The municipal utility Munster-Bispingen shows the project in the Lueneburg Heath, ECOGI (Exploitation of Geothermal Heat for Industry,a merger of Roquette Frères, Groupe ÉS and Caisse des Dépôts) will present the project Rittershoffen in France.

The International Geothermal Centre in Bochum presents the project ‘CT-Must’. IF Technology, a consulting and engineering company from the Netherlands introduce the projects Parenco papermil and Hoogeveen.

Facilities for one additional poster are given. Interested? Please contact agentur@enerchange.de

The approval came from the mayor of the city of Naples and is for a 500 meter deep pilot well.

The project called “Campi Flegrei Deep Drilling Project” has been set up by an international consortium of scientists. The project is located at the Campi Flegrei caldera, a few kilometres to the west of Naples. The project was initially put forward in 2009 to drill a 4km deep well, but expected risks put the project on hold.

Further detail see link below.

Source: ScienceMag

It comes as the company finalised its purchase of a 4.4 per cent minority stake in Global Geothermal from Exergy by issuing 50 million new shares at 2 cents a share as payment.

As reported in January last year, the company bought Global Geothermal Limited through the purchase of a series of minority stakes – Exergy being one.

Executive chairman of Wasabi and director of Global Geothermal Limited said the acquisition of marked a “significant milestone”.

“Through our acquisition of Global Geothermal Limited and in turn its own wholly owned subsidiary Recurrent Engineering LLC, Wasabi Energy has obtained complete ownership of the core Kalina Cycle technology portfolio,” he said.

Earlier this week, the company said it was continuing discussions with major groups across the globe about the Kalina Cycle technology.”

Source: Proactive Investors Hong Kong

The money will come from the State Investment Agency (PIP), which has been tasked with funding major infrastructure projects.

Soritaon Siregar, the chairman of the PIP, said on Wednesday that the agency would provide loans of Rp 2 trillion ($215m) to companies to build geothermal power plants and another Rp 1.4 trillion ($151 million) to firms building micro-hydropower plants.

“We will sign three power projects in the immediate term,” Saritaon said in Jakarta after the signing of a memorandum of understanding with state utility company Perusahaan Listrik Negara on Wednesday.

The government has been encouraging PLN and independent power producers to invest in “clean” power.

Soritaon said his office had received several proposals from companies seeking loans from the PIP for such projects.

Pertamina Geothermal Energy, the geothermal unit of state oil and gas company Pertamina, plans to build two geothermal power plants with a combined capacity of 110 megawatts in Ulubelu, Lampung, this year. The construction of the plants, which started earlier this year, is due to be completed by 2014, said Slamet Riadhy, the president director of PGE. The two plants will cost $270 million combined.

The company’s planned geothermal power plants form a model that will be rolled out across the country. PGE runs a geothermal power project in Muara Enim, South Sumatra. Its other projects include a plan to build a geothermal power plant in Karaha Bodas, West Java.

Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands and has many volcanoes, which makes it desirable to tap these geothermal sources.

Renewable power also includes production of electricity from water, wind and solar sources.

Indonesia had power-generation capacity of 28,462 MW as of the end of last year, according to PLN data. Coal-powered plants account for around 42.2 percent of that capacity, diesel-fired plants 23.7 percent, natural gas 22 percent, hydropower plants 6.7 percent and geothermal and other renewable energy 5.4 percent.”

Source: The Jakarta Globe

Geothermal Power Tanzania Ltd (GPT) has been founded to explore and develop the geothermal resources of Tanzania.

Partners in GPT are “Geothermal Power Ltd” (GPL) based in Mauritius, the Tanzanian “National Development Corporation” (NDC) and the Tanzanian mining company “Interstate Mining & Minerals Ltd” (Interstate).

Geothermal expert for the venture in Tanzania is GeoThermal Engineering GmbH from Germany.

GPT has been granted prospecting licenses for geothermal exploration in the Mbeya area and Rufiji. GPT will explore the area with the aim to develop a series of power stations up to 10 MW each along the Mbaka and Livingstone faults. The geothermal resource is expected to have a temperature of around 160°C. These power plants will have a great impact on the regional development by providing clean electricity to rural areas. The main target will be the geothermal reservoir at the Ngozi volcano which can be expected to produce about 100MW of electricity.

The GPT development team consists of leading experts in geothermal work.  The company is currently investing $5 million in geotechnical, geological and drilling work to establish target areas. Negotiation for contracting a dedicated geothermal drilling rig with a capacity to drill to a depth of 2.5 km is close to be finalized. It is expected that the drilling will commence at the end of 2012.

With continuous drilling, the wells will be converted to production and injection wells. For that purpose well head generators will be used with a capacity of up to 3.5 MW.  The target is to start initial electricity production in early 2014.

All the activities of GPT in the Mbeya area are part of an overall energy development plan including conventional geothermal installations capable of producing approximately 100 MW of electricity. Together with other electricity generating projects planned for the region, the geothermal investment in Mbeya will highlight Tanzania’s involvement in sustainable power generation, aiming at overcoming the ongoing shortage of electricity generation.

Source: Release by Geothermal Power Tanzania

Both events are organized by Enerchange and will bring together a great set of speakers and specialists from many parts of the world.

Program of the International Geothermal Conference: website

Details on the International Conference on Enhanced Geothermal Systems: website

With numerous workshops and forums on topics of shallow and deep geothermal energy, this years Geothermal Congress DGK will offer to its participants again a manifold program. In his “Call for Papers”, the German Geothermal Association (GtV-BV) is now asking for submissions of papers for oral presentations at the congress. Proposed themes are among others “Financing and investing”, “Quality assurance and new guidelines for shallow geothermal energy” as well as “Geothermal energy as a part of local energy concepts”. The Deadline for abstracts is 31st July 2012.

A particular focus of the DGK 2012 will be put on developments in the congress’ partner country Hungary. But also geothermal projects in the region of Karlsruhe will be presented in field trips on the last day of the event. With the “Science Bar”, the GtV-BV addresses especially to young scientists and will award a prize among its participants.

The “Call for Papers” and further information on the Geothermal Congress DGK 2012 are available on www.der-geothermiekongress.de.

Simultaneously with the congress, the trade exhibition geoENERGIA will take place from 14^th to 15^th November 2012. Here, companies as well as scientific institutions will present their technologies and introduce new developments and research results. For more details please check the website www.geoenergia.de.

Heat Mining Company LLC, said in a written statement that the use of sequestered carbon dioxide will allow electricity to be provided from many more sites than would be possible with conventional water-based systems and does it more economically.

“CO2 Plume Geothermal technology makes production of power using geothermal heat financially feasible, where water isn’t,” said Ken Carpenter, Managing Partner of South Dakota-based Heat startup.

“This technology sits at the convergence of two conflicting demands in our society: the need to burn fossil fuels for the foreseeable future and the desire to reduce carbon emissions,” Carpenter said.

CO2 Plume GeothermalTM (CPGTM) technology is an attractive solution for conventional fossil-fueled power plants, as it prevents emitted CO2, an environmental liability in the atmosphere, from being released to the air and uses it instead as the underground working fluid to extract geothermal heat for additional electricity production and/or district heating.

In the process, the CO2 is permanently stored underground, resulting in a geothermal power plant with not only a neutral, but even a negative carbon footprint. The geothermal power facility can produce base-load power or provide peak-load power and thus also serve as a type of high-efficiency back-up “battery” for only intermittently available wind or solar power.

“This technology has the potential to introduce a new era of electrical power production from renewable wind, solar, and geothermal energy as well as from traditional fossil fuels, while significantly reducing emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere,” said Martin Saar, co-inventor and earth sciences professor in the university’s College of Science and Engineering.

The University of Minnesota submitted the technology for patents in March 2009 and licensed it exclusively, worldwide to Heat Mining Company LLC through the Office for Technology Commercialization. The approach was invented by Saar, Postdoctoral Fellow Jimmy Randolph, and Mechanical Engineering Professor Thomas Kuehn.

Carbon capture and geologic CO2 sequestration is a fairly new solution for preventing CO2 emissions at fossil-fueled power plants. A typical coal-burning power plant produces between 3.5 and 5 million tons of CO2 per year, and it’s possible to retrofit existing plants, and design new plants, that capture the CO2 and sequester it underground.

With a CPGTM system tapping into the underground CO2 and using it as a heat extraction fluid, power produced from earth’s underground heat can be used for CO2 injection pumps while revenue from additional geothermal electricity sales can offset the very high costs of capturing the CO2 in the fossil-fueled power plant.

In addition to producing renewable energy and preventing emissions, CPG could someday provide large scale storage of solar and wind energy. The technology could also supply power for enhanced oil recovery projects that produce oil from fields that have nearly reached the end of their productive lives.

The CPG method has been demonstrated in computer simulations and details have been investigated in laboratory experiments. The next step is to build a pilot plant to test it in the field.

Saar’s research leading to the new technology was originally funded by the Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment (IREE), a signature program of the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment (IonE).

The initial research resulted in a significant federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).”

Source: University of Minnesota

There have also been efforts by mining groups to evaluate revenue creation from abandoned mines. Now there is a “new study that might help predict how much energy could be harnessed from the heat collecting in abandoned mines.

Researchers from McGill University in Montreal stated using this kind of geothermal energy may possibly advantage as much as one million people in Canada and have even far better prospective for alot more densely populated countries such as Britain. By analysing the heat flow by means of mine tunnels flooded with water, the group has created a model that could be utilized to assess the thermal behaviour of a mine under distinct heat-extraction scenarios.

In a paper due to be published in the American Institute of Physics’ Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, the researchers calculate that each kilometre of a widespread deep underground mine could produce 150kW of heat.

As with other geothermal plants, hot mine water is often pumped towards the surface, the heat extracted as well as the cool water returned to the ground. But for this to be sustainable, the heat need to not be removed a lot more easily than it might be replenished by the surrounding rock.”

This could mean a big step ahead the utilization of abandoned mines.

Source: Sustainable Energy Systemz 

The power plant at Apas Kiri, which is the first renewable and sustainable project of its kind in Malaysia, will supply 30MW to the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) grid.
Sustainable Energy Development Authority of Malaysia (SEDA Malaysia) chairman Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn, who visited the project site yesterday, said the plant will be Malaysia’s first grid-connected geothermal power plant.

Fong said the renewable power plant is a unique prospect in the district and it is also acceptable to everyone in the community.

The project undertaken by Tawau Green Energy Sdn Bhd (TGE) will reduce the utilization of fossil fuel for power generation in the state grid in line with Malaysia’s sustainable development policy and global greenhouse gas emission reduction.

According to Fong, the process of producing electricity with a geothermal power plant is similar to other thermal power plants that use coal, oil or gas except that it does not require burning any fuel.

Instead, geothermal plant utilizes energy from the natural steam and hot water drawn from the geothermal reservoir, he explained.

The geothermal power plant is a form of green energy which does not require any fuel burning or combustion to produce heat or electricity, he said.

It emits little carbon dioxide, no nitrogen dioxide and very low amounts of sulfur dioxide, he added.

The project is estimated to cost RM419 million (($136 million) and it has also qualified to receive a grant of RM35million ($11.3 m) from the Private-Public Partnership Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department for the access road and water treatment plant.

Source: The Borneo Post

The video is presented by Wasabi Energy in a corporate video featuring the geothermal power plant of Unterhaching. The plant utilizes a Kalina Cycle binary system built by Siemens and produces power and heat for the local community.

… and now here the link to the video

(sorry forgot to post earlier)

“The Geophysics and Geothermal Research Centre building begins today and is targeted to be completed in November 2012,” said Dean of the university’s Faculty of Science and Mathematics M Nur here on Monday.

Nur added that fossil energy cannot remain plentiful forever and will someday be depleted due to excessive consumption. So, renewable energy such as geothermal would be a needed breakthrough.

“We see the geothermal energy potential in Central Java is located in the Mount Dieng area, Wonosobo and Ungaran, and Semarang regency. The Geothermal Research Center is expected to assist in the use of alternative energy,” he said.

Nur noted that the Geophysics and Geothermal Research Centre building will be built in an area of 2.105 square meters and supported by the state`s Oil and Gas Company, PT Pertamina.

“One day, the use of fossil energy will end. Oil-fueled cars will be finished. Therefore, we need a long-term breakthrough for new renewable energy use,” he said.

According to the university’s Rector, Sudharto, Indonesia’s use of fossil energy is still as high as 95 percent, using petroleum, natural gas, and coal, and the remaining five percent is made up of new renewable energy alternatives.

Though national renewable energy consumption is only five percent, it is targeted to be increased to 17 percent by 2025.

Pertamina General Manager Retail Fuel Marketing Region IV Rifky Hardijanto Effendi added that, with the funding for construction of this facility, this is the third time Pertamina has contributed to construction at the university.

“We distributed Rp7.2 billion to build the Geophysics and Geothermal facility, and earlier we also helped construct the building at the university’s Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Engineering,” he said.”

Source: Antara News via Eco-Business

The achievement of commercial operation of the Phase I expansion at San Jacinto led to a major improvement in the financial performance of the Company. With $6.3 million in revenue and $2.7 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) for the quarter, the Company took a major step toward generating the levels of cash flow necessary to be able to allocate resources to pipeline projects including Casita and the Geysers. In addition, cost controls implemented in the second half of 2011 have contributed to the increased level of profitability.

Additional highlights for the three months ended March 31, 2012 include:

• In January, the Phase I expansion at San Jacinto was placed into commercial operation;
• Total revenue for the three months was $6.3 million, up $5.3 million from the prior year quarter;
• EBITDA for the three months was $2.7 million, up $8.3 million from the prior year quarter;
• General and administrative expenses for the three months decreased $3.2 million, or 53%, from the prior year quarter; and
• The Company entered into a letter of intent with SNC-Lavalin for the construction of the Geysers Project.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company reported revenue of $6.3 million and a net loss of $2.4 million ($0.01 per share) versus revenue of $1 million and a net loss of $5.8 million ($0.04 per share) for the same period of the prior year. Increased revenue resulted from the San Jacinto-Tizate Phase I expansion being placed in service in January 2012.

EBITDA increased to $2.7 million for the current quarter versus negative EBITDA of $5.6 million in the prior year’s comparable period. The $8.3 million increase in EBITDA resulted from a $5.1 million increase in gross profit from San Jacinto operations, and a $3.2 million decrease in general and administrative expenses. Although EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure, the Company believes that many of its financial readers find it to be a useful in assessing the Company’s performance.

For the current period, the Company used $3.8 million for operating activities and $20.7 million for additions to geothermal properties and capital assets, including $20 million for the Phase I and II San Jacinto-Tizate expansion and $0.7 million for other exploration and development projects, with $21 million provided by the San Jacinto Phase II credit facility. At March 31, 2012, the Company had free cash of approximately $53.6 million, of which $40.9 million was held for use in the San Jacinto project.

Concurrent with today’s release, Shuman Moore, President and CEO of Ram Power, stated, “We are proud of the consistent operational results to date of our 36 MW net Phase I expansion of San Jacinto-Tizate, which commenced commercial operations this past January. Equally important, the Company continues to develop the San Jacinto-Tizate Phase II, 36 MW net expansion on time and on budget which when completed by year-end will provide another significant increase to revenue and EBITDA for fiscal year 2013. In addition, I am very pleased with the progress we have made with the Geysers project, and we are looking forward to finalizing the EPC contract for this project with SNC-Lavalin in the near term.”

Source: Company release via Marketwatch

GRMF aims at facilitating the identification and development of geothermal resources for power production in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. The project development will be promoted by a fund of 50 million EUR provided by the German Government and the European Union. Based on their wide experience in international procurement and tendering processes in combination with their deep understanding of geothermal resources, Pöyry with GeoT were selected as the best bidder to support the AUC as GRMF Consultant, in evaluating and selecting eligible applicants.

The services of the GRMF Consultant includes the creation of a common developer manual, operational guidelines and procurement documents as well as evaluation methodologies for choosing applications interested in the execution of surface studies and exploration drilling projects in the GRMF countries. During the execution period the chosen projects will be monitored and their progress will be reported. A database of geothermal prospects in the region will be developed and updated.

Pöyry is a global consulting and engineering company dedicated to balanced sustainability and responsible business,. With quality and integrity at our core, we deliver best-in-class consulting, total solutions, and design and supervision. Our in-depth expertise extends to the fields of energy, industry, transportation, water, environment and real estate. Pöyry has about 7,000 experts and a local office network in about 50 countries. Pöyry’s net sales in 2011 were EUR 796 million and the company’s shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.

GeoThermal Engineering GmbH (GeoT) from Germany is a specialist in geothermal applications. With worldwide activities, one major target region is East Africa. GeoTs expertise is recognized throughout the geothermal market with a leading position in geothermal development, research & development and consulting projects. Joint venture companies with local partners are situated in Switzerland (Deep Rock Energy GmbH, Zurich), Asia (Marshfield Energy, Singapore), Africa (Geothermal Power Limited,
Mauritius), Middle East (GeoT, Qatar) and Turkey (Bosporus New Energy, Ankara).

Source: Press releases different sources

EnergySource is holding a ceremony at its Hudson Ranch I geothermal power plant, the first stand-alone geothermal power plant at the Salton Sea resource in more than 20 years. The project represents a number of interesting milestones and facts that are interesting to mention. A rather unique and novice drilling finance by Icelandic bank Glitnir (now Islandsbanki), a successful multi-bank financing round for construction, cornerstone equity investment by GeoGlobal Energy (of New Zealand’s Mighty River Power), follow-up financing for Hudson Ranch II by turbine producer Fuji Electric and the exciting project to derive Lithium from the brine of the plant by Simbol Materials.

With more than 300 people expected to attend the event, it will see local, national and international guests attending.

Retired Vice Adm. Dennis V. McGinn, president of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) will present the keynote address during the dedication ceremony.

“EnergySource is pleased to have Admiral McGinn’s participation at our commissioning celebration,” says Dave Watson, president and CEO of EnergySource. “As president of ACORE, he is a strong advocate for innovative government policy, public and private partnerships, and investments that promote clean energy growth and innovation. EnergySource supports his efforts which will help us, and companies like ours, deliver renewable power to utilities in their efforts to procure clean energy and rely less on fossil fuels.”

Additional event speakers are to include Michael Picker, senior advisor to Gov. Jerry Brown for renewable energy; Gary Wyatt, County of Imperial; John Pierre Menvielle, Imperial Irrigation District; Dave Watson, president and CEO, EnergySource; Juan Vargas, senator, 40th district; V. Manuel Perez, assembly member, 80th district.

EnergySource began construction of the $400 million Hudson Ranch I geothermal power plant in May 2010 and created more than 200 jobs during construction. Now in operation, the plant provides 55 full-time jobs in Imperial County. Today the plant is selling all of its energy, capacity and environmental attributes to Salt River Project, a public power utility and water provider serving the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, for a term of 30 years.

Hudson Ranch I and a second plant, Hudson Ranch II, will each generate enough power to serve 50,000 homes in the Southwestern region. EnergySource plans to commence drilling for Hudson Ranch II in the third quarter of this year and construction is scheduled for 2013.”

Source: Release by EnergySource

The three courses of the program will be held over a three year time period from 2013-1015 at the University of El Salvador.

“Each course will be taken by 30 geothermal experts. The operation will also finance 10 scholarships for Salvadoran participants and another 10 scholarships for participants from other countries. The project, which was approved by the IDB Board of Executive Directors, will provide the only theoretical and practical graduate-level training in geothermal energy available in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 2010, Universidad de El Salvador, together with LaGeo and support from Italy, offered a specialized degree course on a pilot basis. The new program will include an evaluation of this pilot course.

A Sustainable Regional Training Plan in Geothermal Energy will be prepared to examine future demand for training as well as academic and financial aspects. The plan will define curriculum and teaching methods needed to ensure that participants receive the best training available in the region. Studies will also be conducted to determine the demand for masters or doctoral-level training in geothermal energy.

The region’s geothermal development potential is estimated at 6,000 MW. Of this, 43 percent is located in Central America, 39 percent in Mexico, 17 percent in the Andean region, and 1 percent in the Southern Cone. Two geothermal fields in El Salvador are currently being exploited, Ahuachapán and Berlíncon, with a combined installed capacity of 204 MW. This represents 14 percent of national installed capacity and 25 percent of net generation capacity, with production projected for an additional 25-30 years.
Of the program’s total cost of $2.9 million, approximately $1.4 million were provided by the Nordic Development Fund and $824,000 from the Fund for the Special Program on Sustainable Energy and Climate Change (SECCI-IDB). Counterpart financing for the program totals $770,000.”

Source: Power Engineering

The plan was announced in January 2011 and worked on with the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

While Hydro and Concentrated solar power seem to be a key focus, geothermal is believed to be able to add up to 90 MW until 2026 under the plan. This would put the overall installed geothermal power generation capacity in the country to 204 MW.

Source: EvWind

Sperring joins Scientific Drilling from National Oilwell Varco (NOV), a manufacturer of drilling, fishing and completion downhole technology serving the upstream oil and gas industry. Sperring joined the organization in 2005 and has held various leadership positions within the downhole division of NOV since 2007.

The main focus of Scientific Drilling clearly is on the oil and gas business, but SDI has also worked and serviced the geothermal sector, so in congratulating Jayme Sperring to his new position, I thought it would be interesting to ask him a few questions on the geothermal ambitions going forward.

How important do you believe will be the geothermal energy market for SDI going forward?  

We see the geothermal industry growing from 11GW to roughly 18 GW within the next six years. This growth will require rampant increased drilling activity which will drive demand for specialty drilling services such as directional and production logging. This demand expansion is very important to our diversified energy portfolio and in effort to avoid playing victim to the cyclical nature of the O&G market, Geothermal serves as a strategic element to our long term stability.  Scientific Drilling has been involved in the geothermal industry for over 30 years. We recognize the importance of clean, base-load, renewable power and want to support the growth of the industry in any way possible.

For any industrial development, environmental impact is a key topic of concern, so directional drilling is seen as a way of solving some of those concerns. E.g. in Japan, where the government mentions that directional drilling could allow geothermal development in or close to the national parks.

Directional drilling not only benefits the customer by reaching oil, gas, or geothermal reservoirs with limited surface areas, but it minimizes environmental degradation.  Japan has a unique situation where estimates state 80% of the undeveloped geothermal resource is within national park boundaries. Utilizing directional drilling expertise, Japan will enable well construction on the outskirts of their national parks, minimizing drilling pad surface locations while maximizing the capture of the geothermal resource.

What do you see as key markets for Scientific Drilling in its geothermal activities? 

Scientific Drilling recognizes Latin America, Asia Pacific, East Africa and Continental Europe as our key markets for incremental growth in geothermal (specifically Chile, Peru, Indonesia, Philippines, Kenya and Turkey). We are aggressively establishing ourselves in Latin America through joint venture allinaces and are expanding our business development efforts in Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa as we speak.

There is a strong competition among other oil drilling and service firms. Where do you see the strengths of Scientific Drilling in particular for serving the geothermal market?  

Scientific Drilling has traditionally differentiated itself by its innovative technology, specifically our gyroscopic technology which is the most accurate and durable in the industry. However, we recognize the rapid commoditization of product offerings and the growing challenge of technology differentiation.  That said, Scientific Drilling will be recognized for a customer experience that makes it easy to do business, delivering customer service and solutions to our customer’s drilling challenges. As an agile, independently operated service company, Scientific Drilling is able to capitalize on this quickly and separate from the competition.

I would like to thank Jayme for taking the time and wish him all the best in his new position.

Geothermal project development takes comparably longer than other renewable energy projects, which has been for years a concern. So uncertainties about government support and incentives schemes, but also lack in financing for projects are resulting in time delayed development and plants coming online.

While the industry has seen an increasing interest and growth in recent years, the lack of drilling finance for the last few years is resulting in rather slow growth in the U.S. So there are concerns that with the ever decreasing government support in the U.S. as laid out in a recent article by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (see article) that growth might stagnate or simply not happen.

So while there are a large number of projects in development with a potential of adding up to 4,900 MW to the grid in the U.S., the current number of drilling rigs drilling on geothermal projects in the U.S. today is rather devastating for any outlook made at the moment.

Currently the rig count is the lowest in the last five years, with currently only four drilling rigs drilling active on geothermal projects in the U.S.

In its monthly oil & gas drilling rig count, Baker Hughes provides an update on drilling rigs active in the North American and international markets. So while 2008 to 2010 saw some growth and stable number of rigs drilling on geothermal projects, the trend of 2011 and continuing into 2012 continues. It is a downward spiral.

No drilling means also no further growth in MW coming online.

Source: Baker Hughes Drilling Rig Count, ThinkGeoEnergy evaluation

The companies now changed the agreement with the result of KUTh Energy keeping a majority stake by limiting Kula Energy to the possibility of earning a stake of limited to 49.8% in the Papua New Guinea subsidiary of KUTh Energy.

The initial agreement of January 11, 2012 covered three exploration licenses to be converted into licenses.

“Under the original deal, Kula would earn interest in KUTh Energy (PNG) Ltd (KPNG) by investing its own equity and human resources to accelerate this conversion or buy all shares in KPNG for A$502,000.

The new deal removes the option to buy all shares in KPNG but rather would grant Kula a 35% equity interest in KPNG if it manages to achieve the grant of at least 1 licence application within 12 months or submits a new application for an additional Exploration Licence over an agreed identified area.

This will increase to 49.8% if Kula achieves both objectives.

The current applications ELA 1671 in West New Britain Province as well as ELA 1672 and ELA 1673 on Ferguson Island are considered to have strong geothermal resource potential though considerable work is needed to secure regulatory, landowner, political and market support.”

Source: KUTh Energy via Proactive Investors

In the interview Jan Bartak, Senior Head of Business Development of International Power – GDF Suez provides an insight into his company’s role and objectives in the geothermal sector. International Power – GDF Suez signed a PPA for two geothermal projects on Sumatra Island in Indonesia earlier this year (see article).

“International Power – GDF Suez is a leading global independent electricity generating company with 75,579 MW in operation and a significant programme of 12,820MW projects under construction.  In Indonesia geothermal generation can make a sizeable contribution to the energy mix and limit excessive reliance on polluting fossil fuels. International Power has the ambition, experience and skills to contribute to this development, work with reliable partners to become a leading geothermal operator in Indonesia.

Which policy changes do you think could accelerate the growth of the industry?

The applicable electricity tariffs are still too low to cover the high costs and risks of geothermal development. The regulatory framework, despite considerable improvement over the last few years, remains complex and the development process is slow. Many regulations are inherited from the oil&gas and/or mining industries without fully considering the specific nature of geothermal development in terms of exploration risks, environmental impacts, power generation business model based on long-term PPAs etc.

What do you predict the region’s geothermal industry will look like in 5-10 years time?

The industry will probably develop at a slower pace than indicated by most current predictions. Geothermal development is complex, bears considerable risks and requires significant upfront capital investments.  With continuous improvement of the regulatory framework, the pace of development of new projects should accelerate in the next 5 years compared to the last 5 years.

Where else does your company operate and how have your experiences compared?

International Power operates globally and has extensive experience in many emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. While the problems facing IPP development are similar in many of these markets, there are numerous examples showing that clear and transparent government policies and regulations can be determining in accelerating IPP development and guarantee sustainable growth of generating capacities, indispensable for social and economic development.”

Event details: website

Source: Green Power Conferences

The fund recently allocated endorsed parts of a $250 million investment plan to promote private and public sector-lead renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and mass-transit urban transport investments.

Ethiopia received funding of $50 million from the CIF under the Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program for Low Income countries (SREP), following meetings in late April/ early May.

Ethiopia’s plan calls for AfDB technical support and investment to implement the Assela wind farm project and Phase II of the Aluto Langano geothermal project. The Bank expects to channel USD 23 million of total SREP financing to Ethiopia.

“The plan will help unlock Ethiopia’s renewable energy potential and share some of the risks. Funds will be applied to technology transfer to reduce the cost of wind energy and to initial drilling and exploration activities of geothermal,” stated Gosaye Mengistie Abayneh, Director of Energy Study and Development in the Ethiopian Ministry of Energy.”

Source: Vanguard

The rest of the budget (or $33 million) will be used for the rehabilitation of the Bacon-Manito geothermal plant, the purchase of brand new rigs and transfer of the Northern Negros geothermal plant to the Nasulo site in the Palinpinon geothermal complex, he said.

The 86-megawatt (MW) Burgos wind project in Ilocos Norte will sell its output depending on the feed-in tariff the government will approve for such renewable energy project.

The company said it will no longer borrow for its capex.

Meanwhile, the transfer of the shuttered Northern Negros geothermal facilities is expected to increase the company’s revenues as it will increase the capacity of the Nasulo site.

“We have two adjacent wells in Nasulo that are over 45-MW but [with an installed capacity of] only 20 MW. So with the move of Northern Negros, [there will be] additional capacity,” Mr. Tantoco said.

“Typically, when you look at geothermal power, one megawatt delivers about P40 million to P45 million per year, so the new capacity will mean almost P1 billion new revenues,” he added.

There is no timeline yet for the transfer of Northern Negros but Mr. Tantoco said the firm will be bidding out a contract by June.

After the Northern Negros plant is moved, EDC will build a much smaller plant in the area. It will have a capacity of 5 MW to 10 MW.

In a separate development, system operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines yesterday said it will expand its the South Luzon Naga substation.

The P355-million project will increase the operational capacity of the substation via a new 100-megavolt ampere transformer.

The project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of the year.”

Source: Business World Online

Several EGS projects have already confirmed their participation for the poster exhibition, among others the EGS project at Bochum.

For further information please contact agentur@enerchange.de

The conference will take place May 25, 2012 in Freiburg Germany. More information via: www.icegs.eu

It is so far unclear how large the geothermal portion of those planned 21,000 MW is, but it shows an interesting direction. While the focus clearly is on solar and with planned and sought after $109 billion in solar investments, seeing geothermal mentioned is a huge step.

Saudi Arabia set up Ka-care as a government agency to oversee the nation’s renewable energy strategy and it is expected that “its plans are likely to be approved later this year”.

The country plans to diversify its energy mix to reduce its dependence on oil, which could allow it to sell the displaced oil on the international markets increasing the IRRs for any renewable investment.

Ka-care estimates that Saudi Arabia’s peak electricity demand will reach 121,000 MW within the next 20 years with about 50 percent of that power generated from hydrocarbon fuel.

Source: Bloomberg

The outlook is described as “rather bleak” with three companies recently having had to cancel their plans to go public in the U.S. in April of this year.

According to the article the main reason seem to be that “Green tech companies tend to dwell in emerging markets, rely on big government support and have yet to show their technologies will gain wide acceptance.  Investing them is riskier.” … and “if the overall stock market is tanking because of broader trends, such as poor job data or lower credit ratings for the U.S. and other countries, then investors will find even fewer reasons to put money in green tech stocks.”

Given the challenges of listed geothermal companies on the stock markets today, it is quite unlikely that there will be a different story for potential geothermal listings.

To read the article referred to see link below.

Source: Forbes

The plant has undergone component commissioning during the past three weeks and has operated at generation levels of up to 9 megawatts net (12 megawatts gross). During commissioning and performance testing, all power generated is sold under the PPA at a rate of $50.00 per megawatt-hour until commercial operation is achieved. Upon acceptance of commercial operation by NV Energy, the power rate will increase to $89.75 per megawatt-hour with a 1% annual escalation.

The EPC contractor is providing its services under a fixed price contract that includes financial guarantees for the original completion date and power output of the plant.”

Source: Company release via Marketwatch

Given stagnating power demand and the continued unclear regulatory framework in its home markets Italy and Spain, Enel Green Power aims at putting a corporate focus on emerging markets and to “raise its profile” in North America.

Enel Green Power is one of the largest geothermal power producers with large renewable energy operations across the world and geothermal energy operations in Italy, North America, Central and South America and Europe.

With its focus on emerging markets in Latin America, it will be interesting to see how fast the company pushes its projects in Chile among other Latin American countries.

As reported by Reuters the company plans to spend about EUR 6 billion ($7.9 billion) worldwide until 2016 to increase its overall power generation capacity by 4,300 MW from 7,100 MW (end of 2011) to 11,400 MW.

Source: Reuters

The legislation could expand geothermal energy production across the state by amending the Hawaii State Planning Act to encourage development of geothermal energy projects on state and public trust land.

“I really believe that the consumer should own the resource because it’s a mineral,” explained Sen. Malama Solomon, who introduced Senate Bills 2001 and 3003.

Geothermal energy is seen as a key option for the state to reach its clean energy goal of 70 percent of energy to come from renewable energy by 2030. Currently the state depends on diesel for most of its electricity supply, with only 10 percent coming from renewables.

Bingaman joins a host of minister-level speakers and geothermal executives who will present at the showcase. Confirmed speakers for the event, to be held on May 23 at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.,  include Minister Emilio Rappaccioli, Ministry of Energy and Mining, Nicaragua; Dr. Fouad Ahmed Aye, Minister of Energy and Water, Republic of Djibouti; Friedo Sielemann, Counselor, Energy and Environment, German Embassy; Freddy Saragih, Fiscal Policy Board, Ministry of Finance, Indonesia; and Dr. Jerrol Thompson, Prime Minister’s Office St. Vincent & Grenadines. Industry speakers include Shuman Moore, CEO, Ram Power; Halley Dickey, Director Geothermal Business Development, TAS Energy; and John Fox, CEO, Electratherm.

“Senator Bingaman had been a leader in advancing policies to expand renewable energy production as one of the keys to a strong economy and environmentally-fit planet,” said Karl Gawell, Executive Director, GEA. “We are thrilled that he will share his vision of how government policies can help clean energy technologies grow with the distinguished roster of world and industry leaders attending the International Showcase.”

Hosted by GEA in alliance with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of State and the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Showcase will highlight geothermal projects, policies and development from the world’s key geothermal markets including the Caribbean, Latin America, East Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. The program will encourage interaction and discussion about government policies, projects in development, market potential and opportunities for U.S. companies. Attendees will also hear from U.S. government agencies involved in export assistance for geothermal companies, and from U.S. companies developing projects overseas. GEA has confirmed attendance from government and industry leaders representing 23 countries. These countries include Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Djibouti, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nevis, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Tanzania, Turkey and the United States.”

Source: GEA release by email

Richard B. Tantoco, EDC president, said profitability should improve over the P615 million ($14.5 million) the company earned last year as one of the generating units of the Bacon-Manito (BacMan) geothermal power plants has gone on stream.

“Ultimately, one of the things this year is BacMan will run for average of about one quarter kasi one unit of BacMan running now,” Tantoco said.

The second largest geothermal company in the world, EDC suffered a drop in its profit to P615 million ($14.5 m) last year from P4.4 billion ($103 million) in 2010 because of repair and rehabilitation work on the BacMan facility and the shutdown of the company’s power plant in Negros.

EDC, which operates the steam field in Sorsogon and Albay where the BacMan plants are located, had to rehabilitate the 130-megawatt power complex after government privatized the facilities in 2009.

As a result, the company had to absorb P1.2 billion ($28 million) in foregone steam field revenues.

The facilities are expected to resume complete commercial operations by the third quarter of this year.

The company’s 49-megawatt Northern Negros geothermal plant, on the other hand, was closed because of deteriorating steam output. EDC suffered a P5 billion ($118 m) impairment loss as a result of the plant’s shutdown.

“Today we are reviewing technologies available [for Northern Negros]” that would involve the transfer of the facility, Tantoco said.

Besides the projected contribution of the BacMan power complex, EDC expects revenues to increase this year with the supply contracts signed with the electric cooperatives, Tantoco added.

Citing analysts’ reports, he said the company should pocket between P6.8 and P7.0 billion ($160-165 m) this year.

For 2012, EDC has programmed a capital expenditure of P20 billion, which will be sourced from internally-generated funds. Of the total amount, P6 billion ($142 m) has been allocated for its planned 86-megawatt Burgos wind project.

The balance will go to the BacMan rehabilitation, acquisition of two new geothermal exploration rigs, drilling of new wells and funding for the transfer of the Northern Negros plant to Nasulo in Southern Negros.

“We have two adjacent wells that are drilled over 45 megawatts [in Nasulo] but installed was only 20 megawatts,” Tantoco said.

Abroad, the company will pursue geothermal projects in Chile, Peru and Indonesia, he added.”

Source: Interaksyon

The towers are provided by Ormat and arrived by ship in the Port of Tauranga.  About 90 truckloads of equipment have been delivered to the site. The cooling system, so the article – is made up out of four structures with a height of 15 meters and a combined length of more than 300 meters.

Mighty River Power’s General Manager Development, Mark Trigg, said delivery of the shipment was an important milestone in the construction of the plant and would enable future works to continue on the original construction schedule. The cooling system plays an integral role in the operations of the plant.

“It’s great to see the progress on site. The foundations for the cooling towers are almost complete and very soon we’ll be able to see the station really begin to take shape. We remain on schedule for completion and commissioning in mid 2013,” said Mr Trigg.

The plant under construction will be 100% owned by Mighty River Power, while Tauhara North No. 2 Trust will receive parts of the expected revenue stream from the plant as royalty for the resource consent.

Source: Voxy.co.nz

TGE is a geothermal energy developer. On November 29, 2011, TGE entered into a Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreement (the “PPA”) with Sabah Electricity Sdn. Bhd. (“SESB”) to supply a capacity of 30 megawatts of electrical power to SESB’s East Coast Sabah power grid. SESB is a utility owned 80% by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, the federally owned electrical generation authority and utility of Malaysia and 20% by the State Government of Sabah. TGE is developing a volcano related geothermal resource known as “Apas Kiri” which is located in southern Sabah near the city of Tawau approximately 100 miles north of Continental’s Bengara-II oil and gas PSC in Indonesia.

TGE will build, own and operate the geothermal power plant and expects to construct it at an estimated total cost of 400 Million Malaysian Ringgit (“MYR”) (approximately US$ 133 Million). TGE plans to commission the plant by the end of 2014 and when completed, it will be Malaysia’s first power plant fired by a geothermal resource.

The PPA provides for a fixed purchase price by SESB of MYR 0.21 per kilowatt hour (approximately US$ 0.07) and a guaranteed off-take of all power the geothermal plant can produce for a fixed term of 21 years from first commercial operation. Over the 21 year life of the PPA, TGE expects to generate about US$ 328 Million in revenues at the PPA price. Additionally, TGE has applied for a Feed-In Tariff incentive from the Malaysian Government which if and when approved, would increase the overall revenue projection.

Further, TGE’s Tawau geothermal power project has been registered and validated with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change under its Clean Development Mechanism program and is enabled to earn certified emission reduction (“CER”) credits during its first ten years of operations. Each CER may be sold and traded on carbon credit exchanges such as BlueNext at a quoted market price (current spot CER price is euro 3.55 each). When operating at its rated capacity of 30 megawatts, the power plant is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 282,400 metric tonnes per year and earn the same number of CERs (1 CER = 1 tonne CO2 reduction). Under its agreement with a third party carbon credit solutions provider, TGE will be entitled to 75% of the CER revenue or about euro 750,000 per year at current CER spot prices.

Continental is purchasing its 10% stake in TGE from an existing TGE shareholder (the “Seller”). Pursuant to a share sale and purchase agreement, Continental will make a combination of cash payments on behalf of or directly to TGE in the form of shareholder loans repayable by TGE to the Seller. The payments will include set amounts per month plus other cash payments from time to time over a 12 month period to a cumulative and maximum amount of 6 Million Malaysian Ringgit (approximately US$ 2 Million). Continental’s payments are to be administered jointly by Continental and the Seller and utilized solely to provide financing for pre-agreed, front-end geothermal resource development costs incurred by, or on behalf of, TGE. In addition, the share sale and purchase agreement provides Continental with the right to appoint one person to TGE’s Board of Directors and the right to designate TGE’s Geotechnical Director. Continental’s Chief Executive Officer, Richard L. McAdoo has accepted the role of Director and he will also act as TGE’s Geotechnical Director for geosciences and geothermal resource exploration, development and exploitation.

Richard McAdoo stated, “This acquisition of a 10% stake in TGE is a milestone event for Continental. It represents that all important, first big-step of our planned expansion into the renewable electrical power generation sector in a high growth region. The countries of Southeast Asia are all aggressively pursuing additional electrical power generation as the solid growth of their economies places unprecedented demand on current electrical generation capacity. As a result, clean, sustainable and renewable energy projects are generating major interest from regional financing sources and are attracting substantial investment incentives from the highest levels of government. The rapid and impressive track record of TGE in bringing the Apas Kiri geothermal project from concept to PPA is an excellent example of one of many attractive business opportunities available to innovative renewable and unconventional energy companies in Southeast Asia. We are extremely pleased to be joining TGE in this business venture and we are confident that our expertise in geological resource evaluation, risk management, and drilling will make a major contribution to TGE’s success.”

Ramzi Raad, TGE’s Managing Director confirmed, “With our PPA in place and other supporting contracts and approvals either in place or in final stages of completion, we are now shifting our corporate focus to implementing development of the Apas Kiri geothermal resource. As a new shareholder, Continental is expected to play a major role in our future success. Continental brings a considerable amount of valuable geological and drilling technical expertise to the table in addition to its financial commitment. Continental’s technical expertise and its long track record of oil and gas operating experience in nearby Indonesia is the perfect complement to TGE’s proven expertise and experience in electrical power generation in Sabah.”

Source: Press Release via Marketwatch

Attention: a similar article appeared about the same plant in 2009 … so if anyone could confirm if this is happening that would be great.

“Yousef Armodeli noted on Tuesday that installing the 5-megawatt (MW) power plant, which is a pilot plant and the first of its kind in the Middle East, will soon be carried out and its power generation capacity will hit 50 MW after more turbines are installed.

“Outside Iran, such [pilot] projects are implemented as a joint project by a number of countries, but in Iran, due to [the country’s] high potentials in renewable energies and skilled experts this is done indigenously,” he added.

The official stated that the power plant which is located near the city of Meshkin-Shahr in northwest Iran will become fully operational during the next Iranian calendar year (to start March 21, 2013).

He said the REOI has so far given the go-ahead for the production of 12,000 MW of energy from renewable sources across Iran.

The official added that the Iranian private sector is supposed to produce 500 MW of renewable energy by the end of the Fifth Economic Development Plan (2015).

Last May, Armodeli announced that the REOI is planning to increase the private sector’s investment in the field to build 5,000 MW of renewable energy power plants.

The Islamic Republic has taken great strides in generating energy from renewable sources, especially wind power.”

Source: PressTV Iran

Annual federal clean tech expenditure had already seen a drop by $10 billion between 2009 and 2011, now that the Recovery Act is wound down. But not a drop of more than 50% expected this year, there will be another decline in 2013 and 2014.

This essentially is devastating for all the renewable energy sectors that are not competitive with conventional energy resources or are dependent on incentives to help with development, such as for geothermal energy.

There is now talk about that despite the drop there won´t be a “clean tech crash”, but it will have to be seen if it will be possible to foster the development of well-designed policies with the upcoming presidential elections in the U.S. this fall and the deadlock between the two houses in Washington.

Source: Finance Yahoo

It is expected that the plant will start operate by the end of 2013 and will have cost approximately $126 million. The project has secured a 20-year power purchase agreement with local utility.

“We are pleased to begin another major geothermal project in the US, an industry in which EGP is already a strong player in that country, with two innovative systems using binary technology in Nevada, one of which, Stillwater, is also paired with a photovoltaic system, the first of its kind in the world,” said Francesco Starace, CEO of Enel Green Power (EGP). “Cove Fort will contribute its capacity to Enel Green Power’s existing net installed geothermal capacity in the US, currently amounting to 47MW.”

Source: Enel Green Power Release

Steve has over 30 years of leadership experience in the renewable energy industry including geothermal development and operations for companies including Unocal, Geothermal Resources International and FPL Energy (FPLE).

He helped develop over 100 MWs of geothermal resources at the Geysers geothermal field in northern California and led FPLE’s regulatory strategy for their 500 MWs of assets during the California energy crisis in 1999-2000. Most recently he was Director of Renewable Energy at NV Energy. He further served for years as a Board Member of the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA).

Steve obtained a BA and MA from the University of Southern California and a JD from Southwestern University.

Steve is committed to serving the global geothermal community and developing relationships that will enhance the development of geothermal energy utilization.”

Source: GRC release via PR Web

The key driver for the rating downgrade are:

Geothermal Resource Depletion: Coso’s average net capacity declined over 5% to 170 megawatts (MW) in 2011 from approximately 180MW in 2010. The continued decline in capacity is reducing revenues, and lowering cash flows to levels that are not sufficient to meet debt obligations.

Interesting fact is though that this would set the price at $7 million for 1 MW installed capacity, which seems outrageously high.

Production from the new plants could start as early as 2014 with expected construction duration of about 30 months.

Source: Press Democrat

Sinopec Group is China’s largest petroleum and petrochemical company and the fifth largest company in the world according to the Fortune Global 500 for 2011. Its main operations are related to the production and distribution of oil, gas, coal and other sources of energy, along with a variety of related operations and various chemical industries. In recent years, the company has directed its attention to harnessing geothermal power and sustainable energy production through its subsidiary Sinopec Star Petroleum Company Limited, which has a 51% holding in SGE together with the 49% holding of Orka Energy. Orka Energy became involved in the project last year when it acquired the operations of Geysir Green Energy and REI.

SGE has about 260 employees, and the company currently heats in excess of 6 million m² of commercial and residential buildings with geothermal power. The newly made agreement allows for the company’s owners to invest up to an additional USD 60 million going forward. The plan will expand heating operations to a target of 30 million m² by the end of 2015 and 100 million m² by the end of 2020. In addition to this, a project will be launched related to electricity production and to other environmentally friendly uses of geothermal power.

Fu Chengyu, Chairman of the Board of Sinopec Group said, “I’m extremely pleased with the ambitious objectives set by SGE for the coming years. Cooperation with Orka Energy has worked well, and it is both enjoyable and inspires confidence to have Icelandic ingenuity and knowledge by our side for the tasks ahead of us.”

Haukur Hardarson, Chairman of the Board of Orka Energy remarked, “This agreement underlines the good cooperation that has existed between the parties in the past years and the reciprocal trust that has developed between us. We will make every effort to employ, in a variety of ways, the significant knowledge that exists in Iceland on harnessing geothermal energy, both through consultancy and through participation by Icelandic parties in the development and operation of geothermal projects throughout the world.”

Source: Release of Orka Energy

UNELCO & KUTh unite to make geothermal electricity a reality for Vanuatu. With the Power Purchase Agreement close to being finalised, over half of Port Vila’s electricity could be supplied from a clean, renewable, local resource.

“This is a tremendous step towards energy independence,” said UNELCO Chairman, Yves Morault. “As with the wind power at Devils Point we are committed to the Government policy of finding clean renewable solutions to electricity in Vanuatu.”

“KUTh has undertaken a very comprehensive geothermal exploration program and the next stage drilling is all that is needed to prove the geothermal potential. We are keen to see this project succeed,” explained Mr Morault.

The geothermal project will involve at least two stages, firstly a 4 MW plant due to come online in 2015 to be followed by a further 4 MW two or three years later. “That will mean over half of Port Vila’s electricity will be supplied from a clean, renewable, local resource and will provide a great boost to economic development around the new coastal ring road,” Mr Morault continued.

“Plans are already underway for the power lines needed to connect Port Vila to the geothermal power plant at Takara. It is now very important that final government approvals are implemented so that KUTh can commence the drilling.” Geothermal electricity is produced from steam using hot water that is trapped underground. Holes are drilled 2 to 3 kilometres deep to reach the hot water reservoir and bring it to the surface. This powerful resource is then used to turn a turbine that produces electricity. The hot water is later returned to the reservoir deep underground.

Over the last two years experts appointed by the World Bank have reviewed the exploration data produced by KUTh. They concluded that geothermal power from Takara produces the lowest cost power supply addition for Efate under a broad range of conditions, and would generate net economic benefits for Vanuatu. The World Bank study further confirmed that KUTh’s development strategy is sound and recognises that the highly specialised nature of geothermal development will require skills from the private sector.

“We have actually been working in Vanuatu since 2009,” commented KUTh Managing Director, David McDonald, “and we are really excited to see that an independent team of experts has endorsed our strategy.

“The critical next stage is drilling exploration holes into the geothermal reservoir area,” Mr McDonald went on to explain. “This is a high cost operation. Once final government approvals are completed power purchase arrangements can be finalised and we will bring the drilling rig to Efate to start the project.”

“This is an excellent project for Vanuatu. It is good for the investors, good for the community, good for the environment and great for the economy. Through the close cooperation of UNELCO, KUTh and the Government, we are now reaching the point where this project can start.”

Mr McDonald concluded by saying, “I would like to publicly thank those in the government who have had the foresight to support the project and accelerate the final agreements and legislative requirements. This project is a significant step in reducing dependence on imported diesel fuel and a giant leap towards energy independence.”

Commenting on the press release KUTh managing director said “This joint release reflects the strong cooperation that exists between UNELCO and KUTh. Now that the World Bank
report has been completed and submitted to the government we expect that momentum for this project will increase. We have a few regulatory issues to deal with and our people on
the ground are working with the government and UNELCO to address the outstanding items.”

David McDonald further added “Vanuatu is the first project in a portfolio of diesel replacement projects being compiled by KUTh. We have recently announced the successful tender award for KUTh to carry out gradient drilling in Saipan with grant support from the US government. We are also making good progress toward securing the Fiji tenements. The experience of Vanuatu, coupled with the equipment and team that are being assembled for drilling, will position the company well for replicating the model.”

The Vanuatu project

KUTh is planning the development of a two stage geothermal project on the main island of Vanuatu (Efate). Deep drilling is planned to commence in 2012 to delineate the geothermal resource.

Subject to successful drilling;

• The first stage is a 4MW (net) power plant targeted for completion in 2014/2015;
• The second stage is a duplicate 4MW (net) power plant to service the increasing electricity demand. This demand is predicted to come online as a result of new development along the recently completed sealed coastal ring road.

KUTh’s goal is to deliver a clean indigenous power project to Vanuatu at a price that will be more than competitive with existing diesel generated power. With the high (unpredictable) costs associated with diesel power generation ( April 2012 base electricity tariff for Vanuatu is 55.52 Vatu per KWh (AUD 59c)) geothermal power can offer not only lower pricing but stability in prices and important energy security for Vanuatu.

Consultants appointed by the World Bank have had the opportunity to carry out due diligence on KUTh’s exploration program. Their report concurs on the resource target selected by KUTh and the scale of operations required to meet the existing base load and future needs of Efate.

Source: KUTh Energy release by email

The funding is given to the National Energy Authority and Rannís in Iceland and eight European Energy Agencies. The Icelandic Energy Authority will be the project manager and receive EUR 600,000 ($780,000) of the funding.”

In cooperation with GEORG (Geothermal research group) and Rannis, NEA applied for the GEOTHERMAL ERA-NET grant from the European Commission last winter. Behind the application, are in addition to NEA and Rannis eight institutions from the following eight countries in Europe: The Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Turkey and Slovakia. When choosing the countries for the cooperation, the main focus was on objectives regarding the use of geothermal and how their plans would go hand in hand with the goal of the European Union to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

The GEOTHERMAL ERA-NET cooperation will last for four years and it is anticipated that the project will eventually support geothermal research in Europe. That could lead to greater cooperation between energy agencies and ministries in Europe and make it possible for them to work on common goals. One of the objectives of GEOTHERMAL ERA NET is to create a European Geothermal Database.

GEOTHERMAL ERA-NET is different from other conventional research projects since in this case the grant is for cooperation and coordination of the research plan of the countries involved but not for direct research. The GEOTHERMAL ERA-NET is the first step towards a coordinated research in the EU through the so-called SET-plan (European Strategic EnergyTechnology Plan).

Source: National Energy Authority of Iceland

“Funds will support phase one of an exploratory well drilling program over 12 months starting May 2012, including site preparation and access works, drilling, supervision and testing. A group currently drilling in Dominica will assess potential sites and make a decision on tendering for the project.”

The group active in Dominica includes Icelandic geothermal drilling company Iceland Drilling and Iceland GeoSurvey (ISOR).

Source: Cospp.com

“A preliminary memorandum of intent has been entered into with Holcim (Australia) to site the geothermal power plant at Holcim’s Moriac quarry, 8.5 kilometres north-northwest of Alcoa’s (ASX: AAI) brown coal-fired power station at Anglesea, Victoria.

Mark Miller, Greenearth Energy managing director, said in selecting this particular site the company has sought to address many of the topics raised via the site selection process.

“Being located in an industrial extractive industry zone, in an existing operating quarry, close to established infrastructure attempts to ensure that any environmental and amenity impact of a geothermal operation will be significantly minimised.”

Stage 1 of the project involves the drilling of an initial well into the hot sedimentary geothermal aquifer to a depth of about 4,000 metres in an attempt to bring hot water to the surface.

Greenearth will conduct short term tests to assess temperature, geothermal fluid flow rate and formation permeability.

Following successful results, the company will then drill a second well which would establish proof of concept and pave the way for development of the second stage.”

For the full release and details see link below.

Source: Proactive Investors

“In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, EDC said the agreement will set up project companies for each of the Longavi geothermal concession in Chile, and the Chocopata and Quellaapacheta geothermal authorizations in Peru.

The project companies will allow the joint venture to commence exploration activities at the said sites.

Under the signed SHA, EDC will hold 70 percent of the outstanding capital stock of each of the project companies, while HRL will take the remaining 30 percent.

In February, EDC said it acquired a 70-percent stake in four geothermal projects in Chile and Peru. “We are pleased with the speedy conclusion of the negotiations with HRL as we now look forward to starting exploration work in what we view as attractive geothermal concessions in both Chile and Peru. These projects will showcase EDC expertise and help elevate the company as a Philippine corporate champion on the world stage,” Federico Lopez, EDC Chairman and Chief Executive, earlier said.

EDC said HRL acquired 23 geothermal tenements across Chile, Peru and Australia. With an experienced and accomplished geothermal team, EDC said HRL has been among the first to identify and obtain some of the most attractive concession areas in Latin America.

As the world’s largest integrated geothermal power producer, EDC and HRL now seeks to accelerate the development of the projects and offer a clean, reliable and indigenous source of energy to the people of Chile and Peru.

EDC and HRL are looking at the possibility of expanding the scope of partnership by including the latter’s other sites.

With the recent confirmation by the Chilean Ministry of Energy of the award to EDC of the Newen, San Rafael and Batea geothermal exploration concession areas to be exclusively developed by EDC, the company boasts a portfolio of geothermal exploration projects in Chile.

EDC said a full team of geothermal scientists will be deployed to Chile this month to start development activities on the joint-venture projects and EDC granted projects.

With over 35 years of experience in developing geothermal power projects in the Philippines, EDC now looks to leverage its technical expertise and expand its operations globally.

EDC has also submitted 13 applications for geothermal concessions in Chile, and is also looking at opportunities to develop geothermal projects in Indonesia and Kenya.

EDC is the world’s largest integrated producer of geothermal power and the acknowledged global leader in wet steam technology. EDC is engaged in the exploration, development and optimization of geothermal fields, as well as the operation and maintenance of the geothermal power plants with an aggregate capacity of 1,130 megawatts.

“The acquisition of these concessions in Latin America are the first steps in realizing our vision to establish a global presence and further solidify our position as the pre-eminent international leader in geothermal power development,” Lopez said.”

Source: Philippines Business Mirror

The program starts June 18 and ends August 10, 2012. It features 8 modules of various elements on geothermal energy project development.

The University was chosen to host the eight-week session of courses last year by a cooperative of top geothermal schools due to its expertise in geothermal research and exploration and the abundance of geothermal activity in Nevada. Nevada has the largest amount of geothermal energy of any state in the nation, with local and national leaders pledging support and funding to help develop the technology necessary to both increase energy production and reduce its cost.

Last year the academy attracted a global audience due to increased demands for geothermal energy across the world.

“The National Geothermal Academy is drawing a strong student audience again in 2012, and international participation has increased significantly,” said Wendy Calvin, Director of the Great Basin Center for Geothermal Energy. “We are creating a program that will benefit geothermal development not just in the state, but nationwide and worldwide.”

The academy runs from June 18 to Aug. 10, and features a wide variety of geothermal professionals and professors, including personnel from Cornell University, the University of Calgary, Southern Methodist University, the Oregon Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of Utah, and West Virginia University, as well as recognized industry leaders and consultants.

Attendees will visit a number of geothermal power production sites and plants to learn about the engineering and financing aspects of geothermal production. Topics covered during the eight-week course include geothermal energy utilization, geothermal geology and geochemistry, geophysics, drilling and reservoir engineering, power plant design and construction and environmental policy principles.

For more information about the academy, visit http://www.unr.edu/geothermal/NGA.htm

Source: University of Nevada, Reno via AltEnergyMag

The subcommittee of the state Environmental Council now heard from potential geothermal developers in the state on why the State Land Department should be allowed to waive certain environmental regulations.

The cost and timelines of the current rules make it restrictive to explore in this state,” said Bill Sherman, land manager for Ormat Technolgies, that owns the 30 megawatt geothermal plant in Puna on the Big Island.

After hearing testimony, the seven member subcommittee approved three environmental exemptions for geothermal exploration. They include non-invasive testing and analysis, the issuance of leases on state or reserved lands, and the drilling of exploration wells.”

On May 17, the full 15-member Environmental Council is to approve the exemptions, which would allow the State Land Department to drop costly environmental assessments from geothermal exploration projects.

Source: KITV

The head of Enel Green Power North America, Francesco Venturini and Governor Brian Sandoval were present at the inauguration ceremony at the plant and praised the plant for its unique combination of two renewable energy sources for power generation.

The combined plant has an installed capacity of 26 MW. At the ceremony Venturini said: “The integration of the two technologies brings significant benefits such as increasing production when thermal efficiency of he geothermal unit is lowest; more delivery during peak hours, enabling a more load-following production profile; cost savings due to shared infrastructure including transmission interconnection, and less environmental footprint per unit of renewable energy produce and delivered.”

He further praised the local utility NV Energy, the community and how Churchill County has backed the completion. The support of Senator Harry Reid also was very welcome along the way.

Video:

Source and further details about the plant: Lahonton Valley News

The winners will honored at the GRC Annual Member Meeting and Awards Luncheon, the climax to the GRC Annual Meeting being held at the Peppermill Resort Spa in Reno, Nevada, USA from September 30 – October 3. The theme for this year’s meeting is Geothermal: Reliable, Renewable, Global.

“The recipients of these awards often have a lifetime of achievement in the geothermal academic, scientific and commercial communities”, said GRC Interim Executive Director Steve Ponder. “The GRC Awards recognizes the contributions of these individuals to the geothermal sector.”

The Joseph W. Aidlin Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the Geothermal Resources Council and to the development of geothermal resources.

The Geothermal Pioneer Award is given for outstanding achievements in the development of geothermal resources. It recognizes the pioneering efforts of members of the geothermal community who have made lasting contributions to the industry, worldwide.

The Henry J. Ramey, Jr. Geothermal Reservoir Engineering Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the field of geothermal reservoir engineering.

The Ben Holt Geothermal Power Plant Award honors outstanding achievement in the field of geothermal power plant design and construction.

The Special Achievement Award recognizes special or outstanding achievements in any aspect of geothermal energy development and related areas.

More information on the GRC Awards, including a nomination form, can be found on the GRC website [www.geothermal.org . The deadline for nominations is June 29, 2012.

Source: GRC release via SF Gate

EnBW is a large power utility in Germany. Does EnbW see geothermal energy as an active part of its business and if so where is EnBW active in the sector?

EGS is a classical research and development topic for EGS. Conventional hydrothermal plants have already been able to be economically viable, particularly around the city of Munich in Southern Germany.

The focus of EnbW though lies though on the Upper Rhine Valley in the South-West of Germany, but the company also follows closely international activities in this segment.

EGS is often described as the great future for the geothermal sector. How does EnBW look at EGS?

As it allows the utilization of geothermal energy independent of geological conditions, EGS is very attractive for EnBW. Therefore EnBW not only looks at EGS for potential deployment, but actively participates in the development of the technology at the project of Soultz.

EGS is still considered too costly for wider application. What do you consider as the key cost elements for EGS projects?

In reality EGS are technically not much more expensive than conventional hydrothermal projects. An additional cost factor is only the hydraulic stimulation. The further deployment and development of EGS projects is therefore less dependent on needed investments rather than social acceptance. Therefore, EnBW puts a strong effort on his particular topic. An example is the project by the European Union called GEOLEC, but also several initiatives by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment that EnBW participates in.

When do you think will the first commercial EGS project produce geothermal power successfully ?

The economic success of EGS projects depends particularly on the local geology. In regions with great conditions, EGS can already today provide a considerable contribution to the profitability of a geothermal power plant.  In this context classic steam resources come to mind.

Today, low enthalpy regions, typical for central Europe, already provide an economical application of EGS technology for the distribution of geothermal heat depending on local conditions, such as the existence of a heat distribution infrastructure. This is based on research by the University of Stuttgart and EnBW.

For the generation of power from EGS projects though, particular frameworks such as incentive schemes in the form of e.g. the Feed-in-Tariff system in Germany, are a crucial prerequisite.

EGS technologies can also be applied to conventional projects, e.g. to help stimulate dry wells. How do you see the chances for EGS in this context for the next few years?

Personally, I don´t see EGS as a “plan B” for conventional geothermal projects. Realistically, EGS projects require much higher planning effort, such as the specific technical determination of the geological prerequisites and the corresponding drilling. Therefore I don´t believe an upgrade from conventional to EGS will be successful.

What markets will be the fastest in the application of EGS technology?

Nations with a high demand for energy from renewable sources are likely to be the first, as intermediate results of the GEOLEC project by the EU show. I also think that EGS technology will be applied increasingly for efficiency increases in regions with natural steam resources.

What position has Germany when it comes to EGS?

From an early time on, Germany has supported the demonstration project in Soultz, with scientists, but also through financial support by the German federal government and various utilities such as EnBW. The experience gained from the project guarantee a considerable know-how advantage.

It is therefore not surprising that the team of Soultz is sought-after for international conferences and meetings.