Geothermal Energy Association April 26, 2013

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This week’s contents:

National News 3

Master Limited Partnerships can Reduce Costs of Geothermal Energy, Experts Say

Senate Committee Begins Energy Tax Reform Discussions

National Geothermal Data System, Other Geothermal Projects Presented at DOE Peer Review

GEA Report Shows Geothermal’s Environmental and Health Benefits Worth $117 Million Annually

Commerce Dept.’s Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee to Meet

GEA Member Companies 6

ElectraTherm: Green Machine Commissioned at Florida Canyon Mine, Nevada

Geothermal Energy Association Looking for Best in Geothermal for 3rd Annual GEA Honors

U.S Geothermal: New CEO Announced -- Dennis Gilles to Replace Retiring Daniel Kunz

Climate Change 7

EPA Faces Lawsuit Threats Over Blown Climate Rule Deadline

EIA Forecasts States Will Continue to Meet Renewable Targets

State News 8

California: Geothermal Company Vying for Sonoma County Power Contract

New York: NYC Mayor Signs Legislation to Study Geothermal Feasibility

Washington State: Geothermal Bill Facilitating Regulation Awaits Governor’s Signature

International News 9

Africa

Ethiopia: Green Initiative Looks to Geothermal Electricity

Uganda: CleanSource Energy Partners Secures Memorandum of Understanding for Power Production

Americas

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Costa Rice: ICE to Resubmit Proposal on 1,000 Hectares in Park

Peru: Enel Green Power Cleared to Study Geothermal Resources in Carumas

Asia & the Pacific

China: Nation Leads World in Green Energy Investments

Indonesia: $332.5M “Green Prosperity” Partnership with U.S. Launched

The Philippines: Sy Consolidation Affects Assets of Sy-Chevron Geothermal Partnership

Taiwan: Idaho Signs MOU for Geothermal Technological Exchange

Europe

France: Center of the Earth 6,000°C, Say Researchers

Italy: Enel Leader and Regional Health Agency Praise Geothermal

Turkey: Geothermal Energy Crucial to Solving Energy Dependency

UK: Eden Geothermal Working on Site Preparation, Community Support

GHPs & Direct Use 12

GEO Seeks Extension of Heat Pump Tax Credits

Reno’s Peppermill, Home to Past Geothermal Energy Expos, Saves $2M Per Year Using GHPs

Sustainable Geothermal Energy Revolution in Maryland

Community Notice Board 13

New This Week

EERE Webinar, Renewable Energy FY2014 Budget Request (April 30)

Tenders for Renovation, Construction at Olkaria Geothermal Plant, Kenya Electricity Generating Co. (May 14)

Tenders for Supply, Design at Olkaria Geothermal Plant, Kenya Electricity Generating Co. (May 23)

BLM Seeks Public Comments on Geothermal Test Wells Planned at Glass Buttes, Oregon (due May 19)

Geothermal Resources Council Announces Future Events and Important Dates (June 10-11)

Center for Geothermal Resources Announces Industry Partner Meeting (June 25)

Featured Notices

Zayed Future Energy Prize Seeks Submissions (by August 5)

Earth Day 2013 at Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center (April 27)

Cook Inlet, Alaska to Offer Geothermal Energy Exploration Lease (May 8)

Request for Information Renewable Energy Service Agreement Performance Work Statement (by May 29)

Call for Papers, 2013 Annual Congress, Mexican Geothermal Association (due June 28)

National Geothermal Academy at University of Nevada-Reno (July 8 thru Aug. 2)

35th

New Zealand Geothermal Workshop to Take Place in Rotorua, NZ (Nov. 18-20)

Featured Jobs

Mineral Resources Specialist for Geothermal, State of Hawaii

GEA Events 17

National Geothermal Summit, Reno, NV (June 26-27)

GEA Geothermal Energy Expo 2013, Las Vegas, NV (Sept. 29-Oct. 2)

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National News

Master Limited Partnerships can Reduce Costs of Geothermal Energy, Experts Say

Bipartisan legislation known as the Master Limited Partnerships (MLP) Parity Act was reintroduced in identical form in both the Senate

and the House this past week, led by Sen. Coons, Rep. Ted Poe, and others. The bill extends the MLP organization to renewable energy

companies, meaning they are taxed as partnerships while enabling shares to be traded like traditional stock. That structure is currently

available only to investors in fossil fuel-based energy projects.

The Geothermal Energy Association is listed as an endorsing organization of the legislation. Members of GEA’s government affairs

committee familiar with the bill said:

“For many years, conventional energy projects have enjoyed better access to low-cost investment capital than renewable energy

projects. The cost of financing renewable energy can represent a significant portion of their overall project cost. Allowing projects to

access capital through the same investment vehicles available to conventional energy, such as Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) and

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), can help reduce the overall costs of renewable energy.

“The newly introduced Coons bill would help level the playing field for renewable energy financing by extending MLPs to energy projects

beyond their current allowance for “resource plays,” including oil and natural gas production, collection and pipelines (as well as the well

field portion of geothermal projects) and making it applicable also for electricity generation for renewables.

“The MLP status imposes income taxes on investors, similar to a partnership, whose ownership shares can be bought and sold on the

open market. The benefit to developers is that they have access to more investors and less expensive capital costs, thus making

renewable energy cheaper for the consumer.

“Further, by making financial ownership in renewable energy available to regular investors and not just Wall Street trading firms, MLPs

would help “democratize,” and thus build support for, these new energy sources.”

Senator Coons’ office noted the bill has new sponsors in both bodies of Congress. In addition to Senators Coons and Moran, Senators

Stabenow (D-MI) and Murkowski (R-AK) are joining as original cosponsors; and in the House, Congressman Welch (D-VT), Congressman

Gibson (R-NY), and Congressman Gardner (R-CO) are joining Congressmen Poe and Mike Thompson as original cosponsors.

At his confirmation hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, President Obama's nominee to lead the Department

of Energy, Dr. Moniz said master limited partnerships [or] REITs to clean energy that can “help move a lot of kind of private capital into

the game would be very, very, very interesting, and I would love to work on those with the members."

For information and resources on the MLP Parity Act refer to the link on the Coons Web page.

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Senate Committee Begins Energy Tax Reform Discussions

The Senate Finance Committee Members met on Thursday to begin discussions about energy tax reform. The Committee staff made

available a paper on possible options that reportedly was the framework for the Senator's closed door discussions. The preface to the

document explains, "The options described below represent a non-exhaustive list of prominent tax reform options suggested by witnesses

at the Committee’s 30 hearings on tax reform to date, bipartisan commissions, tax policy experts, and members of Congress." A copy of

the document is available at: http://www.finance.senate.gov/issue/?id=6c61b1e9-7203-4af0-b356-357388612063

"It's worth noting that the paper, which covers the full gamut of options, shows that the Committee recognizes the importance of

certainty, as well as energy independence and addressing environmental and other non-market externalities," noted Karl Gawell, GEA's

Executive Director.

National Geothermal Data System, Other Geothermal Projects Presented at DOE Peer Review

“A trove of decades-old documents could speed discovery of geothermal wells,” writes William Ferguson in Scientificamerican this week.

The article highlights how the universities and national agencies associated with the National Geothermal Data System (NGDS), headed

by the Arizona Geological Survey (AZGS), are compiling data that will eventually help bring down the financially risky aspect of

geothermal drilling. The data is already being used in projects to increase information and efficiency, such as to build 3-D interactive

maps. “There are over 17,000 data sets, comprising over 4.5 million records online currently, and we expect that number will more than

triple by year end,” according to the AZGS blog.

The NGDS is a major project of the Geothermal Technologies Office of the DOE, and was presented to a peer review panel at the U.S.

Department of Energy’s annual reviews this past week. “We are serving data from all 50 states with new materials being added weekly.

The Geothermal Technologies Office funds 154 research and development projects leveraging nearly $500 million in total combined

investment. For more on the DOE’s annual reviews, see Eere.energy.gov .

GEA Report Shows Geothermal’s Environmental and Health Benefits Worth $117 Million Annually

Press Release (Washington, D.C.) April 25 – Benefits of geothermal energy touted in air emissions analysis -- The Geothermal Energy

Association (GEA) has released an Air Emissions Comparison and Externality Analysis showing geothermal energy provides significant

benefits to public health and the environment as one of the least-polluting and most environmentally friendly forms of energy. The

analysis found binary geothermal plants produce virtually no greenhouse gases (GHG) and dry steam and flash geothermal plants put out

only trace amounts of emissions. It estimates the public benefits from clean energy produced in California and Nevada are worth more

than $117 million annually.

“Energy production and use is a major source of environmental and public health damage, and geothermal energy is a truly remarkable

resource because it harnesses the power of the Earth to produce large amounts of power with virtually no impact,” said GEA Executive

Director Karl Gawell. “Geothermal has tremendous untapped potential to provide energy without adding harmful elements into the

environment.”

According to the report, geothermal energy emerges as one of the least polluting and environmentally unobtrusive forms of energy,

having the lowest lifecycle emissions of any generating technology. Dry steam and flash geothermal energy plants emit about 5% of the

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carbon dioxide, 1% of the sulfur dioxide, and less than 1% of the nitrous oxide emitted by a coal-fired plant of equal size; and binary

geothermal plants produce near-zero emissions. This is advantageous to public health, since many of the pollutants released in energy

production carry negatives health consequences.

Additional benefits of geothermal energy include less land degradation, air emissions and environmental harm; greater fuel diversity; and

improved national security through the use of an indigenous energy source. Geothermal energy also adds to the economy by paying

substantial property taxes and providing significant long-term local employment.

This analysis updates a 2005 paper published in the Electricity Journal and expands upon the methodology by incorporating more

atmospheric pollutants into the calculation. The new information showed GEA researchers the benefit of producing power using

geothermal sources—as opposed to fossil fuels—is worth 3.5 cents for coal, and 1 cent for natural gas per kWh. Additionally, GEA

estimates geothermal provides approximately $88 million in externality benefits per year to California and $29 million to Nevadans by

avoiding fossil fuel emissions.

“Geothermal energy carries a smaller environmental footprint than other energy sources, such as coal or natural gas,” said Benjamin

Matek, GEA’s geothermal industry analyst and author of the updated report. “The absence of a fuel cycle reduces the impacts on

transportation infrastructure, and geothermal power plants can use recycled waste water to reduce environmental impacts on water

resources and treatment costs.”

The complete report is available at http://tinyurl.com/GEAExternalities. GEA will expound on this analysis at the National Geothermal

Summit in Reno on June 26-27. For more information on the Summit, please visit http://geo-energy.org/events.aspx. To schedule an

interview with a GEA representative, please contact Shawna Seldon at 917 971 7852 or shawna@rosengrouppr.com.

Commerce Dept.’s Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee to Meet

The Department of Commerce's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (RE&EEAC) meets next week, on May 1.

The coming meeting will look at Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Negotiations; Energy and Climate Partnership of the

Americas; and other key issues. GEA’s Karl Gawell has been reappointed to the committee and serves as Chair of its Renewable Energy

Subcommittee. Members of the committee include Linda Church Ciocci, National Hydropower Association; John Smirnow, Solar Energy

Industries Association; Todd Foley, American Council on Renewable Energy; Dan Delurey, Demand Response and Smart Grid Coalition;

Robert Rose, Breakthrough Technologies Institute; and Scott Sklar, The Stella Group, Ltd. The meeting is open to the public, with limited

seating, and there will be a public comment period as well. For the Federal Register notice about the meeting, click here.

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GEA Member Companies

ElectraTherm: Green Machine Commissioned at Florida Canyon Mine, Nevada

ElectraTherm Press Release (Reno NV) April 26 – ElectraTherm Generates Power From Low Temperature Geothermal Resources; One

Project in Nevada and One in Romania Commissioned and Running off Geothermal Brine -- ElectraTherm, a leader in small-scale,

distributed power produced from waste heat, today celebrated the successful commissioning of its 4100C Green Machine at the Florida

Canyon Mine in Imlay, Nevada. This marks the second geothermal project utilizing low-temperature (170-240°F/77-116°C) geothermal

brine to generate electricity, following the startup of a Series 4000 Green Machine in Romania last fall.

ElectraTherm marked the occasion at Florida Canyon Mine with a commissioning ceremony including officials from the Department of

Energy (DOE) and Jipangu International, the mine operator. Attendees representing the mining and utility industries also joined in a tour

of the newly developed Green Machine, the 4100C. The machine was manufactured with a cleanable heat exchanger, an increased power

output of up to 75kWe and a fully-containerized solution for ease of transportation and installation through a grant from the DOE for

$982,000. This also marks the first installation where ElectraTherm is providing not only the ORC equipment but ORC power generation

as a metered service.

This follows the commissioning of a Series 4000 Green Machine at a geothermal well in Romania. The Green Machine produces 50kW

(gross) of electricity from the geothermal hot water (216°F/102°C) without any fuel or emissions, and has reached 2,200 hours of run

time. To further increase the application's efficiency, once geothermal water has passed through the heat exchangers to pressurize the

Green Machine working fluid, it continues on to heat nearby residential buildings in the winter. Complete PDF press release - click here.

Geothermal Energy Association Looking for Best in Geothermal for 3rd Annual GEA Honors

Press Release (Washington, D.C.) April 22 – GEA Seeks Entries for the Best in Geothermal for Third Annual GEA Honors -- Today the

Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) announced a call for entries for GEA Honors 2013. “After two successful years of honoring the best

in the business, we are pleased to have the opportunity to again recognize the inspiring innovators and developers in the geothermal

industry over the past year,” said Geothermal Energy Association Executive Director Karl Gawell. “Honorees will exemplify the great

accomplishments and potential for the geothermal energy industry in the United States.”

Nominations are currently being accepted for the awards program. An application may be submitted for more than one award category.

This year, awards will be given to GEA member companies in the following categories:

Technological Advancement: Awarded to an individual or company that has developed a new, innovative or pioneering

technology to further geothermal development.

Environmental Stewardship: Awarded to an individual or company that has fostered outstanding environmental stewardship

through the use of geothermal systems. This award will be presented in conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study

Institute (EESI).

Economic Development: Awarded to an individual or company that has made a substantial contribution to the development of

local, regional or national markets through the development of geothermal systems.

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Special Recognition: Nominations will also be accepted for special recognition of individuals and companies for outstanding achievement

in the geothermal industry. These awards are open to GEA members, as well as non-member companies and individuals.

The GEA Honors program deadline for nominations is Friday, June 14. Finalists will be named in August. Winners will be announced on

October 1 at the GEA National Geothermal Expo 2013, being held in conjunction with the GRC Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. For more

information or to submit a nomination, please visit http://geo-energy.org/GEAHonors.aspx.

At last year’s National Geothermal Summit in Sacramento, Calif., award winners included Enel Green Power North America (Technological

Advancement) for its development of the first ever solar-geothermal hybrid power plant; Ram Power/Polaris Energia (Economic

Development) for adding 10% of clean, sustainable, reliable and indigenous power to Nicaragua’s current power portfolio; and Ormat

Technologies, Inc. (Environmental Stewardship) for preserving the overall environmental integrity and the habitat of the sage grouse, a

native bird to the Nevada area two geothermal plants were erected on.

U.S Geothermal: New CEO Announced -- Dennis Gilles to Replace Retiring Daniel Kunz

U.S. Geothermal Inc., announced this week that founder, director and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Kunz will retire as chief executive

and a member of the board of directors; and Dennis Gilles was named the new Chief Executive Officer. Kunz will provide consultant

services for one year to ensure a smooth transition. In the company press release, Chairman of Board John Walker noted the company

progress over the past ten years, thanking Kunz for his contributions on behalf of the Board of Directors: “Ten years ago U.S. Geothermal

Inc. was little more than an idea. Today the company has three operating power plants, a pipeline of quality development assets, a very

skilled management and operating team, positive cash flows, and prospects for a bright future.” Of Gilles, Walker noted: “Dennis is a

seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in geothermal, has served as a senior officer of a leading geothermal power

producer, and is also well versed in the affairs of the Company having served as a director since in 2011. I am confident that Dan and

Dennis will work very closely together over the next year ensuring a smooth and effective transition.” Click for press release.

Climate Change

EPA Faces Lawsuit Threats Over Blown Climate Rule Deadline

By Sustainable Energy Coalition/SUN DAY Campaign, source: The Hill -- A dozen states and cities are jointly threatening to sue the

Environmental Protection Agency over its failure to impose carbon emissions standards on power plants. The formal notice of intent to

sue comes after EPA missed a mid-April deadline to complete already-delayed emissions standards for new power plants. The 12 parties

signing the notice include the states of New York, Connecticut, Vermont, Oregon, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, and the cities of New

York and the District of Columbia. Green groups have sent a separate notice to EPA that similarly threatened litigation to force EPA’s

hand. This 60-day notice is required under the Clean Air Act before an enforcement lawsuit may be filed.

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EIA Forecasts States Will Continue to Meet Renewable Targets

By Sustainable Energy Coalition/SUN DAY Campaign, source: SNL Financial -- States are expected to continue meeting or exceeding the

targets contained in their renewable energy portfolio standards, with a surplus of qualifying capacity increasing "substantially" by 2040 as

renewable power technologies "become increasingly competitive with conventional generation sources," according to the U.S. Energy

Information Administration in its "Annual Energy Outlook 2013." The states will manage to meet or surpass the targets of their renewable

portfolio standards, and meeting those targets, when combined, will represent 10% of the country's total electricity sales by 2025.

Surplus renewable energy — the level of installed capacity above the amount required by RPS — is expected to decline through the next

decade as less qualifying capacity is added and energy targets catch up to supply. However, the surplus is expected to widen beginning in

about 2032 as renewable energy technologies become competitive with conventional generation.

State News

California: Geothermal Company Vying for Sonoma County Power Contract

Sonoma County is looking to launch a power supply agency that would supply power to current customers of Pacific Gas and Electric Co.

through a renewable energy program. The plans are based on the premise that the county could immediately begin offering a higher

share of renewable power; see Pressdemocrat.com. A similar program exists in Marin County.

The county is looking to award a power supply contract by September, which delivery to customers starting in January. The county says it

received bids from 11 firms in response to its call for electricity supply. The list includes Calpine Corp., which operates The Geysers

geothermal field; Calpine Corp. is a GEA member. The other companies on the list are Shell Energy North America; Iberdrola (Spain);

Noble Americas Energy Solutions; NRG Energy; Greensparc Energy Advisors; Direct Energy (subsidiary of the British Centrica); Promet

Energy Partners; ConEdison Solutions; Constellation; and Plumas Rural Services (see Pressdemocrat.com).

New York: NYC Mayor Signs Legislation to Study Geothermal Feasibility

Mayor Bloomberg has signed legislation that will require the Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability to study geothermal energy

resources and the feasibility of developing them in New York City. The bill was sponsored by Council Members Gennaro, Garodnick,

Brewer, Fidler, Gentile, James, Koppell, Lander, Mark-Viverito, Palma, Williams, Arroyo, Levin, Dromm, Van Bramer, Barron, Eugene,

Greenfield, Jackson, Richards, Halloran and Ulrich.

An April 23 release includes Bloomberg’s remarks at a public hearing -- “Introductory Number 694-A requires a study to be undertaken

by the Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability that explores the feasibility of developing geothermal energy resources in the City.

Geothermal energy is stored thermal energy of the Earth that is recovered to heat or cool buildings or [to] generate electricity. Installing

a geothermal energy system can significantly the carbon foot print of a building or home.

“The study will include a summary of building characteristics that would be suitable for a retrofit installation of a geothermal system, a

summary of federal, State, and City regulations for the installation and operation of a geothermal system, and a map that identifies areas

of the City that would be appropriate for geothermal energy systems. The study will also make recommendations to promote the

installation and use of geothermal systems in new construction, alterations, and retrofit of buildings.

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“I would like to thank Director of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability Sergej Mahnovski, Design and Construction Commissioner David

Burney, and their staff for their work on this bill along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs. I would also like to thank the City Council

for approving this legislation.”

Washington State: Geothermal Bill Facilitating Regulation Awaits Governor’s Signature

Changes to Washington's geothermal law (Substitute Senate Bill (SSB) 5369) are headed to Governor Inslee's desk, where it is expected to

be signed into law after passing in both chambers of the Washington Legislature. Kathleen Callison, a natural resources attorney and

chief drafter of the bill noted in an e-mail that the legislation is the result of several years of work. In a press release she notes this is a

“major step forward in supporting development of Washington’s abundant, renewable geothermal resources.” Callison outlines

highlights of the bill: it updates the definition of geothermal resources, making it consistent with federal law and the laws of other states;

provides for enhanced coordination between agencies to avoid duplication of efforts and permitting, while ensuring that agency concerns

are fully considered and addressed, as well as protecting senior water rights; and allows for flexibility in ownership by allowing interests

in geothermal resources to be severed from the land surface.

International News

Africa

Ethiopia: Green Initiative Looks to Geothermal Electricity

The Ethiopian government is putting together a joint steering committee made of members from the Ministry of Water & Energy, as well

as the Environmental Protection Authority. They plan to implement a carbon trading scheme, which is heavily dependent on geothermal

energy projects that could save them 460.8 GW/hr. The Development Bank of Ethiopia created an initial fund of $20 Million in order to

promote the projects to augment the $40 Million dollars, and is currently in talks with interested parties. The UK-based Cluff Geothermal

has been shortlisted. “In Ethiopia we have conducted a scoping environmental impact assessment on a site close to the town of

Metehara,” says Cluff managing director George Day. Read more on this story from Bikya News.

Uganda: CleanSource Energy Partners Secures Memorandum of Understanding for Power Production

Ugandan Minister of Energy has delivered a Memorandum of Understanding to CleanSource Energy Partners to produce electricity in

three areas totaling approximately 400 square meters. CSEP-Uganda is servicing Bowman Geothermal to conduct field analysis and

oversee drilling activity through the feasibility stage of development. “We are seeing tremendous energy capability being created around

the world with geothermal solutions. Clients continue to reach out to us to learn more about how they can leverage geothermal

capabilities, and Bowman is proud to partner with CSEP-Uganda and the people of Uganda on this project,” said Justin Mahlmann,

executive in charge of Bowman’s geothermal practice. CleanSource Energy Partners is based in California; you can read their press

release here.

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Americas

Costa Rice: ICE to Resubmit Proposal on 1,000 Hectares in Park

Executive President President Teofilo de la Torre of the Costa Rica Electricity Institute (ICE) will resubmit a proposal to segregate 1,000

hectares of Rincón de la Vieja National Park to reduce the area of geothermal exploration and minimize impact. This proposal comes after

conservationists protested the segregation in recent weeks, which we covered in a previous newsletter. The Environmental Minister

Rene Castro however, showed less willingness to compromise, and addressed the need to continue expansion of renewable resources.

“We need to vaccinate ourselves against climate change and assure ourselves an energy that is stable throughout the year. If not, we will

have to burn fossil fuels to operate the thermal plants and pay higher electricity bills,” Castro said. Using geothermal energy is the logical

next step in that vaccination process, he stated. Director of the Guanacaste Conservation Area Alejandro Masís stated that

environmentalists aren’t against geothermal energy generation, but want the process of its implementation to be done in a way that

doesn’t conflict with the park administration’s goals. Read more from the local TicoTimes.net.

Peru: Enel Green Power Cleared to Study Geothermal Resources in Carumas

Peru’s Energy and Mines ministry authorized Enel Green Power last week to carry out geothermal exploration in the Carumas District.

The permit provides exploration authority to Enel for a period of three years. Due to the lack of indigenous people’s organizations in the

Chilata area, there is no need for negotiations with the people there, according to the Ministry: read more at Electric Light & Power.

Asia & the Pacific

China: Nation Leads World in Green Energy Investments

By Sustainable Energy Coalition/SUN DAY Campaign, source: CNNMoney -- China retook its top spot as global leader in the clean energy

race, attracting nearly twice the green energy investment dollars last year as the United States did. Investors plowed $65 billion into

Chinese wind farms, solar panel arrays and other clean energy projects in 2012, a 20% increase over the year prior, according to a report

released by Pew Charitable Trusts and Bloomberg New Energy Finance. China's total made it the world's top destination for green energy

investments in 2012, a position it held in 2009 and 2010 but lost to the United States in 2011. In the United States, green energy

investments last year plummeted 37% to $35.6 billion, although the country still came in second worldwide.

Indonesia: $332.5M “Green Prosperity” Partnership with U.S. Launched

In partnership with the U.S., a $332.5 million program called the “Green Prosperity Project” has been launched to promote economic

development in rural Indonesia. The project is funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which plans to provide a total of $600

million in grants over five years. “Indonesia has a huge potential for geothermal energy production more than any other country in the

world,” said U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel in a public lecture at Atma Jaya University on Monday. He cites that as one of the most

populous nations in the world, Indonesia’s cooperation in environmental goals is essential to their relationship. Read the full story from

the local Jakarta Post.

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The Philippines: Sy Consolidation Affects Assets of Sy-Chevron Geothermal Partnership

The Philippine Geothermal Power Production Co. Inc, a partnership between the Sys and Chevron, is expected to be a part of a

restructure and possible consolidation of all the energy-assets of the family of tycoon Henry Sy Sr. Their current sights for geothermal

development opportunity in the region are Bohol, Palawan, Samar, Northern Luzon primarily as Kalinga, as well as in Mindanao. Along

those lines the local Department of Energy has said it wants to raise geothermal production to 2,000 MW by 2020; read more about this

story at ABS-CBNnews.com.

Taiwan: Idaho Signs MOU for Geothermal Technological Exchange

Wednesday in Taipei officials from Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and the state of Idaho signed a Memorandum of Understanding

to cooperate on developing the green energy industry. The focus will initially be on exploring the geothermal industry. Taiwan’s CPC

Corp. has geothermal experience, and six other Taiwanese institutions are interested in carrying out projects to develop the industry with

U.S companies. Read the full story at the local Focus Taiwan.

Europe

France: Center of the Earth 6,000°C, Say Researchers

An experiment reported in the journal Science shows the iron at the inner heart of the planet is heated to about 6,000 degrees Celsius—

1,000 degrees hotter than previously estimated. The research team was led by Simone Anzellini of the French national technological

research organization CEA. Discover Magazine explains: “they placed a speck of iron between two small conical diamonds and applied

almost 15,000 tons of pressure per square inch along with laser-beam heat to determine at what point the iron would melt. An X-ray

diffraction technique continuously monitored the pressure, measuring deflected rays as the iron’s crystalline structure changed. The

team was thus able to detect the tipping point of when the iron morphed from solid to liquid.” The team then calculated what this

means for the temperature of the Earth’s core, given the Earth’s core is under 3.3 million atmospheres of pressure.

Italy: Enel Leader and Regional Health Agency Praise Geothermal

The Head of Enel Green Power’s Italy and Europe Area, Roberto Deambrogio, was recently quoted: “Geothermal power is renewable

energy par excellence: thanks to our experience in the field, we can put back into the ground a large portion of the fluid we use for

energy production.” The article on Enelgreenpower.com also notes the agency ARS Toscana (The Regional Health Agency of Tuscany)

found, in a study, that geothermal has no impact on drinking water. (ARS Toscana’s Web site is in Italian: Ars.toscana.it/). Enel Green

Power North America, Inc. is a Board-level member of the Geothermal Energy Association and manages 46.5 MW of geothermal in the

United States, while in Italy, EGP manages 35 plants with combined net capacity of 720 MW.

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Turkey: Geothermal Energy Crucial to Solving Energy Dependency

Zorlu Energy Director General Sinan Ak was recently quoted in press that Turkey does not benefit properly from its geothermal energy

potential and that it’s an option that is crucial to solving its energy dependency. He said Turkey's projected 31.500 MWt potential could

mean a 10 billion USD energy expense savings annually (Worldbulletin.net). With about 100 MW of installed capacity for geothermal

power generation and with several GEA members working on projects in the nation, GEA listed it in its Geothermal: International Market

Overview Report (May 2012). “Turkey forecasts 6-8 percent annual growth in energy demand until 2020, expecting to add 50,000 MW to

the grid,” states the report. “Deemed to be one of the “hottest” markets in Europe for geothermal, Turkey is the seventh most promising

country in the world in geothermal energy potential . . . Recently, the Commercial Service at the US Embassy in Turkey reported that it

had received five to seven inquiries per month for potential US suppliers of renewable energy and energy efficiency equipment, services

and technology.”

UK: Eden Geothermal Working on Site Preparation, Community Support

Thisiscornwall.co.uk reports from an Eden spokesman that EGS Energy and multinational infrastructure group Balfour Beatty are working

to finalize site preparation and design for the Eden geothermal plant. The company has also worked setting up a liaison group with the

local community: "We have the backing of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Cornwall Council, and the

Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has commissioned a feasibility study on the investment possibilities for geothermal

power, reporting in June.” "Plans for a geothermal power plant at the Eden Project are ongoing," the spokesman said.

GHPs & Direct Use

GEO Seeks Extension of Heat Pump Tax Credits

Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) president and CEO Doug Dougherty continued to make a case for federal interest in GHP

industry stating "Buildings are the largest single sector of total U.S. energy consumption. GHPs can efficiently and significantly reduce the

heating and cooling loads of buildings, with positive benefits for our environment and economy” With a rate of less than 100,000

thousand residential units per year, GHP’s represent less than 2% of the HVAC marketplace. This is mostly due to the heavy up-front costs

that deter investment, despite the high return received when successful. Dougherty goes on to make the point that during the recession,

the federal tax credits for GHP’s system kept installations from crashing. As the housing economy improves, the tax credits will allow

GHP’s to make a significant contribution to heating and cooling. Read the full breakdown of tax credit comments on the GeoExchange

Web site.

Reno’s Peppermill, Home to Past Geothermal Energy Expos, Saves $2M Per Year Using GHPs

Reno Nevada’s Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, where the Geothermal Energy Association has held its annual Geothermal Energy Expo

several times, uses a geothermal aquifer 4,400 feet below it in order to power its heating and hot water systems for a 2.1 million square

foot interior. Since the Peppermill switched back in 2010 to geothermal heat pumps, there hasn’t been a use for their natural gas boilers.

The risk associated with finding the water below made this quite the pay off when they actually found the aquifer. The management

found the resource a month into drilling, and invested $6.5 million dollars on the heating system, which will only take a few years to pay

for itself at a savings rate of $2 million dollars per year in operating costs. Read the rest for the story at Forbes.

Geothermal Energy Association April 26, 2013

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Sustainable Geothermal Energy Revolution in Maryland

By Sustainable Energy Coalition/SUN DAY Campaign, source: Energy Manager Today -- A sustainable renewable energy revolution is

slowly taking place “underfoot” in Maryland. Last year, the Maryland legislature passed a bill, "Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard –

Renewable Energy Credits – Geothermal Heating and Cooling," which allows energy generated by Geothermal Heating and Cooling

technologies to be eligible for the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard as a Tier 1 renewable source. The statute allows Maryland to

become the first state in the country to make the energy generated by GHC technologies eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard as

a Tier 1 renewable source. GHC system owners are also eligible for Renewable Energy Credits, equivalent to 1 MW-h of electricity. As a

renewable energy source, it is anticipated that the future development of GHC will help Maryland meet its energy and environmental

objectives including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and green jobs.

Community Notice Board

New This Week

EERE Webinar, Renewable Energy FY2014 Budget Request (April 30)

Via DOE’s Geothermal Technologies Office -- The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) will host a free Webinar

describing the FY2014 budget request. This Webinar will focus on budget requests in the Renewable Electricity Generation sector, and

will be led by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Renewable Power Steve Chalk. When: Tuesday, April 30, 2013 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT.

Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) Director Doug Hollett will present the GTO budget. The Webinar will also include presentations

from the Solar and Wind and Water offices. Click here to register. Interested in more information on GTO's budget? View these related

documents: Geothermal Technologies FY14 Budget At-A-Glance and FY 2014 Congressional Budget Request - Geothermal Technologies.

Tenders for Renovation, Construction at Olkaria Geothermal Plant, Kenya Electricity Generating Co. (May 14)

The Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited invites sealed applications from eligible candidates for several tenders:

Tender No Description Closing Date

KGN-OLK-37-2013 Tender for Renovation of the Geothermal Club Olkaria naivasha (mandatory site

visit 13th

May 2013)

14TH

May 2013

10. 00 am

KGN-OLK-38-2013 Tender for construction of Administration Workshop at The Geothermal Power

Station staff Quarters (Mandatory Site visit

14th

May 2013

2.00pm

Interested firms may obtain information from and inspect the Tender documents at the office of the Supply Chain Manger, Tel: (254)

(020) 3666000, Fax: (254) (020) 3666200 Email: pkimemia@kengen.co.ke c.c: ckiara@kengen.co.ke on normal working days beginning

date of advert. Tender document must be delivered in plain sealed envelope before the closing date to the following address: Company

Secretary / Legal & Corporate Affairs Director; Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited; 7th floor, STIMA plaza Phase III; Kolobot

Road, Parklands; P. O. Box 47936 – 00100; NAIROBI. Tenders will be opened soon after the closing time in the presence of the candidates

representatives who choose to attend at Stima Plaza Phase III, Executive Committee Room, 7th floor. See Tendersunlimited.co.ke

Geothermal Energy Association April 26, 2013

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Tenders for Supply, Design at Olkaria Geothermal Plant, Kenya Electricity Generating Co. (May 23)

Submitted by Martin N. Mwangi, Geosteam Services Ltd -- The Kenya Electricity Generating Company Limited invites sealed applications

from eligible candidates for several tenders:

Tender No Description Closing Date

KGN-OLK-35-2013 Tender for Supply of Fan Hub Disc and Blades for Olkaria II Power Station 23 May 2013

10. 00 am

KGN-OLK-36-2013 Tender for Design, Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of high Mast

Lighting System in Naivasha area

23 May 2013

10. 00 am

KGN-OLK-37-2013 Tender for Supply of Directional Drilling Equipment for Olkaria Geothermal

Project

24 May 2013

10. 00 am

Interested firms may obtain further information from, and inspect the Tender Document at the office of Supply Chain Manager, Tel: (254)

(020) 3666000, Fax: (254) (020) 3666200, Email: pkimemia@kenaen.co.ke;gmuchemi@kengen.co.ke; jtheuri@kengen.co.ke ;

ckiara@kengen.co.ke. Delivery address -- Company Secretary; Legal and Corporate Affairs Director; Kenya Electricity Generating

Company Limited; 7"'Floor, Stima Plaza Phase III; Kolobot Road, Parklands; POBox 47936 • 00100; NAIROBI, KENYA. The tenders will be

opened on 27'" May 2013 at 10:30 a.m. thereafter at KenGen Executive Room, 7'" Floor, and bidders or their Representatives are

welcome to attend.

BLM Seeks Public Comments on Geothermal Test Wells Planned at Glass Buttes, Oregon (due May 19)

The Prineville District, BLM is requesting public input on a proposed project that would authorize the drilling, testing and monitoring

geothermal exploratory wells on private and BLM administered lands in Harney and Lake Counties near Glass Buttes, Oregon (south of

Highway 20; 70 miles southeast of Bend, Oregon and 50 miles northwest of Burns, Oregon) If approved, the project would evaluate the

potential of geothermal resources in the area. Ormat Nevada plans to drill up to 16 exploratory wells, each within a well pad ranging in

size from 2-4 acres. Three of the proposed wells are on private land, but BLM officials say their development in dependent on federal

approval for the other wells and will be considered “Connected non-federal action.”

From the BLM Press release: The public is invited to review alternatives and provide input. The Midnight Point and Mahogany

Geothermal Exploration Projects, Glass Buttes, Oregon Environmental Assessment is available online under “Documents Currently under

Review” at http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/prineville/plans/index.php or by requesting a paper copy from the Prineville District Office at

(541) 416-6700 or the Burns District Office at (541) 573-4400. The BLM will accept written comments until May 19, 2013 via FAX: (541-

416-6798); MAIL: 3050 N.E. 3rd St., Prineville, OR 97754; or EMAIL: blm_or_pr_glass_buttes_geo_thermal@blm.gov (Attn: Glass Buttes

Geothermal Project). Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information, you should

be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available.

Geothermal Resources Council Announces Future Events and Important Dates (June 10-11)

Submitted by the GRC – The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) will hold a Two-day workshop on Resource Assessment and

Optimization on June 10-11, 2013, in Sacramento, California. In conjunction with this event there will be an optional field trip to The

Geysers geothermal field on June 12. GRC has secured a discounted room rate of $139 (plus room tax and fees). The room block discount

ends May 19. More information at Geothermal.org.

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Additionally GRC Annual Meeting will be held alongside the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo as in previous years. This is scheduled for

September 29-October 2, 2013 at the MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. More information at Geothermal.org. The GRC notes

Important Deadlines: Call for papers - May 3; Special room rate offer - May 31; GRC Awards - June 28; GRC 34th Annual Geothermal

Amateur Photography Contest - August 30.

Center for Geothermal Resources Announces Industry Partner Meeting (June 25)

Submitted by the U of Calif. -- The University of California and University of Nevada’s Center for Geothermal Resources announces an

Industry Partner Meeting at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. The meeting will be held June 25th (8:00 – 5:00) & 26th (8:00 – 12:00)

and is free of charge. Visit the CGR website to learn more or email Elise Brown at ebbrown@ucdavis.edu to register. The Center for

Geothermal Resources is an industry, university, and government (National Science Foundation) collaboration to fund industry-driven

research in geothermal energy. This is your company's chance to get in on the ground floor of a leading research center in partnership

with the National Science Foundation. Click here to learn more. The Geothermal Energy Association is a cosponsor of the event.

Featured Notices

Zayed Future Energy Prize Seeks Submissions (by August 5)

Submitted by Zayed Future Energy Prize -- Submissions are now open for the 2014 edition of the Zayed Future Energy Prize. The Prize is

an annual $4 million award for excellence and innovation in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability. Over the last five years, the

Prize has honored 21 organizations and individuals for their innovation in renewable energy in the categories of: large corporations; small

and medium enterprise; non-governmental organization; lifetime achievement ; and global high schools (distributed amongst 5 schools

from five regions--Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania). Close of nominations for lifetime achievement is July 22, and submissions

close on August 5. Please visit the Prize’s Web site for more information.

Earth Day 2013 at Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center (April 27)

Join This Annual Free Community Event, Saturday, April 27th

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Showcasing Local Businesses and Celebrating Lake

County Sustainability. Come See Our New, Interactive Exhibit Hall! Reservation Strongly Recommended * Guided Bus Tours to a

Geothermal Power Plant * Music * Demonstrations * Booths * Activities * Live Entertainment * 15500 Central Park Road, Middletown,

CA 95461, 707-987-4270 www.geysers.com

Cook Inlet, Alaska to Offer Geothermal Energy Exploration Lease (May 8)

Alaska will offer a geothermal lease in Cook Inlet, the state's oldest producing oil and gas basin, on May 8 in conjunction with its oil and

gas lease sales, the State Department of Natural Resources announced. The land is 66,000 acres at Mount Augustine, an island volcano

180 miles southwest of Anchorage.

Geothermal Energy Association April 26, 2013

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Request for Information Renewable Energy Service Agreement Performance Work Statement (by May 29)

The Army Energy Initiatives Task Force (EITF) and the Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command are seeking industry input on a

standardized Renewable Energy Service Agreement Performance Work Statement (PWS) template. Comments will help inform the

Government’s process to provide clear and concise instructions on all future EITF contracts. The Renewable Energy Service Agreement

PWS, solicitation number W9124J13EITF1, is posted along with instructions on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site at

www.fbo.gov. For an April 11 Webinar, see www.armyeitf.com. The RFI closes on May 29, 2013.

Call for Papers, 2013 Annual Congress, Mexican Geothermal Association (due June 28)

The 21st Annual Congress of the Mexican Geothermal Association (AGM -- Asociación Geotérmica Mexicana) is happening 24-26 October

2013, in Morelia, Mich., Mexico. Authors will send an abstract attached in a Word file, not longer than a page including title, author and

co-authors, institution or company and e-mail to: Luis C.A. Gutiérrez Negrín (l.g.negrin@gmail.com, luis.gutierrez@geotermia.org.mx).

Dead-line June 28, 2013. Authors of selected papers will be informed by Friday July 19, 2013. Selected papers will be orally presented

during the congress, supported by PowerPoint presentations. Presentation time is 20 minutes, plus 5 minutes for questions and answers.

Some papers could be selected for poster presentation. During the congress, oral presentations can be in English or Spanish. Consult the

Call for Papers: www.geotermia.org.mx. Contacts: Luis C.A. Gutiérrez Negrín (AGM’s President): l.g.negrin@gmail.com; Alfredo Mañón

Mercado (AGM’s Treasurer): amanonm@gmail.com; and José Luis Quijano León (AGM’s Pro-Treasurer): quijanov@gmail.com.

National Geothermal Academy at University of Nevada-Reno (July 8 thru Aug. 2)

The 2013 National Geothermal Academy is accepting rolling applications for a four week intensive summer course at the University of

Nevada, Reno about geothermal energy development and utilization. The July 8-August 2, 2013 program is offered for 3 credits at either

the undergraduate or graduate level. Individual weeks are also offered for professional development.

Week 1: Introduction to Geothermal Energy - July 8-12, 2013. Jeff Tester and Michal Moore will cover geothermal utilization and

economics; Mark Demuth and John McKinsey will cover environmental policy and business principles; Joe Moore will cover geology and

geochemistry; Dave Blackwell will cover geophysics; Louis Capuano III, Louis Capuano Jr, and Bill Livesay will cover drilling engineering.

Week 2: Reservoir Engineering - July 15-19, 2013. Roland Horne will cover the basic principles of reservoir engineering and management.

Week 3: Power Plant Design and Construction - July 22-26, 2013. Ronald DiPippo and Brian Anderson will cover the fundamentals of

geothermal power plant design, analysis, and construction.

Week 4: Direct Use Applications - July 29-August 2, 2013. This week will be conducted on the Oregon Institute of Technology campus in

Klamath Falls, Oregon. Toni Boyd and John Lund will cover the basic principles relating to direct use applications of geothermal fluids,

geothermal heat pumps, and small-scale power generation.

Students: Four week program fee: $1,500. Optional room and board: $1,600. Students must be actively enrolled in school or recent

graduates (within 3 years) who are not yet professionally employed. Room and board is available for an additional cost. Professionals:

Early Bird program fee: $1,000 per week. Late program fee: $1,200 per week. Professionals may attend any weeks of the NGA. A

Certificate of Achievement will be presented upon completion. Professionals are not offered room and board. Applications: online at

Geothermal Energy Association April 26, 2013

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Gbcge.org/education-NGA.php. Student & Early Bird Professionals accepted February 15-March 31; Late Professional applications

accepted April 1-May 15. Visit Gbcge.org; e-mail, geothermal@unr.edu.

35th New Zealand Geothermal Workshop to Take Place in Rotorua, NZ (Nov. 18-20)

Via the Institute of Earth Science and Engineering -- The 35th

New Zealand Geothermal Workshop will be held 18-20 November 2013 in

Rotorua, New Zealand in conjunction with the 26th

International Applied Geochemistry Symposium. For event details, check at

www.geothermalworkshop.co.nz

Featured Jobs

Mineral Resources Specialist for Geothermal, State of Hawaii

The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is recruiting for a Mineral Resources Specialist position to work on its

geothermal resources management responsibilities. Click here for the link to the recruitment notice, which contains submittal

requirements and other pertinent information. Submit resume to: Department of Land and Natural Resources, Personnel Office, Attn:

Ms. Alice Schutte, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 231, Honolulu, HI 96813. Please also complete and submit an Application for Non-Civil

Service Appointment HRD 278 (Rev 11/15/11). Applications can be found at: http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/jobs. Position number is 120856 (E).

Direct all inquiries regarding this position to: Mr. Carty Chang, Phone: (808) 587-0227, Email: carty.s.chang@hawaii.gov

GEA 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, sponsors garner extensive coverage through media availabilities in mainstream press outlets. Contact:

Kathy, kathy@geo-energy.org. Geo-energy.org/events Why Should You Attend GEA Events? As the national trade association for the

geothermal industry, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) creates and delivers educational events involving the full range of the

geothermal industry, reflecting the dynamic growth of the geothermal market, and communicating the benefits of geothermal energy.

GEA events provide important opportunities to learn and network within the geothermal community as well as inform and educate

companies and organizations outside today’s industry that are interested in learning more. The revenue generated from GEA events is

used to advance the goal “to expand the production and use of geothermal energy in the U.S. and around the world” through future

events, PR and outreach efforts, policy related activities and analysis, internet publications, and other initiatives designed to help achieve

this goal. Only GEA puts your dollars to work in all of these ways to advance the future of the geothermal energy industry. GEA does not

sell your email or postal address to junk mailers or spammers.

Geothermal Energy Association April 26, 2013

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National Geothermal Summit, Reno, NV (June 26-27)

Event summary: GEA will host its third annual National Geothermal Summit which brings together companies and individuals in the

geothermal industry with experts, government officials and other key decision makers. The Summit will feature policy leaders discussing

the status and future of geothermal power in the Western states. New additions to the Summit in 2013 will be a panel discussing the

state of geothermal technology and an expanded exhibit space to accommodate more vendors. With any questions, please contact

Kathy at (202) 454-5263 or kathy@geo-energy.org. You can also check for updates at http://www.geo-energy.org/events.aspx.

GEA Geothermal Energy Expo 2013, Las Vegas, NV (Sept. 29-Oct. 2)

Event summary: 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. This year’s

event is at the MGM Grand Hotel and Resort in Las Vegas, September 29 through October 2, 2013. With any questions, please contact

Kathy at (202) 454-5263 or kathy@geo-energy.org. Visit: http://www.geothermalenergy2013.org/. That Web site is for information and

registration to the Geothermal Energy Expo only. If you are interested in attending the GRC Annual Meeting please visit the GRC Web

site at: http://geothermal.org/meet-new.html.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY A newsletter for the geothermal industry, by Leslie Blodgett and Karl Gawell

CONTACT, SUBSCRIBE, SUBMIT POSTS leslie@geo-energy.org ~ 202 454 5241

ARCHIVES http://www.geo-energy.org/updates.aspx

© 2012 Geothermal Energy Association