Archive for April, 2011
Opinion: Nuclear technology can still have a role to play, even in geothermal resources
In an item in the Jakarta Globe, Wibagyo, who goes by the single name, from the Center for Isotope and Radiation Technology at the National Nuclear Energy Agency (Batan), defends the use of nuclear technology in the aftermath of the ongoing crisis at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Nuclear opponents have advocated the use [...]
Images of U.S. Geothermal projects posted
In Idaho, U.S. Geothermal has posted images of progress at both the San Emidio and Neal Hot Springs projects. Groundbreaking has taken place at both sites. At San Emidio, in Washoe County Nevada, work crews have completed the cooling tower slab and are now working on the walls for construction has commenced on site. At [...]
Newpark Resources acquires Aussie fluids business
In Texas, Newpark Resources, Inc. has closed the acquisition of Australian-based Rheochem PLC’s drilling fluids and engineering services business, effective April 21, 2011. Rheochem PLC, which has operations in Australia, New Zealand and India, provides drilling fluids and engineering services to the geothermal and oil and gas exploration industries. Newpark paid $25.5 million in cash [...]
Cautionary Tale: Gas industry fracking rush will haunt EGS
Forget seismic events, the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is wrapped up in story after story of gas and chemical contamination of wells. And the geothermal industry had better be paying attention. Playing the role of the ugly stepsister, geothermal will likely suffer the consequences when lawmakers see the light.
It will not matter that [...]
Magma awarded Peru concessions
In Canada, Magma Energy Corp. said it has been awarded two geothermal exploration concessions in Peru, known as Crucero and Loriscota. The concessions cover 90,000 acres of land in southern Peru. Geologic indicators include young volcanic rock underlying the area as well as numerous hot springs. Magma will conduct geological, geochemical, and geophysical work to [...]
Plant not providing expected economic boost
In the Philippines, officials cite a drop in plant output for the failure of the operation of the Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant of the Energy Development Corp. to spur economic activities or increase revenues for Negros Occidental. The plant was expected to produce 49 MW of electricity but is down to nine MW. EDC [...]
Estrella nabs new contracts
In Argentina, GeoGlobal Energy LLC awarded Estrella International Energy Services Ltd. contracts for 2011-2012 drilling. The contracts include the provision of directional drilling services, drilling tools and the provision and running of liner hangers. In Colombia, Estrella’s subsidiary Zigma S.A.S. has been awarded a contract to extend the services of drilling rig PL1 for up [...]
France offers loan to Kenya for energy development
In France, the French Development Agency has offered Kenya a concessional loan of $80 million for renewable energy development. The funds will be used to procure two geothermal drilling rigs and to prepare a national power generation and transmission master plan. Kenya opes to develop at least 2,000 MW over the next 10 years from [...]
Geo-exchange proposed to keep Heathrow runways open
In England, British Airports Authority (BAA) is reportedly looking into adopting geothermal technology for Heathrow airport following a winter where crippling ice caused the cancellation of some 4,000 flights in December. Steven Morgan, BAA’s capital projects director, told Building magazine: “We are working on a concept to capture geothermal energy from the surface of the [...]
Free Energy adjusts terms for Swan Hills project
In Canada, Free Energy Power Corp. has entered into an amending agreement with the Province of Alberta to become a co-recipient of the $2.6 million dollar grant with Borealis Geothermal Inc. for the Swan Hills Heat Recovery Project. Further, the Government of Alberta has approved the change in scope and reduction in capital cost of [...]
