Archive for August, 2010
Lawrence Livermore study finds more renewable use in U.S.
In California, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, led by A.J. Simon, say that Americans are using less energy overall and making more use of renewable energy resources. Simon, an LLNL energy systems analyst who develops the energy flow charts using data provided by the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration, said “Energy use tends [...]
Sierra losses widen in second quarter
In Canada, Sierra Geothermal Power Corp. reported results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2010. The company’s net loss rose from $642,400 in the second quarter of 2009 to $912,636. For the first six months , net loss more than doubled to $2,349,219 compared to $1,070,631 a year ago. As of June 30, 2010, [...]
Stepping Up to the Plate: DOE adds $15 million to promote GT heat recovery techniques
In Washington, DC, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Geothermal Technologies Program announced another funding opportunity – this one at $15 million, to research and develop innovative methods to extract heat from geothermal resources from the Earth’s crust to produce clean, renewable energy.
DOE’s objective through this funding is to promote the advancement and commercialization in [...]
Kenya looking for buyer to reduce stake in KenGen
In Kenya, the country’s largest power producer Kenya Electricity Generation Co. Ltd. said it has appointed an adviser to help it find a buyer for 19% of the company to reduce the government’s stake. Managing Director Eddy Njoroge told reporters that the company wants to privatize. The plan is for the state’s holding in the [...]
UK GT power plant gets approval
In England, Geothermal Engineering has received planning permission from Cornwall Council to develop a commercial geothermal power plant at its Redruth site in Cornwall. The power plant will produce 10 MW of electricity as well as 55 MW of heat energy that could be used locally. The Council OK covers three wells to be drilled [...]
Hot Rock lands $7 million grant
In Australia, Hot Rock Ltd. has signed a contract for a $7 million grant from the Australian government to carry out a drill and test program at the Koroit Hot Sedimentary Aquifer Geothermal Project in the Otway Basin in southwest Victoria. The funding is a Round 2 Geothermal Drilling Program (GDP) Agreement, which was signed [...]
Ground source education site to launch
Online, geothermal education, news and networking website, GoGeothermal.com says that the site will be live later this year. Paul Cielinski, president of GoGeothermal.com said “We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of GoGeothermal.com. The new site will be the Geothermal Industry’s solution to providing Education, News, Updated Case Studies and vetted Geothermal Installers as [...]
LA regulators looking to renewable power generation
In Louisiana, state utility regulators have endorsed a pilot program that could establish guidelines for utilities generating or purchasing electricity from renewable sources. The state wants to see some 350 MW of long-term renewable power within the next three years, which would amount to 2% of Louisiana’s usage. The Public Service Commission wants to [...]
Updating GT turbines adds reliability and efficiency
In a lengthy piece for Renewable Energy World, James Beverly, manager of Geothermal Steam Turbine Applications for TurboCare, runs through a number of solid examples where the modernization of geothermal steam turbines is a wise choice. He points out that geothermal fluids and moisture can damage system components, but that often performance declines, typically in [...]
Opinion: CanGEA says U.S.-like government backing needed
In Canada, in video produced for the Association’s Third Annual Conference and Trade Show, CanGEA chairman Alison Thompson notes that there is no geothermal power produced in her home country, while the U.S. Leads world production. Thompson says there are 5 GW of potential in the western part of the country, and says the industry [...]
