national news 3 6 9 international news 9geo-energy.org/newsletter/2011/geothermal energy... ·...

Geothermal Energy Association December 23, 2011 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY

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National News ...................................................................... 3

Geothermal Industry Leads the Way Toward a More Sustainable 2012 ................................................................3

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Completes Draft EIS for Geothermal Leasing, Invites Comments .................5

BLM and FS Move Forward on Sage Grouse Protection .......................................................................................5

House in 2011: Most Anti-Environment Vote Record in History .............................................................................5

Company News.................................................................... 6

GEA: Behind-the-Meter Proposal would Affect GEA Member Projects in California .............................................6

Ormat Technologies: PPA for Company’s First U.S. Solar PV Project Announced ...............................................7

Ram Power, Corp.: Synchronization of Nicaragua Plant Phase I Expansion Complete ........................................7

US Geothermal: San Emidio Power Plant Completed, Commissioning to Begin ...................................................8

State News ........................................................................... 9

California: Cap and Trade Approved, State is World’s Second Largest Carbon Market ........................................9

International News .............................................................. 9

Americas .................................................................................................................................................................9

Peru: Mustang Geothermal to Start Condoroma Drill Program ..........................................................................9

Europe .................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Iceland: Reykjavík Energy Selling Geothermal Landmark Monument ............................................................. 10

Pacific ................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Australia: Draft Energy White Paper May Overestimate Cost of Renewables ................................................ 10

Indonesia: MOU Eases Mining Restrictions; Cultural Issues Afoot at Bedugul Geothermal Site .................... 11

Northern Mariana Islands: CUC to Announce Winning Bid for Geothermal Exploration ................................. 11

Philippines: EDC Assessing Geothermal Plants After Typhoon ...................................................................... 11

Geothermal Heat Pumps and Direct Use ........................ 12

UK: ESB Novusmodus Leads £12m Investment Round in Geothermal International ......................................... 12

Notices ............................................................................... 12

New This Week .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Comments Invited on Sage Grouse EIS (February 7) ..................................................................................... 12

Comments Invited on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Draft EIS for Geothermal Leasing ......................... 13

Current Notices .................................................................................................................................................... 14

International Market Workshop for GEA Members to Precede January San Francisco Event ....................... 14


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GRC Call for 2012 Annual Meeting Papers (April 27) ...................................................................................... 14

Project Abysse Seeks Support to Build Remote-Controlled, Mine-Shaft Submarine for Geothermal

Implementation ................................................................................................................................................. 15

Is Your Company Providing a Geothermal Internship? .................................................................................... 15

For Sale: Binary Cycle Geothermal Power Plant ............................................................................................. 15

Site Needed for DOE Demonstration, Chena Power ....................................................................................... 16

Employment ....................................................................... 16

Employment Opportunities ................................................................................................................................... 16

Internship: Hot Dry Rocks, Australia ................................................................................................................ 16

Reservoir Engineer, CALPINE, The Geysers, Middletown, CA ....................................................................... 17

Chief Reservoir Engineer, CalEnergy, Calipatria (Imperial Valley), CA ........................................................... 18

Research Geologist/Geophysicist, United States Geological Survey .............................................................. 19

Requests for Proposals .................................................... 20

Proposal Announcements .................................................................................................................................... 20

Financial JV Partner Needed, Geothermal Power Generation Project in Indonesia ....................................... 20

Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers, NSF (February 1) ........................................................... 20

Sustainable Energy Pathways, NSF (February 1) ........................................................................................... 21

Environmental Engineering, Energy for Sustainability, and Environmental Sustainability, NSF (February 17)

.......................................................................................................................................................................... 21

*For Students! Regional Energy Department Business Plan Competitions (March 2) ................................... 21

Events ................................................................................. 22

GEA and GEA-Sponsored Events ....................................................................................................................... 22

GEA Geothermal Energy Finance Forum, San Francisco, CA (January 18) ................................................... 22

Geothermal Track, Renewable Energy World North America Conference and Expo, Long Beach, CA

(February 14–16) .............................................................................................................................................. 23

Sponsorship Opportunities for GEA Events ..................................................................................................... 23

Other Events ........................................................................................................................................................ 24

Geothermal Lease Sale, BLM, Nevada (January 24) ...................................................................................... 24

Two Geothermal Leases Up for Bid, BLM, Colorado (February 9) .................................................................. 24

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



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National News

Geothermal Industry Leads the Way Toward a More Sustainable 2012

GEA Press Release -- Washington, DC (December 20, 2011) -- In 2011, the geothermal industry continued to

build upon the growth of the last decade. Over the past year, increased activity in the areas of resource,

technology, workforce and policy development have positioned the industry for increased growth in 2012. As the

industry looks towards the new year, the Geothermal Energy Association has identified the top tends and

accomplishments of 2011 that the industry will build upon in the upcoming months.

“Geothermal energy is an extremely important element of a successful renewable and sustainable future in the

United States,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. “The progress made by geothermal in 2011 was

substantial, and we look forward to continued growth in the year ahead.”

Recent growth and future expansion of geothermal in the US: Geothermal energy development has been

growing in the US since 2005. From four states in 2005, the geothermal industry now has power plants and small

power units operating in nine states. Geothermal power production will increase in the years ahead. GEA expects

to see a number of geothermal projects coming online in 2012 and 2013.

Geothermal energy production is increasing: Prospects for the future growth of geothermal energy in the US

are strengthened by the increasing number of companies engaged in geothermal resource development. Roughly

half a dozen firms were actively involved prior to 2005, whereas there are now almost 20 companies developing

and operating geothermal power projects in the US.

New and innovative technologies: In addition to bringing power plants online, the geothermal industry is

maturing in a variety of other ways. New R&D efforts are introducing innovative technologies into the

industry. Federal funding to develop new exploration and drilling, mineral recovery, and low-temperature

technologies will also expand the global resource base and pay dividends for years to come.

Geothermal education developments: New groundbreaking workforce education programs are providing young

professionals with the skills they need to contribute to the future growth of the geothermal industry. In the summer

of 2011, the University of Nevada, Reno hosted the first National Geothermal Academy, an 8-week intensive

course introducing graduate and undergraduate students to all aspects of geothermal development. Additionally,

Truckee Meadows Community College initiated a program that trains students to become geothermal power plant

operators.

http://geo-energy.org/Default.aspx


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Congressional support: Policies at the federal and state level will continue to support geothermal

development. The federal tax credit continues through January 1, 2014, and state climate and renewable laws

continue to promote the purchase of clean, geothermal power. Most recently, the Senate Energy Committee

passed the Geothermal Technology and Expansion Act of 2011, which would create a federal loan program for

geothermal exploration drilling. The Senate Energy Committee also passed the Geothermal Production

Expansion Act of 2011, which will expedite the leasing and development of geothermal resources on federal

land. California continues to press forward with its climate law, AB 32, and geothermal energy is expected to play

a key role in meeting its goals.

“Congress’s support of geothermal will help the industry grow and invest in research and development,” Gawell

added. “Not only will Congressional support help to create more geothermal projects, but it will also create more

jobs in the United States.”

Number of US companies involved in geothermal is increasing: US firms will continue to be involved in the

world geothermal market, supplying goods and services to a range of countries. US companies export to

countries on all major continents. With strong support from the Renewable Export Initiative, this will continue to

grow.

International growth: Worldwide geothermal production will continue to thrive as well. At least 24 countries

currently produce geothermal power, and with new projects under development on nearly every major continent,

the geothermal industry is poised for increased global growth. US companies export geothermal goods and

services throughout the world, and with strong support from the administration’s Renewable Energy Export

Initiative, the US industry’s position as an international leader will flourish.

On January 18, the conversation will continue when GEA convenes the geothermal community along with the

world’s top technology leaders and venture capitalists at San Francisco’s Marriott Marquis for GEA Geothermal

Energy Finance Forum 2012. The event will explore opportunities in geothermal, create a networking dialogue

between the finance and investment communities of the East and West Coasts, and offer a tutorial on geothermal

energy investment with top experts and major players in geothermal development and finance. Keynote speakers

will include Anne Simpson of CalPERS and Karen Douglas from the California Energy Commission. Event

partners for the Forum are American Council on Renewable Energy, the Geothermal Resources Council, and the

California Geothermal Energy Collaborative, as well as sponsors SNC-Lavalin Thermal Power, GeothermEx,

Geothermal Resource Group, and Pratt & Whitney Power Systems. For more information or to register, please

visit: http://www.geo-energy.org/events/finance_forum_2012.aspx. For more information or to arrange an

interview GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell, please contact Leni Schimpf at 646-695-7045 or

[email protected].

http://www.geo-energy.org/events/finance_forum_2012.aspx

mailto:[email protected]


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Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Completes Draft EIS for Geothermal Leasing, Invites

Comments

The recently completed Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Geothermal Leasing on the Humboldt-

Toiyabe National Forest proposes the Forest Service consent to lease up to 615,230 acres of National Forest

System (NFS) land, encompassing most of the Nevada portion of the Bridgeport Ranger District (602,115 acres),

and parts of the Austin Ranger (3,961 acres), Tonopah (166 acres), and Ely Ranger (3,538 acres) Districts. The

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) provides for a 45-day public comment period for a DEIS; for

information on how to submit comments, see the Notices section of this newsletter.

BLM and FS Move Forward on Sage Grouse Protection

To address threats to the greater sage-grouse and its habitat on public lands throughout the West, the Bureau of

Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have opened a 60-day public comment period on issues

addressed in Environmental Impact Statements and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statements with the

greater sage-grouse conservation measures in land use plans in 10 Western states. The Bureau of Land

Management must revise 70 Resource Management Plans by 2014 in order to avoid listing of the Sage Grouse

as an Endangered Species.

BLM Director Bob Abbey told press the action “is the first step in formally involving the states, tribes, local

governments, researchers, organizations, and the interested public in addressing sage-grouse conservation in our

multiple land management plans in 10 western states. Working with our partners, we will use these land use

plans to implement actions range-wide so we can conserve and restore the greater sage-grouse and its habitat on

BLM lands over the short term and the long term.”

Last week, BLM removed over 40,000 acres from an oil and natural gas lease sale in Nevada in order to preserve

greater sage grouse habitat.

BLM will be holding scoping meetings in western states in January, and comments are due February 7, though

they will be accepted until the 15th. For more information, see the Notices section of this newsletter.

House in 2011: Most Anti-Environment Vote Record in History

Via Sustainable Energy Coalition and League of Conservation Voters -- U.S. Reps. Waxman (D-CA), Markey (D-

MA) and Berman (D-CA) have released a new report showing that House Republican leaders have pushed

through an astonishing 191 votes to weaken environmental protections. The House of Representatives averaged

more than one anti-environmental vote for every day the House was in session in 2011. More than one in five of

the legislative roll call votes taken in 2011 – 22% – were votes to undermine environmental protections. On

average, 228 Republican members of the House – 94% of the Republican members – voted for the anti-

http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/htnf/geothermal

http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/htnf/geothermal

http://www.recordcourier.com/article/20111208/NEWS/111209871/1062&ParentProfile=1049

http://www.eenews.net/Landletter/2011/12/15/2

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/sagegrouse/western.html

http://www.lcv.org/media/blog/the-most-anti-environment.html


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environment position during these roll call votes. On average, 164 Democratic members of the House – 86% of

the Democratic members – voted for the pro-environment position. The anti-environment votes cut across a broad

array of issues and included 27 votes to block action to address climate change, 77 votes to undermine Clean Air

Act protections, 28 votes to undermine Clean Water Act protections, and 47 votes to weaken protection of public

land and coastal waters. The Environmental Protection Agency was the target of 114 of these votes; the

Department of the Interior was the target of 35 of these votes; and the Department of Energy was the target of 31

of these votes.

Company News

GEA: Behind-the-Meter Proposal would Affect GEA Member Projects in California

This week, GEA filed a motion with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and provided comments in

support of the protest of the California Wind Energy Association (CalWEA)1 as it relates to the California

Independent System Operator’s (CAISO) proposed tariff revisions regarding “behind-the-meter” (BTM)

expansions of existing generation facilities.

The tariff revisions, filed by CAISO in November, include a proposed new section 4.2.1.2 to Attachment Y of its

tariff, which would “appl[y] to an Interconnection Request relating to a [BTM] expansion where the existing

Generating Facility prime mover is wind technology or solar technology.” As described by CAISO, the new

section 4.2.1.2 would set forth the technical and business criteria that an interconnection request for a wind or

solar project must satisfy to pass the flow impact test under CAISO’s Independent Study Process.

According to GEA’s comments, submitted December 21, CAISO’s BTM proposal will have a significant effect

upon GEA member-projects in California, and GEA fully supports the protest of CalWEA as it relates to CAISO’s

BTM proposal. GEA writes:

“GEA agrees with CalWEA that CAISO’s BTM proposal would restrict the use of complementary generation

technologies in a manner that is not operationally justified and is unduly discriminatory. In addition to those views

expressed by CalWEA, GEA would point to two specific challenges faced by the geothermal industry that

necessitate revisions to CAISO’s BTM proposal: First, because of temperature and pressure changes, the output

of geothermal plants can experience losses over time. BTM expansion would provide a needed opportunity for

geothermal project owners to increase their energy output from a combined project that utilizes additional

generation technologies, subject to the limitations of the interconnection studies of the original project.

“Second, due to certain permitting restrictions, most new geothermal projects employ “dry cooling” technology,

which can reduce the output of a geothermal plant due to variations in ambient temperature conditions. These

diurnal and seasonal variations can reduce the capacity utilization of a geothermal project. BTM expansion would


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help remedy this problem by allowing geothermal project owners to bring in a complimentary resource to increase

utilization levels.

“For these reasons, the CAISO tariff must be amended to allow implementation of the BTM proposal at existing

facilities of all prime mover technologies, including geothermal.”

Ormat Technologies: PPA for Company’s First U.S. Solar PV Project Announced

Press Release (Reno, Nevada) December 21 -- Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA) today announced that it

has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Imperial Irrigation District (IID) for 10 MW of solar

photovoltaic (PV) energy. The project, Ormat’s first independent PV project in the U.S., will be located near the

Heber geothermal complex in Imperial Valley, California.

Ormat will develop, own and operate the solar project with IID purchasing the power generated under a 20-year

PPA. Construction is anticipated to begin this year and commercial operation is expected within 18 months,

subject to timely completion of the interconnection. The project will generate approximately 24,500 annual MWh

of energy production.

“We are pleased to partner with IID in support of their renewable energy growth plan” said Yoram Bronicki,

President and Chief Operating Officer of Ormat Technologies. “While Ormat’s roots in solar energy go back more

than 40 years, we have recently reinitiated our development efforts in solar projects as a way to expand our

renewable energy portfolio. Developing projects in a cost-effective way and with an acceptable tariff, without the

strong dependence on tax incentives, is vital for us to further expand our solar activity in a meaningful way.

“As the project is being built near the Heber geothermal complex area, it allows for reliance upon a portion of the

existing infrastructure, such as the operation facilities.”

In addition to development in the U.S., Ormat has made progress with a number of solar PV projects outside the

U.S. where it expects to move from the regulatory process to the project development stage for an additional 10

to 15 MW of solar PV power generation.

Ram Power, Corp.: Synchronization of Nicaragua Plant Phase I Expansion Complete

Press Release (Reno, Nevada) December 22 -- Ram Power, Corp. CA:RPG +5.26%, a renewable energy

company focused on the development, production and sale of electricity from geothermal energy, today

announced that the Phase I expansion at San Jacinto-Tizate has been successfully synchronized to the

Nicaraguan national integrated electrical grid. The Company expects commercial operation of the Phase I

expansion to begin in the near future.

http://www.ormat.com/news/latest-items/ormat-signs-new-20-year-power-purchase-agreement-10-mw-solar-pv-project-imperial-i

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ram-power-corp-announces-synchronization-of-the-phase-i-expansion-at-san-jacinto-tizate-2011-12-22-80590?reflink=MW_news_stmp


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The Phase I expansion adds 36 MW of capacity to the existing 10 MW backpressure units currently in operation

at San Jacinto. The electricity produced by the project is sold through a long-term power purchase agreement in

place with Nicaraguan power distributors Disnorte-Dissur, subsidiaries of the Spanish utility Gas Natural Fenosa.

"Synchronization for the Phase I expansion at San Jacinto-Tizate is the result of a dedicated team of

professionals who overcame all the challenges associated with building a world-class geothermal power project,"

stated Shuman Moore, CEO of Ram Power. "I am extremely proud of our employees who have continued to

demonstrate their commitment to this project and to the development of geothermal power in the region."

"Congratulations to the team at Ram Power for their work on the Phase I expansion," said Antony Mitchell,

Executive Chairman of Ram Power. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank our grid operator ENATREL and

our customer Gas Natural Fenosa for their support in reaching synchronization. We look forward to a long and

mutually beneficial relationship in helping to serve the power needs of Nicaragua. In addition, I would like to

recognize the Company's management for leading our Nicaraguan and U.S. teams to accomplish this important

goal, and look forward to their achieving commercial operation in the near future."

US Geothermal: San Emidio Power Plant Completed, Commissioning to Begin

Press Release (Boise, Idaho) December 20 -- U.S. Geothermal Inc., a leading renewable energy company

focused on the development, production and sale of electricity from geothermal energy, announced that it has

been informed by engineering, procurement, and construction contractor, SAIC Constructors LLC, that

mechanical completion has been achieved on a new power plant at Phase I of its San Emidio project, located in

Washoe County, Nevada. The new 8.6 net MW, water cooled plant is replacing an existing operating power plant

that will be shut down as part of the new plant startup.

Mechanical completion starts commissioning activities on various individual power plant components and

controls. Once the commissioning activities are complete, the full power plant will undergo acceptance testing,

leading to startup and commercial operation. The Phase I power plant is expected to achieve commercial

operations in approximately 30 days.

The Phase II power plant development at San Emidio has commenced construction with initiation of production

and injection well drilling at the site. Recent drilling has identified a deeper, higher temperature potential

production zone in the south area of the existing reservoir, which is expected to expand the known reservoir

boundary. Phase II is a planned 8.6 net MW, air cooled power plant and is scheduled to be on line during the 3rd

quarter of 2013.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/us-geothermal-announces-mechanical-completion-of-new-san-emidio-power-plant-2011-12-20?reflink=MW_news_stmp


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State News

California: Cap and Trade Approved, State is World’s Second Largest Carbon Market

Via EESI, see also Forbes, San Francisco Gate, Bloomberg -- A San Francisco judge has approved California’s

cap-and-trade plans which will make it the largest carbon market in North America and the second largest in the

world. The bill was passed in 2006 but has come under fire from opponents claiming that it will destroy jobs and

harm the economy. However, in May the court approved the California Air Resources Board’s authority to

implement the program. According to the judge’s ruling last week, the state has adequately studied alternatives to

its climate goal and the program is now slated for implementation in 2013. According to the Environmental

Defense Fund, the state has received more than $9 billion in venture capital for clean energy technology since the

bill was passed.

International News

Americas

Peru: Mustang Geothermal to Start Condoroma Drill Program

Press Release, Reno, Nev., December 19, 2011 -- Mustang Geothermal Corp. (OTCBB: URXE.OB) announces

that it plans to start a new exploration program consisting of 200 shallow temperature gradient drill holes on the

Company's geothermal concessions in Peru . The shallow gradient drill program is a follow-up to the water

chemistry sampling program that yielded promising results; indicating potentially viable geothermal reservoirs.

The shallow gradient drill program provides for up to 200, 2-meter-deep drill holes which will be drilled using a

motorized, man-portable soil-auger. Temperature is measured at the bottom of the hole using a resistivity-

temperature-device probe. The purpose of measuring precise temperature at a two meter depth is to explore for

thermal anomalies resulting from a "blind" geothermal system at depth. The first meter of the soil acts as an

insulating layer with temperature varying according to daily fluctuations, but the second meter of the drill hole

tracks temperature that reflects deeper variations that are related to geothermal heat sources.

This method has been used to discover several blind geothermal systems that have ultimately resulted in the

development of producing geothermal electrical power plants. The method is a relatively inexpensive method for

determining near-surface manifestations of geothermal activity and existence of otherwise "blind" systems.

The drill program will start on the Condoroma Property, located near the settlement of Chaquelles, 29 kilometers

southeast of the Swiss based Xstrata plc's Antapaccay copper project. Mustang plans to drill 100 shallow-

temperature holes across the Condoroma geothermal concession to identify additional geothermal "hot-spots"

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=pxsyi8bab&et=1108972397661&s=24360&e=001qyhbLE16ulQpMEgqIzGZNE6KS4rJtm2TGWIrqsrg0HRNAL3AGlSZOIbcmBmjkZrYRNYpsp8Vmo_sB4RbQw7E-L0iYe3Ei3Q-Z04VGrYzP6fXPK_12XjzuZBw75SjhzWkgH13Lwv25vzQs99H8zJb7jkMwj4oKy_DAUs7vByqgATuJ0ez0e8ixWbm9VnqE4Uwh2RT0UWlylRsdlNv1NL99z5kUpdUxL2hVSYui6lmscA_mjGRG-0L4Q==

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=pxsyi8bab&et=1108972397661&s=24360&e=001qyhbLE16ulSfaD8FlkzzeZ-e2QFD3_6Lm-vwxyHcUeGhQuPd0WC0JFx4VxmFT1LxcL8WzixY5R4Xl91psYBYFFqMKnsqP2txjHTtDLc6XqCxIid2wg_RBPsLNOoCwaFao3uOV7RVF2Jtpfe4ocwMAiyGztZX5hm7JKXx2W8JXpZ1GlfaykrA0tKjAbzuxxKV1EIW6634Gdo=

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http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mustang-geothermal-to-start-drill-program-in-peru-135892193.html


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and refine deeper drill targets on the property. The shape and size of the anomaly, coupled with geological and

geophysical data are intended to narrow down the prospective areas for deeper exploration drilling.

"The ability to quickly and inexpensively generate additional information and potential new exploration targets at

Condoroma as well as our other Mustang's geothermal concessions is important in fast-tracking the development

of a geothermal resource in Peru and production of electrical power to meet the surging needs in Southern Peru,"

commented the Richard Bachman, CEO of Mustang.

Europe

Iceland: Reykjavík Energy Selling Geothermal Landmark Monument

Reykjavík Energy is selling Perlan, an iconic landmark to geothermal heat and popular tourist attraction, for ISK

1.7 billion (EUR 10.6 million). The new investors plan to add a hotel, service center and a spa with pools and

steam baths. Kjartan Magnússon, an Independence Party councilor, has raised objections to the deal. According

to icenews.is, Magnússon said the possibility of adding extra buildings to the site should have been brought up

earlier, that Reykjavik Energy could have gotten more offers, and that the company did not present information on

offers to board members before the statement of intent was signed. The new investors, a group of construction,

tourism and real estate businesses, have had their offer accepted subject to city council approval for the extra

building work and with a March 31 cut-off date for the sale.

Pacific

Australia: Draft Energy White Paper May Overestimate Cost of Renewables

The Australian Government released its draft Energy White Paper outlines key actions to address the problems

faced by Australia’s energy sector. Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson, told press: "Over the

next two decades, Australia will require massive investment in the gas and electricity sectors – around $240

billion in generation, transmission and distribution."

But analysis by Bloomberg shows the Draft Energy White Paper overestimated the cost of solar power threefold,

wind power by 50%, and also underestimated the price of geothermal energy. According to the source,

calculations may be based on data just a few years old, but costs in the renewables sector are dropping quickly.

http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2011/12/21/reykjavik-monument-to-be-sold-controversy-ensues/

http://www.icenews.is/index.php/2011/12/21/reykjavik-monument-to-be-sold-controversy-ensues/

http://www.energymatters.com.au/index.php?main_page=news_article&article_id=1930

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/energy-white-paper-overstates-cost-of-renewables-study-finds/story-e6frg6xf-1226226197721


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Indonesia: MOU Eases Mining Restrictions; Cultural Issues Afoot at Bedugul Geothermal Site

Earlier this week, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik and Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan in

support of geothermal energy signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ease regulations for the

exploration of geothermal energy in an effort to remove problems with licensing procedures at 28 locations in the

nation’s protected forests. The regulations in forestry law stated only underground mining operations could be

carried out in forest conversation areas; the changes will create an understanding between the two ministries on

how to treat future geothermal projects.

Meanwhile in Bali, the chairman of Commission I of the Bali House of Representatives (DPRD-Bali), Made Arjaya,

is rejecting plans for a geothermal plant in Bedugul “on the grounds that such a project is in opposition to Bali’s

culture and religion,” the chairman told press. “The Balinese people honor and hold sacred their mountains and

forests, places they see as the very source of life. Thus, drilling to exploit subterranean heat sources is a violation

of that which the people of Bali hold sacred,” he said.

Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jero Wacik, also from Bali, who along with the central government has

announced support for the Bedugul project, has pledged to convene a discussion between all the interested

parties to reach an acceptable path forward. The Minister has promised free electrical power to persons living

within a 10-km radius of the proposed project and has said that he would personally pay the cost of any religious

ceremonies at temples within the same radius.

Northern Mariana Islands: CUC to Announce Winning Bid for Geothermal Exploration

A contract for geothermal drilling on Saipan could be awarded to one of several bidders in January or February,

Lt. Gov. Eloy S. Inos told press. If the winning company determines whether geothermal energy production is

feasible, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. will invite companies to bid on the development and commissioning of

a geothermal power plant.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial is working with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to secure a $100 million interest-free loan from

the U.S. Department of Energy, he told press, adding that such a contract is contingent on a positive

determination of geothermal viability at the site. The CNMI received a $1.2 million grant from Interior to

investigate the viability of the site as a geothermal energy source.

Philippines: EDC Assessing Geothermal Plants After Typhoon

Energy Development Corporation representatives told press it was assessing damage on two of its geothermal

power plants after Typhoon Sendong hit Negros Oriental and Dumaguete City. “Our power plants have continued

to operate to provide service to the community but we have taken the necessary precautions to maintain safe

operational levels,” according to Norreen Bautista, of EDC's Southern Negros Geothermal Plants in Valencia.

EDC facilities were used as evacuation centers for residents of Caidiocan and Puhagan.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sci/2011-12/19/c_131314742.htm

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sci/2011-12/19/c_131314742.htm

http://www.balidiscovery.com/messages/message.asp?ID=7705

http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=115065

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2011/December/19/negor3.htm


12

Geothermal Heat Pumps and Direct Use

UK: ESB Novusmodus Leads £12m Investment Round in Geothermal International

Press Release (see full story), December 20 -- ESB Novusmodus has lead a £12m investment in Geothermal

International. ESB Novusmodus has invested £8.6m and other investors, including SSE Ventures, have

subscribed for new shares in the amount of £3.5 million. The capital will be used to fund growth in the UK market,

finance the acquisition of Endurant Energy in the US, and support ongoing international expansion.

Based in Coventry, Geothermal International is Europe’s largest designer and installer of Ground Source Heat

Pump systems. As an industry pioneer, it has been behind some of the most advanced projects ever undertaken

including the UK’s largest “closed loop” ground source heat pump (GSHP) system, and the world’s largest “lake

loop” GSHP system.

Space heating accounts for a significant proportion of Europe’s carbon footprint, and as governments increase

their focus on reaching carbon emissions targets at the lowest possible cost, we expect a continued trend towards

low cost emission reduction technologies such as GSHP.


Notices

New This Week

Comments Invited on Sage Grouse EIS (February 7)

The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service are addressing ongoing threats to the greater

sage-grouse and its habitat throughout the West through a Notice of Intent for the Sage Grouse EIS, published in

the Federal Register December 9. Greater sage-grouse currently use around 47 million acres of land managed

by the BLM and around nine million acres of land managed by the USFS. About 98 BLM Resource Management

Plans address greater sage-grouse, while the USFS expects to evaluate conservation measures into as many as

nine Land and Resource Management Plans considered high priority for the conservation of sage-grouse.

The BLM and the U.S. Forest Service are seeking comment on issues that should be addressed in evaluating

greater sage-grouse conservation measures in land use plans in 10 Western states. Comments for the Eastern

Region may be sent to [email protected]. Comments for the Western Region may be sent to

[email protected]. General questions about the planning strategy should be directed

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/12/prweb9051919.htm


http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/sagegrouse/eastern.html

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/sagegrouse/eastern.html

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Sage-Grouse%20Eastern%20Region


mailto:[email protected]?subject=Sage-Grouse%20Western%20Region


13

to [email protected]. The Bureau of Land Management will be holding scoping meetings in western states in

January. See:

http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/sagegrouse/western.html. Comments are due February 7, though they

will be accepted until the 15th.

To get on an email list for notices/newsletters send a request with your contact information to [email protected].

Questions: [email protected]. To follow the process on the Web site, go to www.BLM.gov / “News and

Information” (on right side) / “Federal Agencies Announce Initial Step to Incorporate Greater Sage-Grouse

Conservation Measures into Land Management Plans” / Under “Public Meetings,” click “Western.”

Comments Invited on Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Draft EIS for Geothermal Leasing

Posted on or around December 19 -- Under the recently completed Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Draft

Environment Impact Statement (DEIS) for Geothermal Leasing, the Forest Service would consent to lease up to

approximately 615,230 acres of National Forest System land that are administratively available for geothermal

leasing. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) provides for a 45-day public comment period for a DEIS.

Comments on the DEIS should be specific and address the adequacy of the document and the merits of the

alternatives discussed (40 CFR 1503.3). The decision for this project will be subject to the appeal process

pursuant to Forest Service regulations at 36 CFR 215. Only those who provide comment on the DEIS during the

comment period may participate in the 215 appeal process.

Mailed, facsimile, hand-delivered, oral, and electronic comments on this action will be accepted for 45 calendar

days following the publication in the Federal Register of a Notice of Availability for the project DEIS. The

publication date in the Federal Register is the exclusive means for calculating the comment period for this DEIS.

Those wishing to comment should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source.

Mailed comments should be submitted to Keith Whaley, Project Coordinator, HC 62 Box 1000, Bridgeport, CA

93517. Alternatively, comments may be submitted by facsimile at (760) 932-5899.

Oral or hand-delivered comments can also be provided at several district offices during normal business hours via

telephone or in person. Electronic comments must be submitted in a format such as an email message, plain text

(.txt), Portable Document Format (.pdf), rich text format (.rtf), or Word (.doc or .docx) , and be sent to:

[email protected]. Please enter Geothermal DEIS in the subject line. Comments

must have an identifiable name attached or verification of identity will be required. A scanned signature may serve

as verification on electronic documents.

Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will

be considered part of the public record for this project and will be available for public inspection and will be

released if requested under the Freedom of Information Act.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=BLM%20Greater%20Sage-Grouse%20Planning%20Strategy%20Question




http://www.blm.gov/



14

A public open house for this project will also be held on January 20th at the Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1200

Franklin Way, Sparks, NV. The open house will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We invite you to attend and

learn more about this project.

Contact: Keith Whaley, Project Coordinator, (760) 932-7070 or [email protected].

Current Notices

International Market Workshop for GEA Members to Precede January San Francisco Event

GEA recently began working on an exports/international market initiative. As part of this initiative, we will be

hosting a West Coast International Markets Workshop on January 17, 2012 from 1pm to 4pm to dialogue with

GEA member companies regarding exports and international markets. This meeting will be held at the Marriott

Marquis in San Francisco, CA in coordination with GEA’s Finance and Development Forum occurring the

following day.

We are also inviting select government officials to participate and help companies explore how the National

Export Initiative applies to geothermal companies. This meeting is for GEA member companies either currently

exporting or interested in entering foreign markets. For more information about this meeting, contact Alison Holm

at [email protected].

GRC Call for 2012 Annual Meeting Papers (April 27)

Present your paper at the Geothermal Resources Council’s 2012 Annual Meeting, September 30 through October

3, 2012 in Reno, Nevada. Authors may submit an oral technical presentation and/or poster before April 27.

Please direct all content related questions to: Frank Monastero at [email protected]; Lisa Shevenell at

[email protected]. Please direct all format and general submission questions to: Anh Lay at [email protected]

or (530) 758-2360 ext. 100

2012 Paper Topics

Business Development / Finance

Basin & Range / Cascades / Rocky

Mountains

Direct Use / Heat Pump

Enhanced Geothermal Systems

Exploration / Resource Assessment /

Management

Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry

Geothermal Energy Associated with Oil and

Gas Operations

Geothermal Project Case Studies

International

Power Operations / Maintenance /

Production Technologies

Regulatory / Environmental Compliance /

Policy Issues






15

Utility and Transmission Issues Other _____________

Instructions to submit: http://geothermal.informz.net/geothermal/archives/archive_1972541.html

Project Abysse Seeks Support to Build Remote-Controlled, Mine-Shaft Submarine for

Geothermal Implementation

From Project Abysse: We are 20 engineering students from the University of

Sherbrooke that are conceiving and building a remote-controlled submarine

capable of navigating in a submerged mine shaft and measuring the temperature

of the surrounding water. The objective of our project is to promote the use of

geothermal energy. Having the thermal gradient of a mine shaft can potentially

lead to geothermal implementations.

We are currently looking for sponsors to help and encourage us in our endeavors, both on the financial side, as

well as technical support. Any technical information or monetary or material donation would be greatly

appreciated.

If you wish to help us in any way, you can contact Mathieu Couture at: [email protected], or

Stephane Labadie at: [email protected]. For more information regarding the project, visit our

Web site: www.projetabysse.com.

Is Your Company Providing a Geothermal Internship?

If your company working in the geothermal industry has provided internship opportunities in the past, or is

interested in doing this in the future, GEA can help. Contact Alison Holm: [email protected]. To see some

of the work that GEA has done connecting and providing resource for students who are interested in geothermal

careers, visit GEA’s networking database, the Geothermal Web: http://geothermalweb.org/Students.aspx.

For Sale: Binary Cycle Geothermal Power Plant

U.S. Geothermal Inc. is seeking indications of interest to purchase the 4.8 MW gross binary cycle power plant

located near Empire, Nevada. The plant was built in 1986 and consists of four 1.2 MW Ormat Energy Converters

(OEC units), a wet cooling tower, electrical equipment and controls, and associated spare parts, including a spare

turbine. After substantial refurbishment during 2009 and 2010, the plant is fully operational, and achieved 98.8%

operating availability in 2011. Sale of individual OEC units will be considered. Please contact: Mr. Doug Glaspey

at 208-424-1027 or Mr. Chris Harriman at 208-645-2600.

3D rendering of the submarine

http://geothermal.informz.net/geothermal/archives/archive_1972541.html



http://www.projetabysse.com/


http://geothermalweb.org/Students.aspx


16

Site Needed for DOE Demonstration, Chena Power

Chena Power is in need of a site location for their DOE Demonstration incorporating a Pratt & Whitney 280 kW

power module and 3 evaporative coolers, placed on 2 low boy trailers, with satellite monitoring. The system

requires 20 gallons per minute of water for cooling. Here’s an opportunity for testing the production of a reservoir

over the next few years and produce electricity for onsite use. Contact Bernie Karl [email protected].

Employment

Employment Opportunities

Internship: Hot Dry Rocks, Australia

(See also: http://geothermalweb.org/)---Hot Dry Rocks (HDR), an Australian Geothermal Consultancy is looking

for an intern starting in March 2012. This non-paid intern will work 6 to 10 hours per week at our Melbourne

Office and Lab. Tasks will involve assisting the lab manager in the preparation of rock samples for analysis, data

management of rock core samples and production of geothermal maps.

HDR is Australia’s foremost and largest geothermal-specific exploration and development consultancy. HDR

specialises in locating and characterising geothermal resources suitable to exploit for power generation. We have

worked on scores of projects across Australia and in other parts of the world; in Hot Sedimentary Aquifers,

Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS), and conventional geothermal systems.

HDR’s strength lies in combining expertise in crustal heat flow measurement and modelling, EGS research and

development, and petroleum and mineral exploration.

HDR also supports an internal research and development program, delivering state-of-the-art tools and software

for the geothermal sector. For example, HDR developed an electronic divided bar meter for rock thermal

conductivity measurement—the first portable instrument of its type in the world—and operates the only

commercial laboratory for rock thermal property measurement in Australia.

Through its in-house expertise and strategic partnerships, HDR offers a full range of services and advice from

initial ground selection, exploration and resource characterisation; through drilling, reservoir stimulation and

appraisal; to economic modelling and full-scale development. HDR is focused on the subsurface aspects of

geothermal energy development.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume and two letters of reference to Lawrence Molloy at

[email protected]

http://www.pratt-whitney.com/products/power_systems/organic_rankine_cycle.asp


http://geothermalweb.org/



17

Reservoir Engineer, CALPINE, The Geysers, Middletown, CA

Position Summary: Create and maintain reservoir-steamfield-powerplant simulation models. Monitor reservoir

performance. Apply expertise to reservoir management, operational problems, and forecasting at The Geysers,

the world's largest geothermal field. Calpine is North America's leading geothermal power producer. At The

Geysers, about 100 miles northeast of San Francisco, Calpine harnesses naturally heated steam from the earth

to create electrical power. This renewable "green" power is available to consumers throughout California. This

position reports to the Manager of Geothermal Production Analysis. Please apply online at

http://www.calpine.com/careers/

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Build and maintain calibrated numerical simulation models of the reservoir-pipeline-power plant system. Use

the model to forecast steam flows under different operational scenarios.

2. Develop conceptual models of the reservoir. Prepare estimates of field reserves and forecasts of future

production and generation. Prepares related reports as needed.

3. Provide support on forecasts of future capital improvements, generation and revenues.

4. Contribute insight to the broader team’s thinking about the nature of The Geysers resource and the

appropriate strategy for managing this unique asset within Calpine’s stated “Next 50 Years” initiative.

Qualifications and Experience:

1. Education: Bachelor of Science degree and graduate degrees (MS or PhD) in GeoScience or Engineering,

with background in oil/gas/geothermal reservoir engineering.

2. Geothermal Reservoir Simulation: Expertise in large-scale numerical simulation of heat and mass flows in

geothermal reservoirs, including understanding of numerical modeling techniques and underlying physical

principles. Ability to integrate the reservoir simulation with a steam gathering system model and turbine

performance curves in order to produce valid generation forecasts.

3. Reserves and Economics: Ability to translate current reserves and production forecasts into economic

projections that meet financial reporting standards.

4. Other Reservoir Engineering Skills: Deep understanding of water-steam thermodynamics. Experience with

decline curve analysis, wellbore flow modeling, flow test techniques, pressure build-up testing, interference

testing, and other standard reservoir engineering methods applied to geothermal reservoirs.

5. Safety Consciousness: Commitment to following safe work practices that minimize risks to people, property,

and the environment.

http://www.calpine.com/careers/


18

Chief Reservoir Engineer, CalEnergy, Calipatria (Imperial Valley), CA

Applicants should apply via our careers Web site: http://www.calenergy.com/common/careers/taleo.asp?c=cal

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

Maintain an accurate and current reservoir engineering database for the areas of responsibility. This includes

maintaining a current set of well production histories, observation of well data, geochemical trends and

relevant geological data for the assigned fields.

Prepare authorization for expenditures and economics for well work and equipment.

Conduct and supervise well-field related activities that include but are not limited to the following: well

acidization, well surveys (static, pressure-temperature-spinner, and caliper), coiled tubing cleanouts, capillary

tubing installations and tracer enthalpy testing.

Develop new and innovative technical solutions to resource and/or drilling related issues as required.

Diagnose well problems and engineer solutions. This includes using simulation tools to model downhole flow

conditions to diagnose well problems and be proactive in preventing possible problems.

Monitor well-field performance of MidAmerican Energy Company geothermal fields to determine potential

problems that could arise and simulate current trends to the future to determine needed changes in operating

procedure.

Coordinate with all professional resource sources to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the company's

geothermal and mineral reservoirs. Interpretation should be fully documented for financing.

Responsible for data collection and analysis of Region 1 shallow heat anomaly to meet regulatory obligations

and provide an appropriate management program.

Responsible for coordinating the development of appropriate software tools to manage the reservoir and

production data gathered from the field.

Provide monthly reporting to California department of oil, gas and geothermal resources on production and

injection as well as quarterly reporting to environmental agencies.

Collect/analyze Pressure-Temperature-Spinner and capillary tubing data.

Must have working knowledge of reservoir simulation to oversee, direct and troubleshoot outside simulations

of reservoir for financing and development.

Develop well flow performance curves.

Provide engineering analysis and economic models for exploration, development, workover and acquisition

projects.

Provide engineering technical support to CalEnergy Operating Corporation and global MidAmerican Energy

Company operations as required.

http://www.calenergy.com/common/careers/taleo.asp?c=cal


19

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, preferably petroleum.

At least fifteen years of related experience and/or additional resource engineering-related training.

Geothermal resource engineering experience is required and some petroleum engineering experience in oil

and gas is also desired.

Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to read, write, analyze, and interpret technical

procedures or regulations. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers

and employees.

Effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Ability to work with mathematical concepts

such as probability and statistics and complex equations including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus,

as well as differential equations. Must have basic computer programming ability and be very fluent in

spreadsheet analysis. Must have a solid understanding and be proficient in economic analysis. Must be able

to work with math in an abstract way. Must be able to modify and/or derive mathematical equations from

physical processes and relationships.

The employee should be able to solve tough problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where

only limited standardization exists. Employee needs to synergize several inconsistent partial data sets to

arrive at abstract answers. Employee should be able to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written,

oral, diagram or schedule form. Ability to visualize and comprehend the dynamic conditions and possibilities

that occur during power plant and well-field development and the changes to the process that will occur over

time and with proposed changes.

A valid California driver's license is required.

Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple issues and projects concurrently.

Research Geologist/Geophysicist, United States Geological Survey

The USGS in Menlo Park, California, has an opening for a Research Geologist/Geophysicist to conduct research

in support of geothermal energy assessments, with a focus on the structural, geomechanical, thermal, and

hydrologic properties of fault-hosted hydrothermal systems. Detailed information on the position can be found at

http://tinyurl.com/USGSGeothermalJob. Individuals must apply online at http://www.usajobs.gov/ to receive

consideration. For more information about the USGS, visit: http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/great.html.

http://www.usgs.gov/ohr/great.html


20

Requests for Proposals

Proposal Announcements

Financial JV Partner Needed, Geothermal Power Generation Project in Indonesia

The promoters were awarded the bid to build a 65 MW Geothermal Working Area (GWA) and the mining permit

(IUP) of Geothermal in West Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, in July 2010. The IUP is valid up to 35 years,

with 3 years for exploration, 2 years for feasibility study & construction, and 30 years for commercialization. Each

stage could be extended by government approval.

Promoters can sell electricity to the PLN (National Electricity Grid of Indonesia) at USD 9.65 cents per

kWh. The promoters have entered a long-term Power Purchase Agreement for 25 years. Promoters must

conduct exploration within the next 6 months.

The recommended activities of exploration stage consist of magneto telluric, gradient temperature drilling and

exploration drilling. The outcome of the exploration stage is to confirm the status of probable reserve from the

hypothetical resource at 65 MW. The estimated capital expenditure for the exploration stage is US $15 million,

which is required to determine the location for drilling the exploitation wells.

After confirming the location of the exploitation wells, 5–10 production wells will be drilled to produce 50 MW

steam. The steam shall be converted into electricity power by constructing the steam gathering facilities, piping,

infrastructures and power plant within 2 years. A mix of equity and debt finance of the total amount of the capital

expenditure will be about USD $150 million.

Projected forecasts can be disclosed during the initial conversation with potential JVC financial and EMC

partners. Yearly Projected Net Profit is estimated to be $12 Million USD with an IRR of 16.2%. Please contact

Dr. Tom Lannin at [email protected] to discuss details and terms. The opportunity is open for 90 days. (Posted

~Nov. 17, 2011)

Industry/University Cooperative Research Centers, NSF (February 1)

The National Science Foundation requests proposals for Fundamental Research Program for Industry/University

Cooperative Research Centers. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Energy and Environment;

Advanced Manufacturing; Biotechnology; Advanced Materials; and Fabrication and Process Technology. $1.6

million expected to be available, up to 10 awards anticipated. Responses due 2/1/12. For more info, contact

Rathindra DasGupta at [email protected] or go to:

http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf11570. Refer to NSF 11-570. (Grants.gov 8/10/11)


http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf11570


21

Sustainable Energy Pathways, NSF (February 1)

The National Science Foundation requests proposals for Sustainable Energy Pathways. This RFP will support

interdisciplinary efforts by teams of researchers to address the challenges of developing efficient pathways

towards a sustainable energy future. $34 million expected to be available. Responses due 2/1/12. For more

info, including agency contacts, go to: http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf11590. Refer

to Sol# 11-590. (Grants.gov 9/22/11)

Environmental Engineering, Energy for Sustainability, and Environmental Sustainability, NSF

(February 17)

The National Science Foundation requests proposals for the following programs, with responses due 2/17/12. :

Environmental Engineering. The goal of this program is to encourage transformative research which applies

scientific principles to minimize solid, liquid, and gaseous discharges into land, inland and coastal waters, and

air that result from human activity, and to evaluate adverse impacts of these discharges on human health and

environmental quality. $9.4 million expected to be available, up to 44 awards anticipated. For more info,

contact Paul Bishop at [email protected] or go to:

http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=501029. Refer to Sol# PD-12-1440. (Grants.gov 6/8/11)

Energy for Sustainability. This program supports fundamental research and education in energy production,

conversion, and storage and is focused on energy sources that are environmentally friendly and renewable.

Sources of sustainable energy include: Sunlight, Wind/Wave, Biomass, and Geothermal. $9.2 million

expected to be available, up to 42 awards anticipated. For more info, contact Gregory Rorrer at

[email protected] or go to: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=501026. Refer to Sol# PD-12-

7644. (Grants.gov 6/8/11)

Environmental Sustainability. This program supports engineering research with the goal of promoting

sustainable engineered systems that support human well-being and that are also compatible with sustaining

natural systems. $5.4 million expected to be available, up to 45 awards anticipated. For more info, contact

Bruce Hamilton at [email protected] or go to: http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=501027.

Refer to Sol# PD-12-7643. (Grants.gov 6/8/11)

*For Students! Regional Energy Department Business Plan Competitions (March 2)

From EERE Network News---If you're a university student interested in low-carbon technologies and

entrepreneurship, then this is the premier opportunity for you to pitch your idea. The Regional Clean Energy

Business Plan Competition is accepting business plan submissions until March 2, 2012.

Across the country, six regional competitions will serve as platforms for students to come up with innovative

business plans to transform great clean energy ideas into great businesses. Based in California, Colorado, Illinois,

Maryland, Massachusetts, and Texas, the regional competitions span the entire nation and all U.S. territories.

http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf11590


http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=501029





22

Each region is unique in its own right, but they all share the common goal of bringing clean technologies to the

market through creative business solutions.

Some of the submission deadlines have already passed while others range to March 2, 2012. Be sure to

individually check regional competitions and the corresponding deadline here.

The six regional winners will each receive $100,000 in prize money and a chance to compete for a National

Grand Prize at a competition held at DOE headquarters in Washington, D.C., in the summer of 2012. See the

Energy Blog post.

Events

GEA and GEA-Sponsored Events

GEA Geothermal Energy Finance Forum, San Francisco, CA (January 18)

GEA will be hosting its next Geothermal Energy Finance Forum at San Francisco’s Marriott Marquis on January

18, 2012. This event will highlight the leading companies in the geothermal market, as well as examine the risks

and benefits to investing in geothermal energy.

The program will feature discussions with geothermal leaders including Karen Douglas, Commissioner, California

Energy Commission; Dan Nastou, Power and Infrastructure, John Hancock Financial Services; John Marciano,

Chadbourne & Parke LLP; Rick Rodgers, Managing Director and CEO, Montgomery Street Financial; Mark

Taylor, Lead Analyst, CCS & Geothermal, Bloomberg New Energy Finance; Shinji Yamamoto, Chief Investment

Officer, IFC; CJ Arrigo, Advisor, Glacier; David Watson, Hudson Ranch I, EnergySource; Jonathan Weisgall, Vice

President of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company; Kent Burton, National

Environmental Strategies; Jonathan Zurkoff, VP of Finance, U.S. Geothermal; Louis Capuano Jr, Chairman of the

Board, ThermaSource; Subir Sanyal, President and Manager of Reservoir Engineering, GeothermEx; Anders

Kruss, Alterra Power Corp.; Craig Mataczynski, CEO, Gradient Resources; Lenny Hochschild, Managing Director,

Evolution Markets, Inc.; and more.

Event partners for the event are American Council on Renewable Energy as well as sponsors GeothermEx and

Pratt & Whitney Power Systems.

If you are interested in being a participant in or sponsor of this event, please contact Kathy Kent at kathy@geo-

energy.org. To register for the event, please visit: http://geo-energy.org/events/finance_forum_2012.aspx.

Discounted registration is available through December 23rd

. Significant discounts for GEA Members and Students

http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTExMjA3LjQzMTE2OTEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTExMjA3LjQzMTE2OTEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNjgwNTQyMiZlbWFpbGlkPWxlc2xpZUBnZW8tZW5lcmd5Lm9yZyZ1c2VyaWQ9bGVzbGllQGdlby1lbmVyZ3kub3JnJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&&&112&&&http://www1.eere.energy.gov/commercialization/natlbizplan_regional.html

http://links.govdelivery.com/track?type=click&enid=ZWFzPTEmbWFpbGluZ2lkPTIwMTExMjA3LjQzMTE2OTEmbWVzc2FnZWlkPU1EQi1QUkQtQlVMLTIwMTExMjA3LjQzMTE2OTEmZGF0YWJhc2VpZD0xMDAxJnNlcmlhbD0xNjgwNTQyMiZlbWFpbGlkPWxlc2xpZUBnZW8tZW5lcmd5Lm9yZyZ1c2VyaWQ9bGVzbGllQGdlby1lbmVyZ3kub3JnJmZsPSZleHRyYT1NdWx0aXZhcmlhdGVJZD0mJiY=&&&113&&&http://energy.gov/articles/calling-all-young-entrepreneurs-deadline-energy-department-business-plan-competition



http://geo-energy.org/events/finance_forum_2012.aspx


23

are available. For more information or to receive media credentials, please contact Shawna Seldon, 212 255

7541 or [email protected].

Geothermal Track, Renewable Energy World North America Conference and Expo, Long Beach,

CA (February 14–16)

The 2012 Renewable Energy World North America Conference and Expo event will take place February 14-16 in

Long Beach, California — please save the date! GEA is on the planning committee and will be exhibiting on the

Expo floor. Additional participation and sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact: Leslie Blodgett at GEA,

[email protected].

The Geothermal Track sessions will highlight:

Geothermal Policy and Economics

Geothermal Plant Systems and Technology

Geothermal Energy and Waste Heat Recovery

a pre-conference introductory workshop on geothermal energy in California and beyond

Speakers from the geothermal community will include: Louis Capuano, Jr., ThermaSource; Halley Dickey, TAS

Energy; Karl Gawell, Geothermal Energy Association; Joe Lillard, Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench; John McCaull,

Geothermal Energy Association; John McIlveen, Jacob Securities Inc.; John McKinsey, Stoel Rives; Josh

Nordquist, Ormat Technologies; Maria Richards, Southern Methodist University; Mike Ronzello, Pratt and Whitney

Power Systems; Bruno Vanslambrouck, HOWEST, University College of West Flanders; Kelsey Walker, TAS

Energy; A. Scott Weber, University of Buffalo; Harvey Wen, Bechtel Power Corp.; and Gary Zyhowski, Honeywell.

Sponsorship Opportunities for 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, GEA events feature media availabilities with sponsors which

garner extensive coverage in mainstream press outlets. Events are updated at: http://geo-

energy.org/events.aspx.

Events currently listed for 2012 are:

January 18, 2012 GEA Geothermal Energy Finance Forum - San Francisco, CA

February 14-16, 2012 Renewable Energy World Conference and Expo - Long Beach, CA (GEA is a

supporting organization for this event)

May 23, 2012 GEA International Geothermal Energy Showcase - Washington, DC

August 7-8, 2012 GEA National Geothermal Summit 2012 - Sacramento, CA

Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2012 GEA Geothermal Energy Expo® and GRC Annual Meeting - Reno, NV



http://geo-energy.org/events.aspx

http://geo-energy.org/events.aspx


24

Other Events

Geothermal Lease Sale, BLM, Nevada (January 24)

The BLM is holding a competitive oral sale of Federal lands in the State of Nevada for geothermal leasing on

January 24, 2012 at the Nevada State Office, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Reno, Nevada. There are 34 parcels

totaling 99,469 acres, with two of the parcels are in the Elko area; two in the Battle Mountain area; nine in the

Carson City region; and 21 in the Winnemucca area.

Leases issue for a primary term of 10 years. Annual rental is $2 per acre for the first year (paid to BLM), $3 per

acre for the second through tenth year, and $5 per acre per year thereafter. Once the site is producing for

commercial generation, royalty rates are 1.75% for the first 10 years of production and 3.5% thereafter. Lands

that do not receive a bid are available for a two-year period beginning the first business day after the sale.

To pre-register by mail or fax, mail the bidder registration form to the above address or fax to (775) 861-6710. On

the day of the sale, bidders can register from 8:00 a.m. until 8:45 a.m., and the sale starts at 9. Bring a photo ID

to the sale.

Contact: Justin Abernathy, (775) 861-6504. View the parcel list and other available documents, and check back

for changes at:

http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/minerals/leasable_minerals/geothermal0/ggeothermal_leasing.html. The bid

form for successful bidders (Form 3000-2, dated August 2007) can be found at:

https://www.blm.gov/FormsCentral/show-home.do

Two Geothermal Leases Up for Bid, BLM, Colorado (February 9)

At its quarterly oil and gas lease auction, the BLM in Colorado will offer two parcels allotted for geothermal energy

development. The sale is on February 9 at the BLM State Office, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, Colorado

80215; Telephone 303-239-3600.

Leases issue for a primary term of 10 years. Annual rental is $2 per acre for the first year (paid to BLM), $3 per

acre for the second through tenth year, and $5 per acre per year thereafter. Once the site is producing for

commercial generation, royalty rates are 1.75% for the first 10 years of production and 3.5% thereafter. Lands

that do not receive a bid are available for a two-year period beginning the first business day after the sale.

The first geothermal parcel includes 4,587.77 acres of BLM land. The second geothermal parcel includes about

3,765.49 acres of U.S. Forest Service land. The BLM’s resource management plan for Gunnison includes

stipulations for geothermal leasing that protect geologic hazards, the Gunnison sage-grouse, and senior water

rights.

http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/prog/minerals/leasable_minerals/geothermal0/ggeothermal_leasing.html



25

Contacts: Ms. Sharon A. Sales, [email protected], (303) 239-3987; Mrs. Rebecca Skinner,

[email protected], (303) 239-3780; or Mr. Kristian Lee, [email protected], (303) 239-3786.

Additional lease sale information can be obtained online at:

www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/oilandgas/leasing.html, or by contacting the address above. The bid form

for successful bidders (Form 3000-2, dated August 2007) can be found at:


GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY

A newsletter for the geothermal industry written by Leslie Blodgett and Karl Gawell

Copyright © 2011 Geothermal Energy Association

209 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Phone 202-454-5241 Fax 202-454-5265

[email protected]




http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Programs/oilandgas/leasing.html



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