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Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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National News 4
PTC a Hot Topic on the Campaign Trail, and in a New DOE Report
GEA Geothermal Energy Expo 2012 to Host World’s Largest Gathering of the Geothermal Business Community in Reno
Green Bonds Could Raise $50 Billion for Clean Energy
Senate Energy Committee Holds Full Committee Field Hearing on Climate Change and the Intermountain West
Company News 8
Ram Power: Record Revenue Announced for Second Quarter 2012
RE & Climate Change 9
U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Drop 2.4% in 2011
Annual Renewable Distributed Energy Generation Installations to Triple by 2017
Agriculture Announces Funding to Boost RE Production, Reduce Energy Consumption
Clean Energy Patents at Quarterly High
State News 11
California: Geothermal Bills Move Forward
Oregon: State’s Geothermal Portfolio Expected to Increase before Year’s End
West Virginia: NETL Researcher of Geothermal and Shale Gas Wins Technical Achievement Award
International News 13
Europe
Turkey: Sonsuzluk Awarded Six New Geothermal Concessions
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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Africa
Tanzania: Geothermal Engineering to Begin Drill Work in Tanzania
Pacific
Australia: First Stage of Cooper Basin Venture Nears Completion
Japan: Public Meeting Held on Geothermal Projects in National Parks
Northern Marianas Islands: What does Diesel Power Purchase Mean for Geothermal Contract, Company Asks
Philippines: EDC Posts Gain and Signs to Protect Wildlife
Notices 16
New This Week
GEA-USAID Initiative: East Africa Geothermal Energy Program
Comment on Draft Strategies, USGS (due Sept. 1)
USTR Seeks Comment on Foreign Trade Barriers, Annual National Trade Estimate Report (due Oct. 15)
U.S. Embassy Promoting Businesses at Cape Verde International Fair 2012, Praia, Cape Verde (Nov. 14-18)
Featured Notices
GEA Members Meeting Announced: Call for Nominations
Kenya: GeoSteam Services Ltd seeks U.S. Companies for Providing Geo-Related Goods/Services
Innovations in Geothermal Exploration Abstract, AGU Meeting
Calif. Cleantech Trade Mission to China Seeks Geothermal Participants (due Sept. 28)
Employment 22
Featured Jobs
Senior Mechanical Engineer, GeoTek Energy LLC, Dallas TX
Requests for Proposals 24
New This Week
Army Announces $7 Billion Action to Support Renewable Energy (Oct. 5)
Featured RFPs
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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RE Generation, Southwestern Public Service Company (October 1)
RE Projects, Southern California Public Power Authority (November 30)
Events 25
GEA and GEA-Sponsored Events
GEA Geothermal Energy Expo® and GRC Annual Meeting, Reno NV (Sept. 30-Oct. 2)
Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America (co-located with Power-Gen International), Orlando, Fla.
(December 11–13)
Featured Events
20th Annual Congress of the AGM and 1st Latin-American Geothermal Congress, Mich., Mexico (September 26-28)
Geothermal Workshop, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Philippines (October 21–24)
34th New Zealand Geothermal Workshop, Aotea Centre, Auckland (November 19-21)
4th African Rift Geothermal Conference, Nairobi (November 21-23)
Geothermal Energy Utilization Associated with Oil & Gas Development, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas
(March 12-14, 2013)
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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National News
PTC a Hot Topic on the Campaign Trail, and in a New DOE Report
Discussion on the future production tax credits for renewable energy technologies continues. Before the August recess, the
Senate Finance Committee voted to approve legislation that includes extending the tax credit for wind energy for one year
and redefines qualifications for projects. Geothermal and other eligible technologies would qualify new projects for the
production tax credit if they are "under construction" by January 1, 2014, whereas now the law defines the benefit only for
projects that are on-line by the end of 2014.
While Congress at large has yet to act on the expiring wind tax credit, and with geothermal’s expiration date to follow next
year, renewable energy tax credit opinions are now a campaign distinction, as Obama and Romney campaigns for President
of the United States have taken clear, opposing stances.
"My opponent and I disagree when it comes to homegrown energy like wind. Wind power is creating new jobs all across
Iowa. But Gov. Romney says he wants to end the tax credit for wind energy producers," Obama said in Iowa, as quoted by
Eenews.net/Greenwire/.
From the Obama administration, additionally, a new Department of Energy report/ shows that stable policy support
boosted wind installations and manufacturing in recent years. The report says expiration of the tax credit could mean
major losses for the industry.
"With a stable policy environment with the production tax credit ... that predictability has given American businesses the
ability to really invest in the whole supply chain here in the United States," David Danielson, DOE's assistant secretary for
energy efficiency and renewable energy, said in an interview today.
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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Already, the Danish company Vestas, which is the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, cut about 100 jobs out of 450
at its Pueblo, Colo., tower factory. Vestas has said it would cut 1,600 American jobs if the tax credit is not renewed, E&E
News/ reported.
GEA Geothermal Energy Expo 2012 to Host World’s Largest Gathering of the Geothermal Business
Community in Reno
Exhibit floor 95 percent sold out; Expo Visitor Registration now open -- RENO (August 20, 2012) – Reno is the world’s
business center for the geothermal industry, and Nevada accounts for almost half of the country’s current projects in
development. On this stage, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) will host the Geothermal Energy Expo, the world's
largest gathering of the companies that provide services and products for geothermal resource exploration,
characterization, development, production and management. The GEA Geothermal Energy Expo 2012 will be held from
September 30-October 3 at the Peppermill Resort and Casino in Reno in conjunction with the GRC Annual Meeting. Expo
visitor registration is now open.
“The GEA Geothermal Expo has become a valuable forum for industry developments and dialogue, and every year we
attract more national and international industry leaders and exhibitors who see real value in the connections for buyers and
sellers,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. The Expo has not only become a marketplace for national buyers and
sellers, but also a hub for international business, from which the U.S. geothermal industry can particularly benefit. In 2011,
exhibitors from 13 different countries and visitors from many more participated in the Expo, and this year representation is
expected from countries including Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Iceland,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and the United States.
Nationally, Nevada is steadily claiming its position as a leading developer of geothermal capacity with 59 projects in
development, accounting for more than 2,000 MW. Four of the seven geothermal plants that came online in the past year
are in Nevada, including Tuscarora and McGinness Hills (Ormat Technologies), San Emidio (U.S. Geothermal), and Beowawe
2 (Terra-Gen/TAS Energy). Additionally, all three of the 2012 GEA Honors award recipients are either based in Nevada or
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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bringing plants online in the state, including Enel Green Power North America (Technological Advancement), Ram Power
(Economic Development), and Ormat Technologies, Inc. (Environmental Stewardship). “Returning to the hub of the
geothermal industry is exciting because of the contributions that the state is making to the geothermal economy,” Gawell
noted.
GEA points to over 4,500 MW of geothermal power under development in Nevada, California and Oregon to underscore
that geothermal power can continue to play a significant role in meeting the United States’ clean energy needs, by replacing
older energy technologies such as coal. Nevada is No. 1 in the nation for installed geothermal energy capacity per person.
Reno is the only major metro area that produces enough geothermal energy to meet its entire residential load, and the
region features a high concentration of raw geothermal resources with strategic geographic access to California and other
Western states.
Event organizers expect more than 2,000 attendees from the United States and abroad to walk the Expo floor. The
complete exhibitor list is available at http://www.geothermalenergy2011.com/exhibitors.asp. The Expo is made possible by
Gold Level sponsor Ormat, Bronze level sponsor Pratt & Whitney, as well as sponsors Geothermal Resource Group, TNG
Energy Services and Calpine.
For information on visitor registration, please visit this link. Student registration is complimentary with valid student ID.
For more information about exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kathy Kent at [email protected].
Requests for media credentials should be directed to Shawna Seldon at the Rosen Group, 917 971 7852 or
[email protected]. Join the conversation on Twitter by following GEA at @geoenergist and #GEAExpo.
Green Bonds Could Raise $50 Billion for Clean Energy
Via Sustainable Energy Coalition and SustainableBusiness.com/ -- The "Clean Energy Victory Bonds Act of 2012" (HR 6275)
sponsored by Representative Bob Filner (D-CA) and 10 co-sponsors lays the framework for bonds that would help extend
critically important federal energy incentive programs by up to a decade, including the endangered wind production tax
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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credit set to expire at the end of the year. Investors could get in on the bonds by putting up as little as $25. The ultimate
goal is to raise $50 billion that could inspire more than $150 billion in public and private finance for clean energy. Aside
from supporting the wind PTC, the bonds would be used to extend existing credits and incentives for solar energy,
geothermal heat pumps, fuel cells, microturbines, combined heat and power systems, and advanced biofuels. They would
also support the creation of vouchers to offset the purchase price for plug-in electric vehicles, grants for the installation of
electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and for certain energy efficiency and green building projects. The bill's sponsors
believe the investments enabled by the bonds could create at least 1.7 million in competitive US green jobs, and help
reduce the nation's dependence on foreign sources of energy.
Senate Energy Committee Holds Full Committee Field Hearing on Climate Change and the
Intermountain West
On August 17, the Senate Energy Committee held a full committee field hearing on Climate Change and the Intermountain
West, hosted in New Mexico – Chairman Jeff Bingaman’s home state. The hearing took a look at the current and future
impacts of climate change on the Intermountain West. “The intent of this hearing is to receive testimony that puts the
recent fires into a greater historical context, to unravel the factors that contributed to their severity, and to understand
how climate change has and is expected to continue to change the landscape and ecosystems of the Intermountain West,”
Bingaman said in his opening remarks.
Chairman Bingaman put the hearing in context of recent wildfires that have been plaguing Western states. “The National
Research Council examined historical wildfire data as part of its America’s Climate Choices report, and found that ‘over the
past 30 years, large and long-duration forest fires in the American West have increased fourfold, the length of the fire
season has expanded by 2.5 months, and the size of wildfires has increased several-fold.’ The study further attributed the
increase in wildfire activity to climate change, stating that climate change has likely contributed to a significant increase in
big forest fires in the West,” Bingaman said.
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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The archives from the hearing are available on the Committee Web site, Energy.senate.gov/. Witnesses included The
Honorable Walter Dasheno, Governor, Santa Clara Pueblo, Espanola, NM; Dr. Craig Allen, Research Ecologist, U.S.
Geological Survey, Los Alamos, NM; Dr. Nate McDowell, Staff Scientist, Earth and Environmental Sciences Division, Los
Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM; Dr. Kelly T. Redmond, Regional Climatologist/Deputy Director, Western
Regional Climate Center, Reno, Nevada; and Dr. William DeBuys, Writer and Historian, Chamisal, NM.
Company News
Ram Power: Record Revenue Announced for Second Quarter 2012
Press Release (Reno, NV) 08/14/12 -- Ram Power, Corp. (TSX: RPG), a renewable energy company focused on the
development, production and sale of electricity from geothermal energy, is pleased to announce its operating results for
the second quarter ended June 30, 2012. This earnings release should be read in conjunction with Ram Power's financial
statements, and management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A"), which are available on the Company's website at
www.ram-power.com and have been posted on SEDAR at www.sedar.com/.
Quarter Highlights: The achievement of commercial operation of the Phase I expansion at San Jacinto in January 2012 led to
record revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for the three and the six
months ended June 30, 2012. The Company recorded revenue of $7 million and EBITDA of $6.9 million for the quarter, and
revenue of $13.4 million and EBITDA of $9.5 million year-to-date.
Significant highlights include: Revenue increased 560% and 547% for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012,
respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011; EBITDA increased $12.6 million and $20.8 million for the three and six
months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. The San Jacinto-Tizate Phase I expansion
(the "Phase I Expansion") operated with a net capacity factor of 97%, and 98% availability for the quarter; The San Jacinto-
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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Tizate Phase II expansion (the "Phase II Expansion") continues to progress on schedule and on budget, with a projected
Commercial Operation Date of December 2012.
RE & Climate Change
U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Drop 2.4% in 2011
Via Sustainable Energy Coalition and U.S. Energy Information Administration/ -- After an increase in 2010 of 3.3%, energy-
related carbon dioxide emissions declined in 2011 by 2.4% and were 526 million metric tons (9%) below the 2005 level.
Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions have declined in the United States in four out of the last six years. After two years
of declining carbon dioxide emissions (2008 and 2009) and one year of increasing emissions (2001), carbon dioxide
emissions in 2011 fell, but at a less dramatic rate than in 2009. Unlike 2009, the 2011 decline occurred during a year of
positive growth in the Gross Domestic Product. In 2011, GDP grew by 1.8%, but emissions decreased by 2.4% (136 million
metric tons). This indicates that the carbon intensity of the economy declined by about 4.2%. The 2011 decrease is only the
fourth year since 1990 to experience a decline in carbon intensity of greater than 3.5% for the economy as a whole and only
the sixth year since 1990 to experience an emissions decline.
Annual Renewable Distributed Energy Generation Installations to Triple by 2017
Via Sustainable Energy Coalition and Pike Research/ -- Distributed renewable installations today represent far less than one
percent of total worldwide electricity generating capacity, but according to a new report, “Renewable Distributed Energy
Generation”, they will expand rapidly over the next half-decade. Annual worldwide installations of renewable distributed
generation will nearly triple between 2012 and 2017, the report concludes, reaching 63.5 gigawatts a year in 2017. Nearly
232 GW of distributed renewable will be added over that five-year period. The large majority of new installations will be
solar photovoltaics. Solar PV manufacturers have delivered on their promise to drive down costs and scale up production.
Worldwide solar PV module production capacity reached an estimated 50 GW by the end of 2011, according to the report,
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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as module costs dropped from roughly $4.00 per watt in 2006 to $1.00 per watt in 2011. New solar PV additions will total
210 GW from 2012 to 2017.
Agriculture Announces Funding to Boost RE Production, Reduce Energy Consumption
Via Sustainable Energy Coalition and U.S. Department of Agriculture/ -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced
that 106 projects in 29 states, Guam and Puerto Rico have been selected for funding to produce renewable energy and
make energy efficiency improvements. Funding is made available through USDA Rural Development's Rural Energy for
America Program, which is authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill. REAP provides grants and loan guarantees for agricultural
producers and rural small businesses to reduce energy consumption and costs, use renewable energy technologies in their
operations and conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy projects.
Clean Energy Patents at Quarterly High
Via Sustainable Energy Coalition and RenewableEnergyWorld.com -- The Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI),
published quarterly by the Cleantech Group at Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. provides an indication of the trend of
innovative activity in the Clean Energy sector from 2002 to the present. Results from the Q1 2012 reveal the CEPGI to have
a value of 694 granted U.S. patents, the highest quarter since tracking of the CEPGI began and up 154 over the first quarter
of 2011. The components breakdown of the CEPGI shows fuel cells to be down 19 patents relative to the 4th quarter of last
year at 232 and being down 18 relative to the year before. More breakdown follows:
•With 188 granted solar patents, solar has once again topped the remaining components of the CEPGI, and its closest
competitor, wind at 157.
•Solar and wind were tied the previous quarter at 143. This quarter, wind was up by 14 (to 157) and solar up by 45. Both
technologies also greatly exceeded the results of the first quarter of 2011 with wind topping the previous year by 71 and
solar up 50.
•Hybrid/Electric vehicle patents numbered 62, up two relative to the 4th quarter and up 24 as compared to a year prior.
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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•There were 36 biomass/biofuel patents, up 2 from the 4th quarter and more than double relative to the 1st quarter of
2011.
•Hydroelectric patents (5) were up four compared to the quarter of a year prior and down one as compared to the 4th
quarter.
•Tidal patents were up six at 22 from the 4th quarter and up 13 over the year before.
State News
California: Geothermal Bills Move Forward
A bill related to geothermal energy, authored by Asm. V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella), passed the state legislature on August
16 and is now up for consideration by the Governor. AB 2205 states that existing regulations for geothermal plants would
also apply to new clean processes for extracting beneficial materials such as lithium, from geothermal brine in closed loop
systems. “This bill helps provide green resources to build out the green economy,” Pérez told press. “By ensuring the code
reflects new technological innovations, we can help our state remain competitive and encourage business development,
while meeting our emissions reduction goals.”
In addition, AB 2339 (Williams/V.M. Perez), also related to geothermal energy, was approved by the Senate Appropriations
Committee and now heads to the Senate Floor. The bill requires the California Energy Commission, to evaluate and
recommend policies in the geothermal industry in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, the Air Resources
Board, and other stakeholders, and to implement strategies for overcoming barriers.
Oregon: State’s Geothermal Portfolio Expected to Increase before Year’s End
An article on Sustainablebusinessoregon.com/ focuses on geothermal energy in Oregon, citing up to 19 projects in
development in the state (GEA’s “2012 US Geothermal Power Production and Development Report/” (April 2012)
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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confirmed 16). Using the GEA’s report as a source, the article explains the majority of the projects (nine) were reported as
being in a first phase of development, meaning rights were secured and pre-drilling exploration and transmission analysis
was complete. Two others had proceeded to the permit, drilling and feasibility study stage. In three cases, including the
utility projects, had permits and studies completed, and full-sized wells were already drilled.
Dan Kunz, CEO of U.S. Geothermal Inc. (NYSE: HTM) told press his company’s project at Neal Hot Springs, now nearly
complete, was helped along by a Business Energy Tax Credit from Oregon. He noted Oregon’s topography is attractive as
U.S. Geothermal considers other projects and that the land between the Rockies and the Coast Range has a thin crust,
allowing heat to come to the surface, like a pizza with a thin center. In areas where Oregon has available capacity on major
power lines, development is likely to be more economical and move ahead more quickly, Kunz said.
U.S. Geothermal Inc., a GEA member, provided an update on August 8 that the 22-net MW air cooled Neal Hot Springs
geothermal plant in Oregon is expected to reach commercial operation, after adjustments are made, in the fourth quarter
of 2012. The project will significantly add to Oregon’s geothermal portfolio; currently, a 0.28-MW geothermal unit, which
began producing electricity in August 2009, is on line at the Oregon Institute of Technology’s Klamath Falls campus.
West Virginia: NETL Researcher of Geothermal and Shale Gas Wins Technical Achievement Award
Alexandra Hakala of The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL’s), who is working with geothermal energy in West
Virginia, has been honored with a Great Minds in STEM™ Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation
(HENAAC) award for Outstanding Technical Achievement. Dr. Hakala manages multiple projects within NETL’s Office of
Research and Development, reports the Laboratory’s site. Among her duties, she leads two research teams: one is
developing the basis for computational models for predicting risks associated with shale gas development; the second team
is studying reactions along fractured pathways in a geothermal reservoir in order to develop detailed models of physical
changes that can be expected in geothermal systems.
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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International News
Europe
Turkey: Sonsuzluk Awarded Six New Geothermal Concessions
Sonsuzluk, a 100% subsidiary of Transmark Renewables, was recently awarded six new exploration concessions in the Kula
area. The new area covers approximately 200 km2, bringing Sonsuzluk’s total exploration area to 400 km
2. Transmark
Renewables has said it identifies Turkey as one of its key selected markets. <Transmark-renewables.com/>
Africa
Tanzania: Geothermal Engineering to Begin Drill Work in Tanzania
Horst Kreuter, founder and CEO of Geothermal Engineering (Germany) recently shared insight on the international
geothermal industry in an interview with ThinkGeoEnergy/. The company will soon begin drilling work in Tanzania: “We will
[drill] a number of exploration wells in one of the three geothermal resources we plan to develop in the future. If the wells
fulfill the expectations, production and injection well drilling will follow,” Kreuter said.
Kreuter, who is also working with the Pöyry Group to administer a fund for KfW and the African Union Commission, said his
company has four areas of major activity: “As a geothermal consultant we are working for private and PPP projects to
produce electricity from hot volcanic as well as low temperature deep reservoirs,” Kreuter said. “We also consult public
institutions and local / national governmental bodies. Furthermore, we are involved in EGS projects, which are either R&D
or commercial ventures. We are currently participating in seven R&D projects ranging from purely geological to drilling
technology focus.”
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Developing a project in Africa is especially challenging, Kreuter noted, but said the resource is promising. “Kenya is a good
example what geothermal energy can bring to a country,” he was quoted. “The other countries to the north and south of
Kenya can build on this showcase, but should be aware that the power to be produced depends on the resource.”
Pacific
Australia: First Stage of Cooper Basin Venture Nears Completion
Habanero 4 geothermal well in the Cooper Basin is in final stages of drilling. Once the final section is drilled by
Geodynamics, the company will conduct a wireline evaluation before the well is stimulated. The well is the first stage in a
plan that includes expanding the fracture zone reservoir at Habanero, re-establishing hot circulation loop with Habanero 1,
commissioning a 1-MW pilot plant and extended reservoir testing. <Proactiveinvestors.com.au/>
Japan: Public Meeting Held on Geothermal Projects in National Parks
Local residents and organizations in Fukushima Prefecture and Hokkaido asked at a public meeting whether geothermal
power plants in national and quasi-national parks (specifically, Bandai-Asahi National Park) would have negative effects on
hot spring water and tourism, reported The Yomiuri Shimbun/. Yoshiyasu Sato, heading a hot spring association in
Fukushima Prefecture, was skeptical that hot spring water would not be affected as the Economy, Trade and Industry
Ministry claims.
The Yomiuri Shimbun article cites 23.47 million kilowatts of potential geothermal energy reserves in Japan, while GEA’s
“2012 International Market Overview Report/” [PDF] similarly noted, “Geothermal is responsible for approximately 0.2% of
electricity generation in Japan, [with] an estimated 23,000 MW of geothermal energy.” An estimated 80% of those
resources are in such parks, a factor in the government’s decision to relax rules for potential development in late March.
Five projects are reported in the works.
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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Northern Marianas Islands: What does Diesel Power Purchase Mean for Geothermal Contract, Company Asks
A $190 million diesel-based power purchase with Saipan Development LLC, has confused the geothermal company that in
January was awarded a notice of intent for an exclusive concession to develop geothermal power in the islands. ““We were
frankly confused by the announcement of the proposed contract to increase the diesel power generation on Saipan,” said
KUTh Energy Ltd. managing director David McDonald to press. “This would appear to contradict all recent initiatives to see
a push towards renewable energy development for the island,” said McDonald.
Philippines: EDC Posts Gain and Signs to Protect Wildlife
Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the largest producer of geothermal energy in the Philippines with 62% of the
nation’s installed capacity, posted on the Philippine Stock Exchange a net income/ of P5.7 billion for the first half of 2012.
This was in contrast to the reported P2.3-billion net loss for the same period last year. Geothermal energy remained one of
the company’s major income drivers through Green Core Geothermal Inc., operating the 305-MW Tongonan and Palinpinon
geothermal plants. Electricity sales increased by 32% to P15 billion. EDC has also obtained geothermal concessions in Chile
and Peru.
Additionally the company is involved in protecting several species of Philippine wildlife. President and chief operating
officer Richard Tantoco signed of a memorandum of agreement, also signed by the Department of Energy and Natural
Resources (DENR’s) Secretary Ramon Paje, to implement DENR’s Adopt-a-Wildlife Species program. The program began in
June 2010. Paje told Businessmirror.com.ph/ the project duration is five years starting from the signing of the agreement.
The six wildlife endangered species that will benefit from the initial amount of P1.3 million are: the Philippine eagle
(Pithecophaga jefferyi) in Leyte and Mindanao (central and southern Philippines; large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) and
golden crowned flying fox (Acerodon jubatus) in Albay and Sorsogon, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental (in southern
Luzon and central Philippines; Philippine warty pig (Sus philippensis), Philippine brown deer (Cervus marianus) and the
Philippine eagle owl (Bubo philippensis) in Albay and Sorsogon (southern Luzon).
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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“The health of the forest habitat will sustain our water based (geothermal) operation. Wildlife conservation is an integral
part of our biodiversity program in all our project sites,” Tantoco told press. <Gulfnews.com/news/>
Notices
New This Week
GEA-USAID Initiative: East Africa Geothermal Energy Program
GEA continues to work collaboratively with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Energy
Association (USEA) to develop the U.S.-East Africa Geothermal Energy Program (AGEP). The primary objective of the AGEP
is to assist East African countries with capacity building and expanding geothermal markets, while also creating
opportunities for US companies to develop or build on relationships, increase exposure and initiate new business in the
region. The overall mandate will include all East African countries with substantive geothermal resources, but will primarily
focus on Rwanda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
As identified in AGEP’s mission statement, the program’s objective is “to improve standards of living in the Rift Valley region
of East Africa (EA) through increased use of geothermal resources for power generation and direct uses. This will be
achieved by fostering collaboration and information exchange between African governments, Africa-based private
companies and financial institutions, US geothermal companies, US Government agencies, US educational institutions,
private investors and other bi/multilateral agencies. The initiative includes the provision of US technical, educational, and
financial support to enable interested East African governments, through increased use of geothermal resources, to
increase the reliability and to decrease the costs associated with their grid-based power generation systems, train host
country geoscientists and engineers, build government and private sector capacity, promote private investment, and obtain
multiple environmental benefits.”
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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Interested? For more information on AGEP and to be added to an email list to receive updates as this program develops,
email Alison Holm at [email protected]. Both GEA members and non-members alike are encouraged to take an active
role in the partnership.
Comment on Draft Strategies, USGS (due Sept. 1)
The USGS is focused on some of the most significant issues society faces, in which natural science can make a substantial
contribution to the well-being of the Nation and the world. The USGS Science Strategy outlines the major societal issues
that USGS science is poised to address. Teams of USGS scientists are now leading the creation of 10-year science strategies
for each of the USGS Mission Areas: Climate and Land Use Change; Core Science Systems; Ecosystems; Energy and Minerals;
Environmental Health; Natural Hazards; and Water.
USGS employees, external partners and stakeholders, and the public are being asked to weigh in on these strategies and
major questions informing their creation. Offer your comments on our draft strategies by September 1, 2012.
USTR Seeks Comment on Foreign Trade Barriers, Annual National Trade Estimate Report (due Oct. 15)
Submitted by ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce -- The National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers lists
significant foreign impediments to trade and investment. The notice is to invite public comment to USTR to ensure their
staff is aware of barriers to U.S. exports of goods, services, intellectual property and foreign direct investment. Public
comments are due by Oct 15, 2012. This report ensures U.S. negotiations to reduce or eliminate trade barriers are focused
on private sector interests. Comments should include an estimate of the potential increase in U.S. exports that would result
from removing a particular barrier identified by the commenter (and how the estimate was derived)
Some examples include:
• import policies such as tariffs and other import charges, quantitative restrictions, import licensing, and customs barriers;
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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• government procurement restrictions such as buy national policies and closed bidding;
• export financing on preferential terms and agricultural export subsidies that displace U.S. exports in third-country
markets;
• lack of intellectual property protection such as inadequate patent, copyright, and trademark regimes;
• services barriers such as limits on the range of financial services offered by foreign financial institutions, regulation of
international data flows, restrictions on the use of data processing, quotas on imports of foreign films, and barriers to the
provision of services by professionals;
• investment barriers, including local content, technology transfer and export performance requirements, and restrictions
on repatriation of earnings, capital, fees, and royalties;
• government-tolerated anticompetitive conduct of state-owned or private firms that restrict the sale or purchase of U.S.
goods or services in the foreign country's markets;
• trade restrictions affecting electronic commerce such as tariff and nontariff measures, burdensome and discriminatory
regulations and standards, and discriminatory taxation; and,
• barriers that encompass more than one category, such as bribery and corruption, or that affect a single sector.
Submit comments and view the FR notice, http://www.regulations.gov/.
U.S. Embassy Promoting Businesses at Cape Verde International Fair 2012, Praia, Cape Verde (Nov. 14-18)
Submitted by ITA, U.S. Department of Commerce -- With a focus on education, renewable energy, tourism and banking at
the fair, the Embassy can distribute information on American banks, educational institutions, renewable energy companies
and tourism for free -- This year, the U.S. Embassy is working to increase the participation of American exhibiters with the
goal of promoting commercial exchanges and partnerships. Cape Verde International Fair 2012 – XVI Edition will take place
in the city of Praia, Cape Verde, November 14 through 18. The U.S. embassy will participate in FIC 2012 and will promote
American businesses and institutions interested in establishing contacts and activities in Cape Verde. It is with great
enthusiasm that we invite your company and your institution to be part of this important business event in Cape Verde. If
you would like to participate, the U.S. Embassy will distribute (free of charge) your contact information, flyers, catalogues,
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and any other materials concerning your company, product, and services. All you need to do is send your promotional
materials and business cards to the following address in the Unites States (local shipping rate applies): US Embassy Praia,
c/o Jason Hughes, 2460 Praia Place, Dulles, VA 20189-2460.
In order to ensure that the material is available for the Expo, packages should be sent by September 20. If you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Economic/ Commercial Section at the Embassy: Carla Brigham,
[email protected] (238 2608 922) or Jason Hughes, [email protected] (238 2608 925).
Featured Notices
Feature general announcements and notices related to the geothermal energy industry. Contact: [email protected].
Opportunities are listed for three weeks.
GEA Members Meeting Announced: Call for Nominations
The GEA Board meeting in Sacramento August 7th set the date for GEA's Annual Members Meeting. It will be held
September 30th at the Peppermill in Reno, Nevada. An exact time will be announced shortly.
The Board also appointed Mike Long of Power Engineering Chair of the nominations committee, which will review and
propose a slate of individuals to be nominated for election to the GEA Board. Any member wishing to nominate a GEA
member for consideration should contact Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director, by emailing [email protected], and he
will pass along your proposal to the nominating committee. Elections will be held at the members meeting on September
30th.
Geothermal Energy Association August 20, 2012
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Kenya: GeoSteam Services Ltd seeks U.S. Companies for Providing Geo-Related Goods/Services
Kenya is in the middle of a vast geothermal resource found in the East African rift system covering Djibouti, Eritrea,
Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC and Zambia. Kenya has since 1981 been successfully exploiting its geothermal
resources and has developed a legal framework that allows both public and private geothermal development. Kenya has
moved a notch higher in this regard by establishing a company (GDC) to be dedicated to steam development for sale to
IPPs. Currently there are eight (9) rigs drilling for steam in the country four of which are hired. The country targets to
install 5,000MW of geothermal by 2030. It is anticipated that once GDC drills for steam, IPPs will be given concessions to
build power plants and enter into PPAs with the Kenyan offtaker. There is also a strategy for utilizing steam as soon as it is
drilled by installing mobile wellhead generators.
Given this ambitious plan, very many wells will be drilled and tested which will require substantial drilling materials and
related services. More rigs will be procured and or hired. The reason for this is that the Kenya government has made
geothermal its primary source of power.
There is therefore a huge opportunity for companies in the geothermal industry to do business in Kenya. In this regard,
GeoSteam Services Ltd located in Kenya is very keen to assist US companies interested in doing business of goods and
services in Kenya. GeoSteam is also in a position to assist US companies interested in obtaining concessions or investing
geothermal power plans as IPPs in negotiating for PPAs and Steam Supplies Agreements (SSA) in Kenya. Interested
companies are requested to contact Martin Mwangi through [email protected] with a brief company profile and
the goods and services for which that can be supplied, and information for a contact person.
Innovations in Geothermal Exploration Abstract, AGU Meeting
Via the conveners -- Dear Colleagues, We are pleased to announce “Session V020: Innovations in Geothermal Exploration –
Geology, Geophysics, Drilling” at the 2012 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in San Francisco, California. This
interdisciplinary symposium, sponsored by the Volcanology-Geochemistry-Petrology section, and co-sponsored by the
Hydrology (H), Near Surface Geophysics (NS), Seismology (S), and Tectonophysics (T) sections, focuses on the application of
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innovative geologic, geophysical and exploratory drilling techniques to geothermal exploration.
Renewed interest in geothermal power generation is driving the application of innovative exploration strategies many of
which have not been traditionally employed to potential greenfield and existing geothermal prospects. Much of this
research has been driven by the large influx of ARRA funding in 2010, but innovative exploration techniques are being
pioneered by a range of interest groups, including both government agencies (e.g., DoE and DoD in the USA) and by private
enterprise. This session will examine recent work in a variety of settings and locations, including the western USA, Europe,
SE Asia, and Africa.
Sincerely, The Conveners: John W Shervais, Utah State University ([email protected]); Douglas R Schmitt, University of
Alberta ([email protected]); and Dennis L Nielson, DOSECC, Inc. ([email protected]).
Calif. Cleantech Trade Mission to China Seeks Geothermal Participants (due Sept. 28)
Submitted by El Camino College CITD – The date for this mission has been changed to: October 30 –November 11. Our
deadline is now September 28. The upcoming August California Cleantech Trade Mission to China will visit Hong Kong,
Chengdu, Qingdao, Nanjing, Yixing and Shanghai. The program is supported by the State of California, U.S. Department of
Commerce and is also working with Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and China Council for the Promotion of
International Trade (CCPIT). Open to 8–10 California small/medium companies at discounted pricing. If space is available,
up to 5 non‐California firms can join the Mission at the non‐discounted price or with whatever SBA/STEP cost offsets may
be offered by their respective States.
Great Business Opportunity: six major Chinese cities with huge environmental needs; pre‐arranged meetings with key
buyers and distributors and site visits; present your firm’s products and services to local and provincial decision‐makers;
benefit from on‐site support by El Camino College Center for International Trade Development, U.S. Department of
Commerce, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and China Council for the Promotion of International Trade
(CCPIT)
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Tourism includes visits to: Victoria Peak, Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary, Dujiangyan Irrigation System (built by Qin Engineer
Li Bing 306 – 251 B.C.), Dr. Sun Yat‐sen Mausoleum, Qingdao’s local Tsingtao Beer Museum and Shanghai’s Old Town and
the Bund. For trade mission information, contact: Kerry L. Bonner, T:310.973.3161/ [email protected],
www.ElCaminoCITD.org/, www.GreenExport.org/. For travel information contact: Edwin Choy, T: 800.988.4833/
Employment
Featured Jobs
Featured job opportunities related to the geothermal energy industry are listed for three weeks: [email protected]
Senior Mechanical Engineer, GeoTek Energy LLC, Dallas TX
Submitted by GeoTek Energy LLC -- Salary commensurate with skills and experience -- GeoTek Energy is pursuing new
technological advancements in energy production to add to its existing patented processes. This position offers a unique
opportunity to play an instrumental role in development of groundbreaking energy technology. Candidate will provide
engineering design and expertise in developing down-hole components and surface facilities using advanced technology in
energy production. Qualified candidates should immediately send a resume to: [email protected]; Mail:
15455 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 220, Dallas, TX 75001. Senior Mechanical Engineer responsibilities include:
Responsibilities:
Complete design & configuration of energy production components, including pumps, seals, casings and hanger
assemblies in the down hole environment as well as surface component configurations, including wellhead,
turbines, generator, condensers and controls.
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Work with outside engineers and suppliers on specific components from conceptual design through detailed
design, equipment specification, fabrication, testing, commissioning and start up to coordinate and ensure project
goals and timelines are achieved.
Technical oversight of projects during installation.
Develop conceptual studies for future projects.
Prepare weekly and monthly status reports and schedules for ongoing projects.
Requirements:
Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in Mechanical Engineering.
8+ years experience with a strong emphasis in engineering design of energy production equipment.
Technical background in heat and mass balance models for power plants, specifically Organic Rankine Cycles is
preferred but not required.
Experience with geothermal power plants including facility engineering and operations is a plus.
Experience managing engineering consultants and contractors.
Experience in oil and gas or geothermal well design.
Strong organization, communication and team leadership skills.
Solid working knowledge and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, project and computer aided
design software.
Registered Professional Engineer preferred.
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Requests for Proposals
New This Week
Army Announces $7 Billion Action to Support Renewable Energy (Oct. 5)
The U.S. Army announced on August 7 that it has issued a $7 billion Request for Proposal to procure renewable and
alternative energy on federal property through power purchase agreements. The $7 billion capacity would be expended for
the purchase of energy over 30 years or less from renewable energy plants that are constructed and operated by
contractors using private sector financing. Contracts will be awarded to both large and small businesses among four
different renewable energy technologies: solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass. Project locations may be on any federal
property located within the United States, U.S. territories, or other property under the control of the U.S. government. The
solicitation will be available for 60 days, with responses due by October 5. These contracts are part of a U.S. Department of
Defense goal to get 25% of its total energy from renewable sources by 2025. See the Army press release/.
Featured RFPs
Feature Requests for Proposals related to the geothermal energy industry. Contact: [email protected]. Opportunities
are listed for three weeks.
RE Generation, Southwestern Public Service Company (October 1)
Southwestern Public Service Company RFP/ seeking approximately 88,705 megawatt-hours of renewable energy generation
other than solar or wind, as defined by New Mexico Public Regulation Commission Rule 572 NMAC, or an equivalent
amount of biogas of approximately 665,300 MMBtu to be in commercial operation no later than January 1, 2015. Notice of
intent to bid due by August 31, 2012. Contact: Brian Fleming, [email protected]
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RE Projects, Southern California Public Power Authority (November 30)
Southern California Public Power Authority RFP (PDF 52 KB/) seeking proposals for renewable energy projects that can
deliver 2,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year in 2014 and an additional combination of projects able to deliver another
3,000 GWh per year beginning in 2017, for a total addition of approximately 5,000 (GWh) per year by 2020.
Contact: Julie Filipe, [email protected] (626-793-9364).
Events
GEA and GEA-Sponsored Events
Your company has the opportunity for high visibility at GEA’s events. In addition to providing the financial support needed
for GEA to undertake successful events, GEA events feature media availabilities with sponsors which garner extensive
coverage in mainstream press outlets. Contact: Brigitte, [email protected]. Geo-energy.org/events
GEA Geothermal Energy Expo® and GRC Annual Meeting, Reno NV (Sept. 30-Oct. 2)
Every year, the Geothermal Energy Expo® hosts the world's largest gathering of vendors providing support for geothermal
resource exploration, characterization, development, production and management. It provides a unique opportunity for
exhibitors to showcase their projects, equipment, services and state of the art technology to the geothermal community. In
2011 in San Diego, CA more than 2,500 attendees from 42 different states and 13 different countries came together for the
annual GEA Geothermal Energy Expo to walk the sold out floor. To see pictures from the 2011 Expo please go to our Flickr
page/.
If your company is planning to exhibit at the Geothermal Energy Expo 2012/, act soon! (Click here for “2012 Exhibitor List”).
Please consider joining GEA as a member -- joining GEA gets you a significant discount to exhibit at the event. The Floor
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Plan is available on the GEA Web site; colored-in booths are already reserved. Contact: [email protected]. Geo-
energy.org/events
Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America (co-located with Power-Gen International),
Orlando, Fla. (December 11–13)
Renewable Energy World North America will be co-located with Power-Gen International in 2012. Holding the renewable
energy industry’s premier event alongside the world’s largest power generation show is designed to provide unprecedented
access to the people, information, innovation and technologies driving the renewables market forward. Who Attends
Renewable Energy World N.A.?: Power Generating Utilities, Independent Power Producers, Municipal Utilities and
Cooperatives; Local, State and Federal Government; Energy Advisory and Planning Agencies; Research and Training
Institutions; Large Energy Users; Renewable Energy Site Owners and Managers; Manufacturers of Renewable Energy
Systems; Consultants in Renewable Energy; Renewable Energy Architects, Engineers and Construction Representatives.
Renewableenergyworld-events.com/
Featured Events
To request that your event be featured on this list, contact: Leslie, [email protected].
20th Annual Congress of the AGM and 1st Latin-American Geothermal Congress, Mich., Mexico (September
26-28)
The 20th Annual Congress of the AGM and 1st Latin-American Geothermal Congress will be convened by the Mexican
Geothermal Association (AGM), the El Salvador Geothermal Association (AGES) and the Colombian Association for
Renewable Energy (ACER). It will be held 26-28 September 2012 in Morelia, Mich., Mexico. Contact: Luis Carlos Gutiérrez-
Negrín: [email protected]. Geotermia.org.mx/
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Geothermal Workshop, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Philippines (October 21–24)
An interactive workshop on Geothermal will be held by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, October 21–24 in Cebu,
Philippines. In the Philippines, geothermal development accounts for more than a quarter of the nation's power
generation. Although located in the Philippines, this event will have a global remit, bringing together the field experiences
of petroleum engineers with geothermal techniques used in the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Chile, the
US, and other hubs of global activity. Additionally, SPE is now soliciting for program committee members for the Workshop.
Contact Sherine Chin, [email protected] (+60.3.2182.3000).
34th New Zealand Geothermal Workshop, Aotea Centre, Auckland (November 19-21)
The New Zealand Geothermal Workshop is New Zealand’s longest running energy conference. This year’s theme is
“Geothermal – Electricity and more,” acknowledging the rapid growth in the direct use of geothermal energy, particularly in
the use of geothermal or ground source heat pumps. Papers will focus on all aspects of direct use, together with the usual
papers on geoscience and geothermal engineering related to electricity generation projects.
The 2011 New Zealand Geothermal Workshop welcomed over 200 delegates representing 12 countries. Keynote speakers
included Professor Roland N. Horne, Dr. Greg Bignall, Dr. Bjarni Palsson, Professor Colin Wilson and Dr. Yung Ngothai.
There were over 60 technical presentations. Geothermalworkshop.co.nz/
4th African Rift Geothermal Conference, Nairobi (November 21-23)
This year the Government of Kenya is hosting the 4th African Rift Geothermal Conference in partnership with UNEP and the
Geothermal Association of Kenya (GAK). Kenya is the leading African country in geothermal development with 209 MW
installed and over 50 hectares under (316MW in Olkaria and 400MW in Menengai).
In order to accelerate geothermal development in Africa, in 2003 the African Rift Geothermal Development Facility (ARGeo)
was founded under the auspices of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). ARGeo supports the development of the large
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untapped geothermal in the Eastern Africa region and reduces risks associated with geothermal exploration. Biennial
conferences are held to promote regional cooperation in the development and utilization of geothermal respectively.
The organizing committee invites conference abstracts /papers in line with the following general topics.
Vision for geothermal power development
Policy for accelerating the scaling-up of the geothermal industry in African Rift countries
Financing geothermal projects
Environmental, health, safety & social factors in geothermal development
Case studies – any aspect of geothermal development
Exploration and drilling
New geothermal technologies, research papers and innovations
Geothermal utilization
Student Papers – to include all aspects for geothermal exploration, development and utilization.
Two concurrent short courses are planned to take place prior to the main conference addressing exploration taking this
course may contact the organizing committee. Please submit your abstract/paper to the Chair, Technical Committee at
Call for Sponsors/Exhibitors: The ARGeo-C4 conference provides an excellent opportunity to national, regional and
international exhibitors ranging from independent power producers, business fraternity, development partners,
government institutions, manufacturers and individuals to showcase their technology and products/services. The
geothermal conference will also provide great business opportunities. For more information, please contact the Chairman
organizing committee via [email protected]. You may also call Ruth (+ 254 717 722 522) or Pauline (+254 715 199 281.
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Geothermal Energy Utilization Associated with Oil & Gas Development, Southern Methodist University,
Dallas, Texas (March 12-14, 2013)
The SMU Geothermal Laboratory, a leader in research on the conversion of oil and gas fields into geothermal energy
projects, welcomed 200 attendees at its 5th conference dedicated to Geothermal Energy Utilization Associated with Oil and
Gas Development. The conference focuses on an exciting part of the industry: taking these wells and energizing them with
geothermal power instead of abandoning them. Request updates on this event from Maria Richards: [email protected].
Smu.edu/geothermal
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY ~ A newsletter for the geothermal industry written by Leslie Blodgett and Karl Gawell
© 2012 Geothermal Energy Association
Contact, subscribe, submit posts ~ [email protected] ~ 202 454 5241
Archives ~ http://www.geo-energy.org/updates.aspx
