Geothermal Power Could Top 10 Gigawatts, New Industry Report Shows

A new report by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) shows strong growth in new geothermal power projects continuing through 2009. U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update, September 2009 identifies 144 new geothermal projects under development in fourteen states that could represent as much as 7,100 MW of new baseload power capacity. When added to the 3,100 MW of existing capacity, 10 Gigawatts of geothermal power appears to be feasible.

“It is great to see that between March 2009 and September 2009 there was a continued increase in new geothermal projects,” remarked Dan Jennejohn, the report's author. “Interest in geothermal development continues to grow, with the number of projects up 50% and megawatts under development nearly doubling over the past two years." He added, "In 2009, we are seeing new power projects being initiated as well as new applications, such as geothermal-hydrocarbon coproduction, being pursued.”

The report found a total of 144 projects under development that could add between 4,699.9 and 7,109.9 MW of power to the U.S. geothermal energy output. At the high end, that would be enough baseload power to supply about 20% of California’s total electric power in 2008 — or enough generating capacity to supply the power needs of about 7.2 million people.

On a state-by-state basis the GEA report found: (state, number of projects/potential MW) — Alaska, 6/70–115 MW; Arizona 1/2–20 MW; California, 37/1841.8–2435.8 MW; Colorado, 1/10 MW, Florida 1/0.2–1 MW; Hawaii, 2/8 MW; Idaho 5/238–326 MW; Louisiana 1/.05 MW; Mississippi 1/.05 MW; Nevada, 64/1876.4–3473.4 MW; New Mexico, 1/20 MW, Oregon, 13/317.2–368.2 MW, Utah, 10/272.4–332.4 MW; Washington 1/Unspecified.

The number of states with geothermal projects under development also increased, from 12 to 14 over the past six months, with the addition of two oil-field co-production projects in Louisiana and Mississippi. "Despite the recession, geothermal power projects continue to move forward," observed Karl Gawell, Executive Director of GEA.

While the report shows generally good news, it also shows a decline in projects currently listed in "phase 4," or under construction. According to GEA this was due to 4 new geothermal power projects moving to completion, but also reflects difficulty obtaining final permits and difficulty obtaining financing.

The recession, as the report confirms, is having an impact on the industry, according to GEA,. "Financing is expensive and scarce, and available lenders are requiring much more work be done before they will finance projects," noted Gawell. "We hope the tax, loan guarantee, and DOE spending provisions of the stimulus bill will help turn this around, but there have been delays implementing these initiatives by the federal agencies."

"It also appears that some projects seeking final construction permits are having difficulty acquiring them because of the tremendous demands being placed on federal, state, and local agencies by a wave of renewable energy project applications," Gawell noted. "These geothermal projects would otherwise be 'ready to go' bringing new jobs and spurring economic growth," he stressed, "So it's important that federal and state agencies don't neglect the needs of geothermal projects."

Copies of the report will be available at the GEA booth at the Geothermal Energy Expo in Reno, Nevada, which takes place from October 4–7, 2009. (For information on the Expo go to: http://www.geothermalenergy2009.com/.) There will be a presentation on the report at the Expo on Tuesday, October 6 at 10am which will be webcast. Also, copies of U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update, September 2009 are available to download free of charge from the GEA Web site at: http://www.geo-energy.org.

Geothermal Energy Expo: Just Days Away

Exhibitors, presenters, sponsors, attendees and staff all eagerly anticipate the geothermal event of the year, GEA's Geothermal Energy Expo and the GRC Annual Meetings, coming next month October 4-7 in Reno, Nevada. The site is the Peppermill Resort, where a geothermal well is expected to go on line in January.

So how does one navigate the maze of industry celebration and business that is the Expo Hall? This year we are introducing Twitter updates available for delivery to your cell phone to help you keep up with who's doing what and when. Details coming; follow us at http://twitter.com/GEAgeoenergy.

Members Meeting
The festivities actually kick off on Saturday, October 3 with our Annual Members Meeting and Policy Workshop. This is a great way to become more familiar with GEA, even if you are not a member. We'll provide an overview of our activities over the past year and will be privileged to hear from several experts and policy leaders. Employees of GEA member companies and all companies exhibiting at the 2009 GEA Geothermal Energy Expo are encouraged to participate by registering at http://www.geo-energy.org/new_expo/events.asp.

Opening Reception
The Geothermal Energy Association and Geothermal Resources Council invite you to the official kick-off on Sunday, October 4, 6-8:30pm.

Webcast
Can't make it to the Expo? We'll miss you, but you can still join us from afar. Our first-ever Geothermal Energy Expo Webcast will take place Tuesday, October 6, 10am to 2pm Pacific Time and will feature speakers from exhibiting companies as well as a few other faces. Register at http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=61325.

Poker Tournament
Last year's poker tournament was so popular that we had ot bring it back for another round. This will take place October 6, 9pm-midnight. We are playing for real money so bring your game face. You can register now by contacting us or at the Expo registration desk. Entry fee is $125.

Best in Show Awards
On the final day of the Expo, Wednesday, October 7 at 11am, GEA will celebrate by presenting our much-anticipated, highly sought-after Best in Show Awards to exhibitors chosen by a select panel of judges...and don't forget to vote for the People's Choice Award.

We can't wait to see you. Stop by our booth and say hi, and don't forget to pick up a copy of our newest Update on U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development (the "Industry Update"), to be released just days before the Expo. For more details on all Expo-related events visit the Expo Web site at http://www.geo-energy.org/new_expo/default.asp.

Governor's Executive Order Boosting Renewable Energy to 33% Will Work for California and the West, Industry Association Says

Representing the US geothermal power industry, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) supports Governor Schwarzenegger's Executive Order to boost California's renewable energy power standard to 33% by 2020. "GEA fully supports the Governor's initiative to boost the state's renewable energy goal," Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director said. "We believe that the Governor has crafted an RPS strategy that avoids the unnecessary delivery restrictions and complexity of the bills that he has vetoed. As a result, the Governor's Executive Order works not just for California, but also for all the other western states that are trying to bring more renewable energy online in the next 10 years."

Geothermal power is California's most productive renewable resource (excluding large hydropower, which the state does not categorize as renewable), providing over 40% of the state's renewable power in 2008. "There are thousands of megawatts of additional geothermal energy that can be developed in California and nearby states to help achieve or even exceed the 33% goal announced today by the Governor,” Gawell added.

According to John McCaull, GEA’s Western States Representative, "Recent studies have shown that the most cost-effective system for achieving the renewable portfolio standards adopted by states such as California and Nevada is to recognize that project location, environmental concerns, grid reliability, cost containment, and transmission planning require that we look at all available resource options." In June 2009, several western states and the Western Governor’s Association (WGA) simultaneously released long-awaited studies pointing to geothermal energy as one of the nation’s most cost-effective and reliable renewable energy resources that should be given priority as an expanded electricity transmission grid is planned.

Following those studies, McCaull submitted formal analysis and comments from GEA on how California can meet near-term RPS requirements through an increased reliance on geothermal energy in a report to the state's Renewable Energy Transmission Initiative (RETI) process. GEA’s August 2009 comments entitled Ensuring Reliable, Baseload Renewable Energy For The West By 2015 are available at: http://www.geo-energy.org/publications/reports/GEA_Final_Comments_RETI_Phase_2A_Report.pdf

The Largest Geothermal Gathering in the World Expected at Geothermal Expo in Reno

The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), the geothermal industry's trade association is thrilled to be holding the Geothermal Energy Expo in tandem with the GRC's Annual Meeting, October 4th-7th. The Geothermal Energy Expo is the world's largest gathering of geothermal industry vendors exhibiting their projects, equipment, services and state of the art technology to the geothermal community. This year's Expo will host over 120 vendors.

You might see a few Stetson hats poking above the crowd, sport coats and ties, a good number of blue jeans and dusty hiking boots, and everything in between as thousands unite as geothermal enthusiasts. They will come from places as diverse as the companies they represent, and they will all be in Reno for the Geothermal Energy Expo.

At noon on Monday, October 5^th the Geothermal Energy Expo officially opens, featuring over 120 exhibits from companies ranging from Ormat Technologies to Gradient Geothermal. Regular events and speakers are scheduled for the Expo Hall from Monday at noon through noon on Wednesday. The Expo hours are: Monday, noon-5pm, Tuesday, 9am-6pm and Wednesday, 9am-2pm. Admission to the Expo on a daily basis is only $50 per person, per day.

A new addition to our annual Geothermal Energy Expo will be a FREE webcast from the Expo floor on Tuesday, October 6^th from 10am-2pm PT. This will enable like-minded individuals who can’t make the trip out to Reno to get the low-down on the geothermal companies presenting who will share their projects, equipment, services, and state-of-the-art technology. Registration will be FREE and can be made online at: http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=61325.

We will also be bringing back last year’s popular Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament on Tuesday evening, October 6^th from 9pm to midnight. Also, don’t miss the GEA 2009 Best in Show award presentations in the Expo Hall on Wednesday, October 7^th at 11am where GEA will acknowledge the best of the best in geothermal exhibition.

Last year nearly 1800 people walked the Expo floor of the Geothermal Energy Expo, a mind-blowing 80% increase over the previous year. Our participants are expected to set records for us yet again.

To learn more about exhibitors, events, sponsorship, guest information, and to register, visit http://www.geothermalenergy2009.com/. (Booth space is sold out).

Case Studies, Technology, and Incentives to be Featured at Geothermal Heating and Small Power Workshop

On August 12 the Geothermal Energy Association and the Oregon Institute of Technology's Geo-Heat Center will be holding a workshop focusing on geothermal direct heat uses and small power production. "Recent technology developments, new state and federal tax incentives, and growing public concern about climate change are all working to promote geothermal energy, and direct heating and small power are growth areas," according to Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director.

The GEA-OIT workshop will bring together -- for the first time ever -- those interested in using geothermal energy for distributed power generation and direct heating purposes from across the West. Pratt &Whitney Power Systems, maker of the PureCycle® Power System, is the Gold Level Sponsor of the event, and the Oregon Department of Energy is a cosponsor.

The workshop will feature presentations on successful geothermal uses for school heating, district heating, fish farming, greenhouses, spas/resorts, and small power production - including generation utilizing hot water from oil and gas wells. In addition, Dr. John Lund, Director, GeoHeat Center, Oregon Institute of Technology, will make a presentations on the OIT heating and power systems and the total US potential for geothermal heating and small power production.

Among the leading power equipment suppliers, drilling and exploration firms, and engineering and construction companies on the agenda are Pratt and Whitney Power Systems, Turbine Air Systems, SNC-Lavalin , and ThermaSource. Representative from the US Department of Energy, Oregon Department of Energy, and Oregon Environmental Trust, the US Bureau of Land Management and the Geothermal Energy Association will discuss programs that can help those interested in utilizing geothermal energy, including new federal and state financial incentives.

OIT's Klamath Falls campus is a world-class example of both geothermal direct use heating and small power production. OIT expects its new geothermal power plant will be up and running by the time of the workshop. Together with its geothermal heating systems, OIT's campus will be a practical showcase for those attending the event.

While geothermal resources have been used for heating purposes in the West for over 100 years, small power technology utilizing geothermal resources is a new trend. Alaska, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming have each seen or will soon see geothermal power produced for the first time. In each of these cases the power is being used locally for power generation for a resort, commercial business, or similar site.

Registration for the August 12 Workshop is $195 for the general public and $95 for GEA Members, non-profit groups, government employees. Registration includes workshop materials, snacks, and lunch. OIT has organized a field trip for the following day, and registration for the August 13 Field Trip is an additional $75.

For more information, or to register for the workshop or field trip, visit: www.geo-energy.org

Industry Group Announces Workshop on Two New Growth Areas for Geothermal in the US -- Distributed/Small Power Generation and Direct Use Heating

Washington -- Klamath Falls, Oregon will be the site of a workshop intended to promote two exciting growth areas for geothermal energy in the United States. On August 12 the Geothermal Energy Association and the Oregon Institute of Technology's Geo-Heat Center will be holding a workshop focusing on direct heat and small power utilization. Pratt &Whitney Power Systems, maker of the PureCycle® Power System, is the Gold Level Sponsor of the event.

"This workshop will bring together -- for the first time ever -- those interested in using geothermal energy for distributed generation and direct heating purposes," noted Karl Gawell, Executive Director of GEA. "New technology developments, state and federal laws and incentives, and growing concern about climate change are driving a strong growth trend in both areas," he added.

1. In many states, special incentives are being offered for small, renewable power generation less than 10 MW.

For direct use geothermal, market growth for space heating and agricultural drying grew by 9.3% and 10.4% between 2000 and 2005. A renewed interest in direct use in the Western US is being spurred in part by provisions of the 2005 energy bill which encourages direct use geothermal on public lands by:

• Simplifying royalty payments to modest fee
• Allowing non-competitive lease application
• Allowing lease application for only lands needed – no minimum acreage
• Granting states, local governments, tribes use of federal geothermal resources for public purposes at little/no cost

OIT's Klamath Falls campus is a world-class example of both geothermal direct use heating and small power production. "Our 280 kW Pratt &Whitney power plant will be up and running by the time of the workshop," noted John Lund, Director of the OIT Geo-Heat Center. "This will be the first geothermal power generation in Oregon, and together with our geothermal heating systems OIT's campus will be a practical showcase for those interested in these technologies," he said.

The GEA-OIT Workshop is planned for August 12 in Klamath Falls, in addition OIT has organized a field trip for the following day. Registration for the August 12 Workshop is $195 for the general public and $95 for GEA Members, non-profit groups, government employees. Registration includes workshop materials, snacks, and lunch. Registration for the August 13 Field Trip is an additional $75.

For more information, or to register for the workshop or field trip, visit: www.geo-energy.org.

Geothermal Industry Applauds President Obama's Announcement, Says Stimulus Funds Will Help Spur Economic Recovery

The Geothermal Energy Association today applauded President Obama's announcement of $350 million in new investment in geothermal energy. "There are more geothermal power projects under development today than have been built in the history of the United States," according to Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive Director. "This stimulus funding will help make sure those projects are successfully completed and will help develop the technology needed to bring tens of thousands of additional megawatts on line," he added.

According to the GEA's March 2009 Industry Update, there were 126 new geothermal projects under development with the potential to put 5,500 MW of new geothermal power on line, equivalent to 15,000 MW – 20,000 MW from wind turbines or enough power for 5.5 million California homes, according to GEA. New geothermal power projects were identified in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. GEA estimates that bringing these projects on line could help economic recovery by spurring as many as 100,000 new jobs.

GEA was also enthusiastic about the scope of the announcement. The President's announcement included funding for geothermal demonstration projects, enhanced geothermal systems, innovative exploration techniques, and new resource assessment. "These are all critical areas for geothermal technology development," Gawell stated. "Geothermal energy is a widespread and complex resource base, and this announcement recognizes the need to move forward with technology development across several different applications and resources," he added.

Copies of U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update, March 2009 are available to download free of charge from the GEA Web site at: http://www.geo-energy.org.