field operations, project development, technology, finance, engineering and resource assessment from the geothermal, oil & gas, and renewable energy sectors to explore economic solutions for geothermal energy at the Power Plays: Drilling into Geothermal Energy Applications conference.

Submit an abstract today.

The event includes:
  • Opening Networking Reception and Poster Session, January 10, 2018
  • Conference with oral presentations and panel discussions, January 11, 2018

USA, Idaho: New Production Well at Raft River Geothermal Power Plant Increases Generation by 1.6 MW

U.S. Geothermal Inc. Provides Updates on Raft River Expansion and The El Ceibillo Development Project (News Release)

U.S. Geothermal Inc. is a sponsor of the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ being held October 1-4 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

U.S. Geothermal Inc., has provided an update on two of its projects.

Raft River, Idaho
The addition of a new production well (RRG-5) and an upgraded injection pump during 2017 have resulted in a total annual average increase of 1.6 net megawatts of generation at Raft River. The upgraded injection pump was installed in August, after which the flow rate from RRG-5 was increased and additional flow from rebalancing the wellfield was realized. This increased generation is captured under both our current power purchase agreement and REC contracts, and is expected to provide an estimated $1 million dollar increase in revenue for 2018.

Further improvements to the plant and wellfield are being analyzed and will be considered in the future.

El Ceibillo, Guatemala
U.S. Geothermal Guatemala S.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. Geothermal, Inc., has been awarded a $825,319 grant from the U. S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).  The grant provides funding for a feasibility study on the El Ceibillo Geothermal Power Plant Project, which will be led by POWER Engineers, Incorporated, headquartered in Hailey, Idaho. The scope of the study is to update the resource evaluation, power plant design, financial analysis, environmental and regulatory review, and EPC technical specifications and bid package evaluations, in order to advance the Project to a construction-ready state.  We expect this study to begin within the next two months, with scheduled completion by the end of 2018.

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

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Final Program for Geothermal Energy Event

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Final Event Program

 

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Geothermal Event!

4 Days to the Geothermal Energy Event of the Year!


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

USA, California: Project Demonstrating Geothermal Power Generation Using Supercritical Fluids Set to Begin

GreenFire Energy Selects Veizades and Associates to Manage World’s First Demonstration of Geothermal Power Generation Using Supercritical Fluids (News Release)


GreenFire Energy announced today that GreenFire Energy has selected Veizades & Associates to serve as the Project Management team for the world’s first field demonstration of closed-loop geothermal power generation.

Funded in part by a grant by the California Energy Commission, this project will be conducted in collaboration with the Coso Operating Company near Ridgecrest California. The purpose of the project is to demonstrate the ability of GreenFire’s proprietary ECO2G™ technology to allow an unused marginal well to supplement generation. The project is slated to start initial engineering in September 2017 and be completed by October 2018.

“We conducted a very thorough search for a company with an experienced team representing multiple disciplines to manage this pioneering project” said Joseph Scherer, President and CEO of GreenFire Energy. “Nobody has ever attempted a project like this before, so it was essential to find a partner that can deal with the inevitable challenges and surprises of this innovative and ambitious project.  Dr. Dan Hoyer, who will lead the Veizades team, has our full confidence and support to make this advanced technology succeed.”

Dan Hoyer added “We are pleased to have been selected for this landmark project.  It will require creativity of the team to overcome the engineering and deployment challenges posed by retrofitting an existing well with this proprietary technology.  We are committed to finding solutions that will make this a replicable process.”

Chris Ellis, General Manager of Coso Operating Company, added “GreenFire’s technology presents a unique and viable approach toward producing energy from underground heat sources like we have at the Coso project, so we are an enthusiastic sponsor of this project.”

Science & Technology: Using Acoustic Emissions to Understand Enhanced Geothermal Systems Processes

Listening to the Earth to harness geothermal energy (Sanford Underground Research Facility)

Hunter Knox and Bill Roggenthen from South Dakota School of Mines lower sensors down a set of holes that were drilled for the kISMET experiment. (Matthew Kapust)
The goal of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory led EGS Collab project is to collect data that will allow the team to create better predictive and geomechanic models that will allow them to better understand the subsurface of the earth. The team will drill two boreholes: one for injection and one for production. Each will be 60 meters long in the direction of the minimum horizontal stress. Six additional monitoring boreholes will contain seismic, electrical and fiber optic sensors.

When the holes are drilled, the team will place “straddle packers”—a mandrel, or pipe, with two deflated balloons on either end—inside them. Once inside, they will inflate the balloons and flow water down the pipe to create an airtight section. They will continue to pump water until the rock fractures and use the monitoring equipment to listen for acoustic emissions, the sounds that will tell them what is happening within the rock.

Read More........

Canada: Alberta has Huge Advantage in repurposing Oil & Gas Wells for Geothermal Energy

Epoch and U of A Collaborate on Hinton, AB Project (News Release)

Epoch Energy of Calgary, Alberta, is looking forward to working with University of Alberta's lead geothermal scientist, Dr. Jonathan Banks, on leveraging clean, renewable geothermal energy for municipal infrastructure in the town of Hinton, Alberta.

Alberta is uniquely positioned to use its world-leading expertise in drilling and services towards developing geothermal resources- a renewable energy industry that closely parallels oil and gas in exploitation and development techniques.

“We’ll use the same infrastructure, the same expertise, the same service providers, and the same software.It’s really just a matter of retooling and retraining the capacity that we already have. Alberta is at a huge advantage for getting started without the very steep and expensive learning curve other places are facing.” - Dr. Jonathan Banks

Click here to read more on the project partnership from the University of Alberta.

USA, New Mexico: Expansion of Dale Burgett Geothermal Plant to Move Forward Next Month

Geothermal plant expanding in Animas (Deming Headlight)

(Photo: Courtesy of Carroll Strategies)
Plans for a $50 million expansion of the Dale Burgett Geothermal plant will move forward in October, per an announcement by Cyrq Energy last week.

The geothermal plant, also known as Lightning Dock, began operation in December 2013. The first utility-scale geothermal plant in New Mexico utilizes hot water from below ground to help operate a turbine that produces electricity. It currently generates 4 megawatts of power for the Public Service Company (PNM), and Cyrq announced that the expanded facility, operational in “about a year,” will generate 10 megawatts.

Read More........

Cyrq Energy is a Silver Level Sponsor of the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ being held October 1-4 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Utah, USA.

Indonesia: Turkish Companies to Develop Aceh Geothermal Power Project

Turkish companies sign MoU with Aceh government (ANTARA)

Two Turkish companies - Hitay Holding A.S. and Aksa Enerji Uretim A.S. operating in energy sector have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the government of Indonesian province of Aceh to develop geothermal and gas-powered electricity plants in the region.

Under the MOU Hitay Holding, as investor and developer, would develop the portfolio of geothermal project for geothermal power plant in Aceh.

Hitay will also develop the site using a reliable contractor to carry out drilling, procurement and construction. Aksa Enerji Uretim in cooperation with Enersis on the other hand will manage the plant.

Aksa and Enersis will provide the technology, goods and services needed for the investment project and its operation.

Aksa will cooperate with the Aceh government to get the license needed to develop, build and operate the power plant and arrange the financing.

Kenya: 105 MW Menengai Geothermal Power Project Faces Delays

Limited funds delay geothermal development works in Baringo (The Star)

Geothermal exploration work at Menengai in Baringo County will take longer than expected due to limited funds, the Energy Regulatory Commission estimates.

The commission's acting director general, Pavel Oimeke, said delays in licensing, financial closure and technical hitches have contributed to delays in the setting up of the power plants by the Geothermal Development Company.

"They are still looking for a lot of support from the government, but we expect before the end of this year, they will be able to make good progress and the power plant will be under construction," said Oimeke last week in Nakuru.

He said GDC has contracted three independent power producers to build three power plants in the project to tap and produce 105 MW of electricity under phase one.

"GDC have been making good progress in drilling a number of wells. About 105 megawatts have been tendered and three companies are in the process of setting up the power plants to generate power from those wells,"he added.

Honduras: 35 MW Platanares Geothermal Plant Starts Commercial Operation

Ormat Commissions the First Geothermal Power Plant in Honduras (News Release)

Rig Sky, by by Steven Fercho. Taken as a storm
approaches while drilling Ormat's Platanares,
Honduras project. 2017 GRC PHOTO CONTEST
Ormat Technologies, Inc. today announced that its 35 MW Platanares geothermal project in Honduras has commenced commercial operation.

Ormat signed a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) contract for the Geotรฉrmica Platanares geothermal project in Honduras with ELCOSA, a privately owned Honduran energy company, for 15 years from commercial operation date (COD).

Geotรฉrmica Platanares sells its power, under a 30-year power purchase agreement with the national utility of Honduras, ENEE. The project is expected to generate average annual revenue of approximately $33 million.

Read More.........

Ormat Technologies, Inc. will be exhibiting at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ from October 1-4 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Utah, USA.

Poland: "Enough Geothermal Resources to Meet the Country’s Needs Many Times Over" - Minister

Poland aims to harness geothermal energy: environment minister (thenews.pl)

Poland has huge resources of geothermal energy that are waiting to be harnessed, the country’s environment minister said on Tuesday.

(Courtesy CIA.gov)
Jan Szyszko told reporters: “Under us, at a depth of 2 to 3 kilometres, there are huge resources of hot water. We are sitting on a central heating stove; all we need to do is connect the infrastructure."

He was speaking at his ministry as central and local government officials signed agreements to drill for geothermal waters in various parts of the country.

Drilling work will cost an estimated PLN 110 million (EUR 25.7 million, USD 30.3 million) and will be carried out in the districts of Sochaczew and Sieradz in central Poland, Szaflary in the south, and Lฤ…dek Zdrรณj in the southwest. A geothermal well will also be built in Chojny near the town of Koล‚o in the country’s west.

Poland has enough geothermal resources to meet the country’s needs many times over, Szyszko told reporters.

Monday, September 25, 2017

Global: Free Article from the GRC Bulletin - The Voice of the Geothermal Energy Community

The Latest News from the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC)

Free article from the GRC Bulletin - Volume 46, No. 5 - September/October 2017 

The Bulletin will be available free-of-charge at the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ from October 1-4 in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

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

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

The GRC has generously provided 10 pages from the latest issue for free! However, the full issue is 40 pages!

In this issue, there is an article on Accelerating Geothermal Development in Indonesia and on the Great Potential for Geothermal in Utah, the location for thisyear's GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ . Also, there are 10 pages of geothermal news from around the world.

Join the GRC or subscribe to get the complete issue.

United Kingdom: Tender for Drilling Rig for 2.5 - 4.5 Thousand Meter Deep Wells at Cornish Geothermal Project

Geothermal Engineering Ltd issues Tender for a deep drilling rig at the United Downs project, Cornwall UK (News Release)

Geothermal Engineering Ltd (GEL) has launched a Tender for the provision, management and maintenance of a suitable drilling unit to drill two geothermal wells in a hard rock environment. The wells will both required directional drilling and are to be drilled to different vertical depths: 2,500m and 4,500m. The project has all permitting in place and the wells are to be drilled in April 2018.

The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and will be the first geothermal power project in the UK. The site is located at the United Downs Industrial estate, near Redruth in Cornwall. The closing date for the Tender is the 27th of October 2017.

For further information and a Tender pack please contact Peter Ledingham: ledingham@geothermalengineering.co.uk

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Netherlands: Geothermal Energy Projects "Reaching a Tipping Point"

Geothermal financing developments (International Law Office)

(Courtesy CIA.gov)
Although once considered too great a risk from a technical, financial and legal perspective, geothermal energy is now a rising trend – at least in the Netherlands.

The number of geothermal energy projects in the Netherlands is rapidly increasing and the developments seem to be reaching a tipping point. One such project is Trias Westland, a geothermal project initiated by 49 greenhouse companies which aim to heat their greenhouses in a renewable manner and against stable costs. Trias Westland will be the first project to carry out drillings in the Triassic at a depth of four kilometres to retrieve heat.

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France: Geothermal Energy Developer Increases Investment in Renewables

ENGIE issues for EUR 2 billion of bonds, of which EUR 1.25 billion in Green Bond (News Release)

To support its ambitious development strategy in renewable energies and energy efficiency, ENGIE, a French multinational electric utility company, issued yesterday its third Green Bond for a total of €1.25 billion. With this transaction, the total amount of bonds issued by ENGIE in Green Bond format since 2014 reaches €5.25bn, confirming the Group’s commitment to play a leading role in the energy transition whilst supporting the development of the green finance.

The proceeds of this bond will be used to finance the Group’s growth in renewable energy or energy efficiency projects, and in natural resources preservation projects, as well as R&D investments in such areas and equity participations in projects of the social impact ENGIE fund “Rassembleurs d’Energies”.

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From the Global Geothermal News archives - Articles on ENGIE..........

Japan: Gas Producer Increases Interest in Renewable Energy Including Geothermal

Inpex boosts renewable energy efforts (LNG World News)

(Courtesy Inpex)
Japan’s LNG developer and stakeholder, Inpex, has decided to set up renewable energy and power business unit starting October 1. 

The establishment of a new company unit is in line with its growth targets and will enable it to carry out the renewable energy initiatives, Inpex said on Monday.

The company is currently engaged in geothermal and photovoltaic power generation projects, technological development concerning a variety of renewable energies and studies on other power generation businesses.

In order to further strengthen these business initiatives from a medium- to long-term perspective and pursue business development opportunities, the company will re-establish the existing new business planning unit as a new and independent organization, renaming it the renewable energy & power business unit.

The new business planning unit, currently a subdivision of the corporate strategy & planning division, will be transformed into a standalone organization and renamed the renewable energy & power business unit.


El Salvador: Great Potential for Geothermal Energy in Region

Geothermal, A Hot Topic In El Salvador (IRENA)

Central American countries seek to bring geothermal to the forefront of future energy development plans



“Central America holds some of the world’s most promising geothermal resources, that if utilised can help the region secure and deliver, inexpensive electricity while stimulating low-carbon economic growth,” said Gurbuz Gonul, Acting Director of Country, Support and Partnerships at IRENA, on the occasion of the first Regional Geothermal Workshop in Central America last month.

Friday, September 22, 2017

USA, New Mexico: State Wants More Geothermal Energy

PNM seeks more solar, wind and geothermal (Albuquerque Journal)

Public Service Co. of New Mexico’s 2018 renewable energy plan calls for 50 more megawatts of solar energy, plus higher output from current wind and geothermal resources.

The company submitted the plan to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission this summer to comply with the state Renewable Portfolio Standard, which requires public utilities to derive 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020, up from 15 percent now.

Argentina: Plans to Build 10 MW Geothermal Power Plant in Andes Province

Conoce proyecto geotรฉrmico Copahue de Argentina - Meet the Copahue geothermal project in Argentina (Energia Limpia)

ADI-NQN is looking for investors interested in carrying out the operation of the geothermal field for a period of 25 years through a concession contract. The first phase will be for a 10 MW modular plant increasing to 30 MW in the second phase.


El proyecto consiste en la construcciรณn de una central geotermoelรฉctrica a partir del aprovechamiento de los vapores endรณgenos obtenidos del campo geotรฉrmico “Las Mellizas de Copahue”, la perforaciรณn de los pozos necesarios para alimentar la planta y la construcciรณn de una lรญnea de transmisiรณn que vincule el รกrea del yacimiento geotรฉrmico con la Estaciรณn Transformadora mรกs cercana que se integre al Sistema Elรฉctrico Nacional.

(Google Translation) The project consists of the construction of a geothermal power plant from the exploitation of the endogenous vapors obtained from the geothermal field "Las Mellizas de Copahue", the drilling of the wells necessary to feed the plant and the construction of a transmission line linking the area of ​​the geothermal reservoir with the nearest Transformer Station that is integrated to the National Electrical System. 

Leer mas.........                                  Read More........

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+ - Geothermal Event!

1 Week to the Geothermal Energy Event of the Year!


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

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Geothermal Event

Over 75 Hours of Presentations at Geothermal Energy Event





Pacific: Geothermal Energy is a Promising Option for Island States

SPC promotes geothermal energy as a catalyst for sustainable economic development in the Pacific (News Release)

Among the renewable energy options that are available in the Pacific Islands region, geothermal energy has been identified as a promising option states the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC).

Eight Pacific Island countries and territories – PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and American Samoa – are geologically-located along active tectonic margins where shallow heat sources underlie geothermal reservoirs that can be assessed and utilised for electrical power generation. 

Developing these geothermal resources will enhance the diversity of the region’s energy mix and help build energy security in the most populated countries: Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Kenya: Video on Japan's Involvement in Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Power for Kenya's Economic Growth (Prime Minister's Office of Japan)



Takahiro Miyamoto worked in cooperation with Kenyan engineers on a geothermal power plant, which now generates 18% of Kenya’s energy supply. Japan's efforts have helped reduce the cost of energy for all Kenyans while contributing to economic stability and growth for the country.

Europe: Geothermal Energy - a Good Fit for Island Communities

Unlocking the potential of geothermal energy in islands (EGEC)


European islands often face significant challenges when it comes to energy supply and energy costs. Due to geographic location, small economies of scale, and limited or absent interconnection to the mainland or to other islands, many islands are still heavily dependent upon costly imported fossil fuels to generate electricity or to meet their heating and cooling needs.

To tackle this issue, the European Commission is now launching the Clean Energy for All Europeans Islands Initiative, which aims to accelerate the clean energy transition on islands, ensuring secure and cheap energy to their citizens, and create local jobs.

Taiwan: Feed In Tariff for Geothermal to be Increased by 5%

Taiwan sets tentative 2018 feed-in tariffs for renewable energy (Digitimes)

Courtesy CIA.gov)
Taiwan's Bureau of Energy (BOE) has set tentative feed-in tariffs for renewable energy in 2018 increasing the rate for geothermal energy.

The feed-in tariff for geothermal will be 5.1956 NT$/kWh an increase of 5.11% on 2017 rates.

Before finalizing feed-in tariff rates, BOE will hold a public hearing to collect opinions from all parties concerned in early November.

Thursday, September 21, 2017

GRC Annual Meeting & GEA GeoExpo+ - Things to do at Geothermal Event

The Ultimate Salt Lake Guide for Meeting-Goers (Visit Salt Lake)


Where to Get Great Coffee
There are many wonderful and charming cafes in the city, but these Salt Lake coffee shops are taking beans to a new level.

Where to See Live Music
Salt Lake is known for being the place to see awesome bands in intimate settings.

Get Out & About Via Light Rail
Odds are you're car-free. No biggie. There's a ton of fun stuff to see and do right off the Trax line.

The Best Late-Night Eats
Need a bite late at night? Here's where we recommend noshing.

A Guide to Vintage & Thrift Shopping
Spend your breaks browsing Salt Lake's funky treasure troves.

Hikes & Bike Rides Accessible from Downtown
Need to move your legs after some long hours in meeting rooms? Here are some super quick ways to get outside and see Salt Lake's surrounding beauty.

The Ultimate Guide to Salt Lake Breweries
Salt Lake breweries win a LOT of awards. Come find out why.

The Downtown Bar Crawl
Want a more complete picture of Salt Lake's nightlife scene? Try these walkable watering holes near the convention center.

The Lively 2nd & 2nd District
Spend a free hour or evening exploring one of SLC's cooler corners.

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