Archive for December, 2010
Merry Christmas: GT Industry leads to a cleaner, more renewable 2011
In Washington, DC, the Geothermal Energy Association assessed the industry as 2011 approaches. It paints a rather rosy picture for the coming year and rather than embellish it, we have opted to simply reproduce it here.
In 2010, the geothermal industry celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first power generating project that went on line [...]
New Zealand resource in jeopardy
In New Zealand, scientists are warning that overuse of the Rotorua resource could kill the features that bring three million tourists a year to the area. A review of the area’s geothermal plan is underway and will decide who can use the heat, and how much. Historically, thirty years ago there were more than 150 [...]
New Taupo GT power project approved
In New Zealand, Contact Energy got speedy approval for a new geothermal power station near Taupo. The company has not said when it would start on the 250 MW, $750 million plant known as Tauhara II. Environment Minister Nick Smith said it was the first project processed under the national consenting process of the reformed [...]
Chile speeds geothermal development
In Chile, the Ministry of Energy announced a new contract for the exploitation of 20 geothermal areas by 2012, aiming to increase geothermal electricity production to 1,000 MW. Energy Minister Ricardo Raineri announced the results of the proposals that were submitted for 20 areas in the Tarapacos and Los Ríos regions. Seventy 70 bids were [...]
Opinion: Utahns urged to plug into renewable-energy options
The Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah (HEAL Utah) says Energy production in the state could change drastically during the next few decades. Instead of massive coal-fired power plants that generate inexpensive amounts of electricity for an energy-hungry state, geothermal plants might churn out the megawatts consumers demand, while wind farms, natural gas turbines and solar [...]
Estrella adds rig
In Argentina, Estrella International Energy Services Ltd. announced the addition of a 1000 HP drilling rig in its December update. The $10.5 million rig, including peripheral equipment and spares, was constructed by MD Cowan in the U.S. in 2008 and will be known as Rig 1001 in the Estrella fleet. The rig completed a small [...]
NGP issues stock options
In Canada, Nevada Geothermal Power Inc. says incentive stock options have been granted to certain directors and employees of NGP to purchase 1,695,000 common shares of the company at an exercise price of $0.75 per share for a term of five years. Common shares acquired by the exercise of the options will be subject to [...]
Iceland President highlights GEA 2011 finance forum
In New York, the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) and Islandsbanki, will hold a one-day Geothermal Energy Finance Forum on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park in New York City. The day’s agenda includes presentations and panel discussion on; geothermal technology, geothermal project development, financing and investment, risk mitigation, employment, government finance and [...]
Calpine Medicine Lake leases back in BLM hands
In California, the dispute over whether or not geothermal leases held by Calpine Corp. in the Medicine lake area remain in force or not has been shifted, at least in part, back to the Bureau of Land Management. A district court order allows the BLM to enter a new environmental review process for extending the [...]
Senate bill restores county geothermal royalties
In Washington, the U.S. Senate joined the House of Representatives in approving the restoration of geothermal rent money and royalties to 31 counties in six states. It came as part of a short-term continuing resolution to fund the government through March 4, 2011. Sen. Harry Reid, D-NV, issued a statement, saying ,”I’m pleased that geothermal [...]
