gea and geothermal energy in 2012 gea and the geothermal industry in 2012 this report highlights...
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GEA and
Geothermal Energy in 2012
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Cover Photos: (top row, from left) Visitors enjoying the 2011 GEA EXPO in San Diego; John McKinsey presenting a 2012
GEA Honors Award to Dr. Wendy Calvin at the GEA Honors Awards Dinner; Dr. Meseret Teklemariam Zemedkun, Program
Manager of the African Rift Geothermal Development Facility (ARGeo), speaks at GEA International Showcase in Washington,
DC; (middle row, from left) Enel Green Power's Stillwater Solar-Geothermal Hybrid Power Plant in Nevada; Ormat's Puna
Expansion Power Plant in Hawaii; U.S. Geothermal's San Emidio Geothermal Power Plant in Nevada; (bottom row, from left)
Terra-Gen Power's Beowawe Power Plant in Nevada; Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) speaking to participants at the GEA
International Showcase in Washington, DC; Energy Source's John L. Featherstone geothermal plant in California.
September 1, 2012
Contents:
Public Policy: Despite Gridlock, Geothermal Policies Move Ahead, Page 4
GEA Events, Page 9
GEA Briefings/Speeches, Page 16
GEA Reports/Publications, Page 18
GEA Newsletter and Feature Stories, Page 20
GEA Media/Press Outreach, Page 21
GEA International Market Development, Page 25
Networking and Recognition: The Geothermal Web and GEA Honors, Page 27
GEA Board Members 2012, Page 31
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GEA and the Geothermal Industry in 2012
This report highlights some of the activities the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) in 2012. We
hope after reading it you will agree that GEA has worked hard this past year to educate the public,
decision makers and others about the potential of geothermal energy and what is needed for the industry
to grow.
We're putting geothermal on the map in Washington, Sacramento, and beyond! One result has been that
in the past year, despite gridlock in Washington, bills to promote geothermal power have seen action in
both the House and Senate with bi-partisan support -- an increasingly rare occurrence. With state policies
in flux, GEA has engaged California and other western states officials to hear the industry's issues. We
convened a successful international Showcase in Washington DC bringing together industry leaders and
key officials from nearly every country planning new geothermal power development. GEA has
published several credible and important reports, and has talked the "geothermal-talk" to a host of
agencies and organizations. We also keep you up-to-date every week with the news, and have reached an
audience of over 500 million through our media and press efforts!
Our efforts have helped progress on the ground, and in the past few years we have seen the US
geothermal industry enter a new period of growth. Starting in 2006 there have been 28 geothermal power
plants or additions built and put on-line in 9 states with a combined power capacity of 502.7 megawatts
(MW). These projects were developed by 14 different companies. For comparison, it took the US
twenty years, 1960-1980, to surpass 500 MW of total installed geothermal capacity!
This can be a new beginning. If California and other Western states are going to meet their renewable
energy and climate goals, expansion of geothermal power production is essential to cultivating a reliable,
clean power supply. GEA will be working to see that the public and decision makers understand the
potential of geothermal energy, fully value its benefits, and encourage power development policies that
reflect and address the risk and lead-times of geothermal projects.
Meanwhile, in Washington, GEA will be working to see geothermal energy recognized as a growing
national and international renewable power source which brings many benefits including economic
growth and jobs. We will continue to push for policies that will expand industry growth and innovation.
And, as the nation seeks to expand its energy technology exports, we will continue to facilitate how
government agencies support US geothermal companies in the fast-growing international geothermal
market.
Despite many obstacles, there has been progress in the past year. And, with your support GEA hopes to
continue its efforts to promote the growth of the geothermal power industry.
Karl Gawell, Executive Director
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Public Policy: Despite Gridlock, Geothermal Policies Move Ahead
In Washington -- which has been typified by the press as hopelessly gridlocked -- geothermal issues seem
to be receiving positive attention and action both in the House and Senate and from the Administration in
2012. Below are highlights of some key legislative and policy actions taken in the past year that GEA
and members of its Government Affairs Committee actively engaged:
Tax Credits: Congress held hearings on expiring tax credits in both the House and Senate. Of particular
interest to the geothermal industry was the ending of the Section 1603 Grant in lieu of credit provisions of
the 2009 Stimulus Bill, and the looming expiration of the Production Tax Credit (PTC) and alternative
30% Investment Tax Credit. While geothermal's PTC doesn't expire until the end of 2013, geothermal
projects have long lead times, which means that the tax credit cliff is already having a chilling effect.
GEA explained this to both the House and Senate tax committees in its statements.
Left:
Representative
Dave Reichert
(R-WA)
Right:
Representative
Earl Blumenauer
(D-OR)
In addition, GEA joined forces with the Biomass and Hydropower industries to explain how all baseload
power plants face the same problems with short-term tax credits. House and Senate offices are actively
looking at ways to address this in future tax legislation.
The President took a bold stand in his 2013 Budget, which proposed making the PTC a permanent tax
credit. While the reaction was that this proposal was unlikely to pass Congress, it definitely changed the
terms under which the discussion of an extension are being held. The President also supported making
the tax credit refundable, which would be a significant shift in tax policy.
In November 2011, Representatives Dave Reichert (R-WA) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced bi-
partisan legislation to extend the tax incentive for the production of wind power, geothermal power,
hydropower, and other forms of renewable energy through 2016. H.R. 3307 has garnered 109 co-
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sponsors by the August 2012 recess, showing strong bi-partisan support. Also, a Senate version, S. 2201,
was introduced by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and has ten Senators joining as co-sponsors.
Representatives Reichert and Blumenauer also introduced legislation specific to a geothermal tax
extension, HR 2408 Geothermal Tax Parity Act, that would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow a
30% energy tax credit for investment in geothermal energy property through 2016. Senators Ron Wyden
(D-OR), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Dean Heller (R-NV) introduced identical legislation in the Senate,
S.1413.
In July, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced legislation, S. 3275, or
the Master Limited Partnerships (MLP) Parity Act, which gives renewable energy projects access to a tax
incentive currently available only to oil, gas, and coal projects. An MLP is a business structure that is
taxed as a partnership, but whose ownership interests are traded like corporate stock on a market. By
statute, MLPs have only been available to investors in energy portfolios for oil, natural gas, coal
extraction, and pipeline projects. These projects get access to capital at a lower cost and are more liquid
than traditional financing approaches to energy projects, making them highly effective at attracting
private investment. Investors in renewable energy projects, however, have been explicitly prevented from
forming MLPs, starving a growing portion of America’s domestic energy sector of the capital it needs to
build and grow.
In early August, the Senate Finance Committee reported tax extenders legislation modify the existing tax
credits (both ITC and PTC) to allow geothermal projects to qualify by being "under construction" by
January 1, 2014, instead of the current requirement that they be in production by that date. This was in
part due to the efforts of baseload renewable power groups, including GEA, to coordinate efforts to help
make the tax credit more effective for all technologies. The Senate provision will likely be considered as
part of any end of the year tax legislation.
Geothermal Legislation: exploration loans, co-production, leasing modifications
In December, the Senate Energy Committee moved the ball forward for geothermal energy by passing
two important geothermal measures, S. 1142 and S. 1149. These two measures will support exploration
drilling, expand geothermal research into heating uses, and expedite leasing and development.
Left: Senator Jon Tester (D-MT)
S. 1142, the Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act of
2011, is sponsored by Senators Tester, Reid, Murkowski and
Begich. It has three major provisions: 1) it proposes a new
federal loan program to promote exploratory geothermal
drilling, along with the mapping and development of the
nation’s substantial untapped geothermal potential; 2) it expands
geothermal research into direct use and heat pump technologies;
and 3) it facilitates the use of geothermal co-production by
federal oil and gas leases.
S.1149, the Geothermal Production Expansion Act of 2011, is sponsored by Senators Wyden, Begich,
Merkley, Crapo and Risch. It would modify the federal all-competitive leasing statue for geothermal to
allow limited negotiated lease sales in circumstances where new discoveries have been made.
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S. 1149 passed on a voice vote, with no opposition noted, Senator Coats asked for a roll call on S. 1142,
which passed 13-8-1.
Right: Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Both measures could be part of any year-end legislation, if
Congress is able to achieve consensus late in this session to
make such compromises.
Expediting geothermal exploration and development
Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID) proposed legislation that had a
hearing before the House Resources Committee last year
and was approved in July by the Committee that would ease
leasing rules for geothermal energy exploration. The bill was modified as an amendment to a larger
measure and passed the U.S. House by a 244-176 bi-partisan vote on Feb. 16. “My amendment
establishes a common sense, streamlined policy for the development of clean geothermal resources that
will create jobs and provide American families increased access to affordable energy,” Congressman
Labrador said in a statement. The legislation passed as an amendment to H.R. 3408, or the “Protecting
Investment in Oil Shale the Next Generation of Environmental, Energy and Resource Security
(PIONEERS) Act,” which also passed by a vote of 237 to 187.
LEFT: Congressman Labrador Releases
Statement Regarding Geothermal Energy
Like the legislation passed by the Senate
Energy Committee, the Labrador proposal
could be included as a part of any year-end
legislation, if Congress is able to achieve
consensus late in this session to make such
compromises.
In the Senate, Senator Tester (D-MT) and Jim
Risch (R-ID) introduced legislation, S. 1775,
to streamline leasing and permitting
renewable energy on public lands. Title I of
this bill extends the geothermal trust fund, which funds BLM work through the federal royalty share,
through 2020.
Meanwhile, the White House Rapid Response Team met with GEA leaders to discuss how the
Administration and federal agencies can streamline geothermal processing and address other roadblocks.
An outcome of that meeting was the launching of a DOE/NREL Regulatory Roadmap initiative which is
currently working to complete this effort by the end of September 2012. GEA and several companies
have been involved in a coordinating committee for this effort which has also engaged companies through
public meetings in every major geothermal state.
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Selected Geothermal Legislation
H.R. 2171, Exploring for Geothermal Energy on Federal Lands Act, Rep. Labrador and 11 cosponsors
Exempts projects determined by the Secretary of the Interior to be geothermal exploration test projects
from environmental impact statement requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA).
HR 2408, Geothermal Tax Parity Act, Reps Reichert and 2 cosponsors
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow through 2016 a 30% energy tax credit for investment in
geothermal energy property.
HR. 3307, American Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit Extension Act of 2011, Rep. Reichert and 109
co-sponsors
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through 2016 the tax credit for electricity produced from
wind, biomass, geothermal or solar energy, landfill gas, trash, hydropower, and marine and hydrokinetic
renewable energy facilities.
S. 1142, Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act of 2011, Senator Tester and 3 cosponsors
Requires the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a direct loan program for high risk geothermal
exploration wells and related matters.
S. 1149, Geothermal Production Expansion Act of 2011, Senator Ron Wyden and 4 cosponsors
Amends competitive lease provisions of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970.
S. 1413, Geothermal Tax Parity Act of 2011, Senator Ron Wyden and 2 cosponsors
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow through 2016 a 30% energy tax credit for investment in
geothermal energy property.
S. 1775, Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act of 2011, Senator Tester and 5 co-sponsors
Streamline leasing and permitting renewable energy on public lands. Title I of this bill extends the
geothermal trust fund, which funds BLM work through the federal royalty share, through 2020.
S. 2201, American Energy and Job Promotion Act, Senator Grassley and 10 cosponsors,
Extends the placed in service date for renewable technologies under the production tax credit by two years.
S. 3275, Master Limited Partnership Parity Act, Senator Coons and 6 co-sponsors
Gives renewable energy projects access to a MLP tax incentive available now only to oil, gas, and coal
projects.
DOE Program Has New Leadership, DOE’s FY2013 Budget Request Announced with 71%
Increase for Geothermal Technology
In late September 2011, the U.S. Department of Energy announced Douglas Hollett as new program
manager for its Geothermal Technologies Program.
Hollett (left) joins the DOE Geothermal Technologies Program from the oil
industry. With a professional career of more than 25 years in oil and gas
exploration he has until recently been Manager of worldwide unconventional
new ventures at Marathon Oil Company. His career at Marathon Oil reaches
back to 1986. From 2001 until 2004 he was the Chairman of the Board at
Petroleum Research Atlantic Canada, a multi-stakeholder research initiative
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focused on applied research in energy, safety, and marine science disciplines involved in the offshore
industry. PRAC included 35 entities such as energy companies, Canadian federal government, Provincial
governments and other involved parties.
The Department of Energy's FY 2013 budget request was announced in January, with a proposed strong
increase. The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) budget summary detailed the requests
made in past years and the current year in renewable energy. The geothermal energy request is for
$65,000,000 in FY2013, as compared to $37,862,000 enacted in FY2012. “The Geothermal Technologies
Program goal is to establish geothermal as a major baseload contributor to the U.S. energy mix,”
according to EERE. “The Program will implement a balanced portfolio of investments in innovative
emerging technologies, systems demonstrations, and activities to address market barriers.”
Western States Engagement
As much as federal laws and policies influence the geothermal industry, California and the other Western
States are also important for the operation and growth of the industry. Historically, California has been
the center for geothermal power development, but in recent years a wide range of states, counties and
utilities are becoming part of the geothermal community.
GEA is an active member of the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT),
along with several GEA member companies. CEERT is considered a key source for information and
policy analysis by policy makers in Western States.
GEA has also been engaged with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in developing and finding
accurate information about geothermal power as they implement California's new, aggressive climate
change law, Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32). GEA has also provided input to the California Independent
System Operator’s (California ISO) to support necessary transmission additions, and provided input to the
California Energy Commission (CEC) for their planning and analysis undertakings.
GEA joined in a motion with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and provided comments in
support of the protest of the California Wind Energy Association (CalWEA) as it relates to the California
ISO proposed tariff revisions regarding “behind-the-meter” (BTM) expansions of existing generation
facilities.
GEA also provided input to the CEC bi-annual planning process, which by law is directed to examine the
full range of policies influencing renewable energy production and make such recommendations as it
deems across the spectrum of state agencies. GEA submitted detailed comments to the CEC on its
Workshop on Jobs and Renewable Energy in California and its Workshop on Renewable Energy Costs,
as well.
Among its comments, GEA noted that geothermal generation potential in California is currently the
second highest in the country in terms of projects under development, with 31 projects potentially
providing an additional 2,000 MW of power in the next few years. The full value of geothermal power to
the state includes a variety of benefits, including “reliable power that adds to grid integrity, and can
provide power at long-term, stable prices . . . Geothermal has one of the smallest footprints of any energy
technology, has minimal environmental impacts and avoids significant greenhouse gas emissions.”
Geothermal also is a significant source of job creation.
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GEA Events: Expo, Finance Forum, International Showcase, Summit
GEA events serve many different and important purposes. They bring together members of the
geothermal community to exchange ideas, conduct business, and hopefully bring about new technology
and new power projects. They also serve to inform the public and decision makers, providing a forum for
them to hear first-hand from experts about issues and opportunities related to geothermal power. GEA
educates thousands of interested individuals through events. We often meet people for the first time at
GEA sponsored or co-sponsored events who later either become part of the industry or play important
roles in supporting its development.
Most of the attendees to GEA events come away with new ideas and an education in the issues and topics
of the program. GEA has received outstandingly positive feedback on its events and their usefulness. In
the past year, we have expanded both the audience types and number of people that we are reaching.
In addition to GEA-sponsored events, GEA collaborates with other groups to assist them in conducting
quality geothermal programs at their conferences. GEA has a history of collaboration with Renewable
Energy World North America (REW), and the American Council on Renewable Energy's (ACORE) RETECH conference, both of which are important avenues for GEA to collaborate for mutual benefit.
Following are some highlights from GEA events over the past year.
GEA Geothermal Energy Expo 2011, San Diego, CA
October 23-26, 2011
The Geothermal Energy Expo® hosts the world's largest gathering of vendors providing support for
geothermal resource exploration, characterization, development, production and management. It provides
a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their projects, equipment, services and state of the art
technology to the geothermal community. In 2011 in San Diego, CA more than 2,500 attendees from 42
different states and 13 different countries came together for the annual GEA Geothermal Energy Expo to
walk the sold out floor.
Along with the buzz created around the event itself, a tour of several of geothermal facilities in the area,
as well as a new report by GEA: “Energizing Southern California’s Economy: The Economic Benefits
and Potential for Geothermal Energy in Southern California” (October 2011) raised the interest of the
southern California community.
San Diego State University’s KPBS Radio (NPR) quoted GEA’s Executive Director Karl Gawell, “The
state’s continued support for expanding renewable power production is extremely important to
geothermal and all of the renewable industries.” Gawell told them, “It means that there will be a growing
market for these technologies,” and added, “It drives not just new power plants in California, but also
drives the growth of the industries and the research and the technology development that supports that.”
Left: EXPO Exhibitors take pride in their displays and
booths. Each year several prizes are awarded. Pictured
here is the Winner of the Best in Show Audience Choice
Award at the GEA 2011 EXPO— Islandsbanki
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GEA Geothermal Energy Finance & Development Forum, San Francisco, CA
January 18, 2012
Two hundred leaders from the geothermal industry, the finance community and government agencies met
at the fourth annual GEA Geothermal Energy Finance & Development Forum, held in San Francisco on
January 18. The event focused discussions on the issues and opportunities in geothermal including how to
accelerate the slow growth of the industry, whether Congress will extend tax incentives, how to improve
project economics, and more. “While analysts projected continued growth for the industry in the US and
worldwide, the industry still struggles with the overall poor economy and federal and state policies that
don’t match industry development needs,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell.
Keynote presenters included Karen Douglas, Commissioner, California Energy Commission (CEC);
Michael Picker, Senior Advisor to the Governor for Renewable Energy Facilities, State of California;
Anne Simpson, Senior Portfolio Manager for Corporate Governance, California Public Employees’
Retirement System (Calpers); industry panels featured Gevan Reeves, Director, Strategic Origination,
Calpine Corporation; Luka Erceg, President and CEO, Simbol Materials; Halley Dickey, Director
Geothermal Business Development, TAS Energy; Mike Ranz, President, SNC-Lavalin Thermal Power;
and Jonathan Weisgall, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company.
Above: Panel Discussion at the GEA Finance Forum: “Recognizing and Addressing the Realities
Facing Geothermal Projects in 2012 and Beyond”: Doug Glaspey, President and COO, U.S.
Geothermal; Joe Lessard, SVP Development, Gradient Resources; Dan Nastou, Power and
Infrastructure, John Hancock Financial Services; John Marciano, Chadbourne & Parke LLP; and
Monte Morrison, Country Manager-USA, Magma Energy Corp.
An overarching theme at the event was the mismatch between industry
needs and government policies. While California state energy goals will
require significant new renewable energy production in coming years,
utility procurement and transmission processes did not account for the
long-lead times of geothermal projects. And, for project finance, federal
tax credits expiring at the end of 2013 mean that many new power plants
cannot count on federal help. A geothermal project may have at least 4 to
8 years of lead time before the resource is on tap, and with the credit
expiring in two years, many new projects hang in the balance as
Washington debates whether or not to extend renewable energy tax
incentives, several speakers noted.
LEFT: CEC Commissioner Karen Douglas Speaking at GEA Finance
Forum, January 2012.
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Renewable Energy World Conference + Expo, Long Beach, CA
February 14-16, 2012
The 2012 Renewable Energy World North America Conference and Expo took place in Long Beach,
California, with strong geothermal representation on the program and on the Expo floor. Featured
speakers at the Keynote session included Stuart Hemphill, Senior Vice President of Power Supply at
Southern California Edison Co., and Michael Webster, Power Engineering Manager at the Los Angeles
Department of Water and Power. Both SCE and LADWP are involved in geothermal energy, and indeed
geothermal energy provided 42% of California's commercial, in-state renewable electricity generation in
2010. Many visitors to the GEA booth remarked they had previously been unaware of how extensively
geothermal energy is used. Geothermal companies in the Expo hall included GEA members Atlas Copco,
POWER Engineers, Pratt & Whitney Power Systems, SNC-Lavalin Thermal Power, TAS Energy Inc.,
and Worley Parsons.
GEA, along with expert instructors, presented an in-depth workshop on geothermal energy as part of the
pre-conference workshop series. The first half of the workshop focused on resource assessment and
drilling, which underscored the fact that this is where geothermal development starts. Maria Richards of
Southern Methodist University explained how understanding the geology and makeup of a reservoir is
critical in determining how to go about developing an application; drilling expert Louis Capuano, Jr.,
explained how using what is known about a reservoir determines how to drill. The last half of the
workshop, led by John McKinsey of Stoel Rives and Karl Gawell of the GEA, was devoted to the
management, business, and economics of building a plant, and how these factors must be timed to come
together in order for a project to get off the ground.
The importance of the assessment and drilling phases of a geothermal project came up later in the week as
experts discussed how current policy measures affect the industry in a panel on Geothermal Policy and
Economics. John McIlveen of Jacob Securities noted that incentives offered by the government did not
actually spark new geothermal projects; those geothermal projects that were awarded initiatives over the
past few years were already underway before the incentives were offered. Citing a need for an incentive
that would truly spark innovation, McIlveen described a model for funding drilling wherein developers
pay back monies for future drilling awards.
The geothermal sessions offered engaging variety. Individuals attending the Geothermal Plant Systems
and Technology session were able to get a feel for three of the major organic rankine cycle (ORC)
producers, as well as a supercritical cycle. Attendees at the Geothermal Energy and Waste Heat Recovery
session saw how the same ORC technology used to increase efficiency at geothermal power plants can
also increase efficiency at waste heat recovery projects.
Left: Halley Dickey, TAS Energy,
presents details on the first commercial
bottoming cycle addition to a flash
plant to onlookers of the conference’s
Geothermal Track. His company
supplied the addition to Terra-Gen
Power’s Beowawe plant in Nevada,
adding 2.5 MW to the existing 16.7-
MW plant. The project was recognized
at the conference’s annual awards as
the “Geothermal Project of the Year.”
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GEA International Geothermal Energy Showcase, Washington, DC
May 23, 2012
Left: Sen. Bingaman at GEA’s International
Geothermal Showcase: “The only losers in the clean
energy race will be those who do not compete.”
Representing several months’ coordination on the part
of representatives from U.S. and foreign geothermal
companies, government officials, and many experts and
individuals in the geothermal community, the GEA’s
International Geothermal Energy Showcase in
Washington, DC on May 23 was concrete indication of
the rising interest in facilitating the use of geothermal
energy on every continent except Antarctica. A
common theme of the day was that countries around the
world are open for business and many governments are
taking competitive strides in developing framework for
successful geothermal ventures. See photos at
Flickr.com/geo-energy.
Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) provided the keynote
address. Mr. Bingaman recently introduced the Clean
Energy Standard that has been struggling for support in
Congress despite analysis that the measure would drive
innovation and investment in a range of clean energy
sources. He remarked on the status of the U.S. in the
global energy market to an audience of over 270 participants: “We need to develop clean energy
technologies for the economic benefits that their development will create here at home. As the developing
world increases its appetite for energy in the coming decades, there will be a multi-trillion dollar market
for clean energy technology. The only losers in the clean energy race will be those who do not compete.
Unfortunately, although the US remains one of the greatest sources of innovation in the world, it is not
clear if we will reap the benefits of that innovation or even that we will retain the advantage we have over
others in that innovation, as our competitors are making a compelling case to investors and entrepreneurs
that it is simply good business to develop there, rather than develop here.”
GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell concurred: “It is critical that US policymakers act immediately to
keep the United States competitive with the rest of the world,” he said.
The panels throughout the day were organized into regions of the world and in this way were able to
highlight the unique characteristics of geothermal energy in places like East Africa, where high cost of
diesel and unreliability of hydro are some of the needs that make clean, baseload geothermal a top choice
given the high potential of resources in that part of the world.
Latin America was also well represented at the event. In 2002 Nicaragua instituted regulation of the
exploration and development of geothermal resources by private companies. “Right now the policy of the
[Nicaraguan] government is wide open to develop geothermal energy,” said Ernesto Martinez Tiffer,
President of the National Electric Company of Nicaragua. Tiffer added that through partnership, Reno,
Nev.-based company Ram Power “solved the problems” local developers were facing in tapping the San
Jacinto geothermal resource. This past December, Ram Power brought 36 MW of geothermal capacity
online at the resource and expects to bring an additional 36 MW online by the end of this year. Ram
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Power is also conducting exploration of the Casita San Cristobal geothermal resource in northwest
Nicaragua, and also has projects in California, Nevada, and Canada.
The exportability of geothermal energy was hailed as one of its best aspects by several experts, including
Halley Dickey, Director Geothermal Business Development of TAS Energy, headquartered in Houston,
Tex. Dickey remarked: “We’re exporting modular systems to companies around the world, we have three
projects in Turkey, and we’re exporting services and expertise as well. We build the entire plant here in
the US and export it abroad.” TAS Energy was the winner of the 2011 GEA Honors award for
Technological Advancement, and has geothermal projects on six continents; recent projects are in
Oregon, California, Nevada, and overseas, including Turkey.
ElectraTherm, another US company manufacturing
company exporting goods in the geothermal market,
targets Europe thanks to favorable policies such as
feed-in tariffs and higher electric rates, according to
CEO John Fox. The company is planning an
installation in Romania in June. ElectraTherm
continues to work in the US as well by proving
technology through a recent co-production project in
Mississippi, a project funded through a Department of
Energy initiative.
Right: GEA Board Chair Jonathan Weisgall
speaks with Senator Bingaman as he prepares to make his keynote speech.
The Showcase was attended by government and industry leaders representing 27 countries, including
Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Djibouti, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Kenya, Mexico, Nevis, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda,
Singapore, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Tanzania, Turkey, the United States, and the West Indies.
Sustainable Energy Coalition EXPO, Washington DC
June 21, 2012
GEA joined 50 other exhibitors at the 15th Annual Sustainable Energy Coalition EXPO on Capitol Hill
June 21st. Over 500 congressional staff, including several Members of Congress, toured the hall and
listened to a day long series of presentations by exhibitors.
The expo was hosted in cooperation with the House
and Senate Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
Caucuses and in partnership with: Congressional Peak
Oil Caucus, Defense Energy Security Caucus, High
Performance Building Caucus, House Algae Energy
Caucus, House Green Schools Caucus, Hydrogen and
Fuel Cell Caucus, Oil and National Security Caucus,
and the Sustainable Energy & Environ. Coalition
Left: Executive branch speakers (l-r) Steve Chalk,
Karen Atkinson, Dan Utech, and Beth Craig at the
SEC
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GEA Honors Awards Dinner and National Geothermal Summit, Sacramento, CA
August 7-8, 2012
GEA held its second annual GEA Honors Awards Dinner and National Geothermal Summit this year.
The event brought together a group of 200 policy and industry leaders for a constructive dialogue on
where geothermal is today and its potential in meeting the needs of California, Nevada, and other western
states for clean, reliable, renewable power. Policy leaders who joined the conversation included State
Assembly member V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella); California State Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima);
Commissioner Carla Peterman, California Energy
Commission; Karen Edson, Vice-President, Policy and
Client Services, California ISO; and John DiStasio,
General Manager & CEO, SMUD.
Right: Senator Alex Padilla addresses National
Geothermal Summit as Steve Ponder, Acting Executive
Director of GRC, listens.
During the Summit’s morning session, California State
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima) noted the importance
of diversity in the portfolio, and that California should
take pride in its role as leader in geothermal: "I hope
geothermal is front and center for many years to come."
GEA also recognized the best in geothermal with the presentation of GEA Honors awards. “The GEA
Honors recognize the companies and individuals that represent the very best aspects of the geothermal
industry--one that is providing clean,
baseload power to Americans
nationwide,” said GEA Executive
Director Karl Gawell. “GEA would
also like to recognize the geothermal
community as a whole for working
to secure America’s energy future.”
Award recipients and finalists were
recognized for technological
advancement, environmental
stewardship, and economic
development; additional awardees
received special recognition awards
for a wide range of contributions
made to the industry. (To read more
about all of our finalists, see the
“GEA Honors” section later in this
document.)
Above: Awardees at the GEA Honors Awards Dinner
15
Upcoming Events:
GEA Geothermal Energy Expo, Reno, NV
September 30-October 3, 2012
The GEA Geothermal Energy Expo is the world’s largest gathering of vendors providing support for
geothermal resource exploration, characterization, development, production and management. The 2011
Expo brought together 2,500 attendees from 42 different states and 13 countries, providing a unique
opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their projects, equipment, services and state of the art technology
to the geothermal community.
The GEA Geothermal Energy Expo opens doors to future business interactions within the geothermal
sector, giving exhibitors an opportunity to build on ties with existing customers and establish
relationships with new ones. This is the go-to event for promoting your company within the geothermal
industry by showcasing your products and services to a crowd of potential clients. Exhibitors are
recognized as key players within the industry and walk away from the event year after year having
launched new business deals.
Renewable Energy World North America/Power Gen International, Orlando, FL
December 11-13, 2012
Renewable Energy World North America will be co-located with Power-Gen International in 2012.
Holding the renewable energy industry’s premier event alongside the world’s largest power generation
show is designed to provide unprecedented access to the people, information, innovation and technologies
driving the renewables market forward. Who Attends Renewable Energy World N.A.?: Power Generating
Utilities, Independent Power Producers, Municipal Utilities and Cooperatives; Local, State and Federal
Government; Energy Advisory and Planning Agencies; Research and Training Institutions; Large Energy
Users; Renewable Energy Site Owners and Managers; Manufacturers of Renewable Energy Systems;
Consultants in Renewable Energy; Renewable Energy Architects, Engineers and Construction
Representatives.
For a complete list of GEA
events in 2012-2013 go to:
http://www.geo-energy.org/
16
GEA Briefings/Speeches
GEA is asked to speak about the geothermal industry by many different organizations. This past year we
prepared and made significant presentations for:
DRECP, "Geothermal Energy Potential within the DRECP and Associated Permitting Issues"
(Nov. 9)
EPA Renewable Energy Roundtable (Dec. 10)
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) (Jan. 31)
World Energy Day, World Bank (Feb. 23)
CEQ/White House Rapid Response Team (Mar. 23)
NSF, Discover Magazine Geothermal Briefing (Mar. 27)
EESI Briefing (Apr. 26)
MLP Roundtable (May 24)
US Department of State, Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum (June 14)
World Bank Geothermal Training (July 11)
Here is the Geothermal Energy Weekly story for just one example:
Nationwide Geothermal Energy Potential Discussed at Capitol Hill Briefing At a Capitol Hill briefing this week, representatives including Karl Gawell, executive director of the
geothermal energy association; James Faulds, professor at the University of Nevada-Reno and director of
the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology; and SMU Geothermal energy expert David Blackwell
presented industry facts at a Capitol Hill briefing on geothermal energy production in the U.S. The
session was one of several briefings on the science and technology needed to achieve the nation's energy
goals, collectively called "The Road to the New Energy Economy." The National Science Foundation,
DISCOVER Magazine, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the American Society of
Mechanical Engineers organized the briefing.
In addition, GEA actively represents industry to a wide range of state, regional and national
groups. In some cases, GEA holds a seat representing the geothermal industry – for example, the
Western Electricity Coordinating Council, the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan Stakeholders
Group, or the Department of Commerce’s Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee.
In others, GEA’s Executive Director, GEA staff, or both played the role of providing input to support a
specific need.
Below is a list of some of the state, regional, national and international groups GEA provided significant
input to this past year:
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC)
California Energy Commission (CEC)
Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC)
Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP)
Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (RE&EEAC)
California Transmission Planning Group (CTPG)
Western Clean Energy Advocates (WCEA)
Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT)
International Partnership for Geothermal Technology (IPGT)
17
Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)
California ISO (CAISO)
Sustainable Energy Coalition (SEC)
Renewable Energy World (REW)
MEITI (Japan)
Nicaraguan Embassy
U.S. Dept. of Commerce (DOC)
U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE)
U.S. Dept. of State (DOS)
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA)
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Veterans Administration (VA)
U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM)
U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
The White House Rapid Response Team
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Various House and Senate Congressional Offices
Media (see PR section)
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
Hawaii Renewable Energy Development Venture (HREDV)
The World Bank/International Finance Corporation (WB/IFC)
18
GEA Reports/Publications
“Information is power” and GEA is an important source of information about the geothermal industry.
GEA’s reports are widely distributed and read, and are often the most common works cited by others as
references for data and information about geothermal energy.
GEA issues a regular annual update on the geothermal industry which has become a mainstay of
geothermal data for government, private parties, and others. In April, GEA issued its latest Annual
U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Report, which showed that the US currently has
3,187 MW of installed capacity, significantly outpacing every other country in the world. As a renewable,
baseload energy supply, geothermal has the potential to replace coal and other non-renewable power
sources.
The report documented that geothermal electric power generation is occurring in eight US states,
including Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. An additional seven
states—Arizona, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas and Washington—have
geothermal capacity under development. California and Nevada continue to lead the way when it comes
to geothermal energy. The report also provided detailed information on projects under development
across the U.S.
The GEA Annual Industry Update is conducted with regular advice by GEA’s Science and Technology
Advisory Committee. Together with GEA staff, GEA published the ground rules for its annual report,
Geothermal Terms and Definitions. Similar to adopting national reporting standards, but geared for the
unique conditions in the US Market, that document – along with all GEA reports and publications – is
available for the public to peruse on the GEA website: http://geo-energy.org/reports.aspx.
In the past year, GEA published five new reports and expects to complete two more before the end
of September. They are:
2011 Geothermal Education & Training Guide
Energizing Southern California’s Economy: the Economic Benefits and Potential for
Geothermal Energy in Southern California
Why Support Geothermal Energy?
Annual U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Report
Geothermal: International Market Overview Report
Geothermal 101: Basics of Geothermal Energy Production and Use (Updated)
Geothermal Power and Climate Emissions
19
Selected GEA Reports Issued in 2012:
20
GEA Newsletter and Feature Stories
IN EVERY ISSUE WE COVER:
National News
Company News
Renewable Energy and Climate Change
State News
International News
Geothermal Heat Pumps and Direct Use
Notices
Employment
Request for Proposals
Events
Every week the latest news and information in brief,
readable format means Geothermal Energy Weekly.
The fifty issues every year published by GEA include
original reporting, news of almost every sort, and what
is effectively an electronic geothermal community
bulletin board. From getting the latest political news,
to finding a partner for a new venture, to buying or selling power equipment --- GEAs Geothermal Energy
Weekly has it all.
GEA’s newsletter is an important channel of communication and information, and it takes steady and
consistent work and attention. In the end, it's like writing three or four new novels for publication each
year, all with a similar plot line -- what's happening in the geothermal community!
In addition, the work put into GEAs Geothermal Energy Weekly is built upon to produce feature articles
about the geothermal industry. For example, in the past year here are just a few of the pieces GEA staff
has penned:
Alternative Power Construction, October – “Geothermal Projects on the Rise”
REW, October – “Energy Tax Credits Need Extension, GEA Tells House Committee”
REW, November/December – “Geothermal Outlook 2012: Despite some financial and regulatory
setbacks, the U.S. geothermal industry will plough ahead in 2012, finding some refuge in
international markets”
REW, February – “Amendment to Ease Geothermal Exploration Rules Passes House”
Article for Renewable Energy Focus, April 2012
REW, June – “Budding geothermal markets light up East Africa”
21
GEA Media/Press Outreach
Since October 2011, GEA has received coverage in 364 media outlets reaching an audience of 529
million, and still counting! Utilizing a full range of broadcast, internet and print media, GEA brought the
message of the geothermal industry to a vast national and international audience this past year. Media
efforts often focus on GEA meetings, reports, or policy activities. In 2012, GEA held six major press
events: a Southern California Press Tour, and press conferences/availabilities in San Francisco,
Washington DC, Sacramento, a press conference for national press on
the state of the geothermal industry, and a press event in collaboration
with other baseload renewable technologies about the unique needs of
baseload power. In addition, so far this year GEA has issued 35 press
releases, an organizational record, which are listed below.
Right: At a geothermal power plant in the Imperial Valley during the
GEA Southern California Press Tour.
The result, over 529 million audience impressions is impressive -- the
record setting 2011 Super Bowl drew an audience of only 111
million! In the past year, GEA has been getting the geothermal
message out! Press highlights from the past year include:
GEA Expo 2011
To leverage the GEA Expo in San Diego with reporters, The Rosen Group organized a field trip to two
geothermal facilities in the Salton Sea area, CalEnergy and Ormat. Reporters from KPBS (NPR) Radio,
KGTV-TV (ABC) San Diego, North County Times and Imperial Valley Press participated in the tour and
reported on the opportunities for geothermal in the area, leveraging a newly released GEA report on
Southern California. Outreach also secured earned media placements including Politico’s “Morning
Energy,” AOL Energy and U-T San Diego.
GEA Geothermal Energy Finance and Development Forum 2012
On January 18, the Geothermal Energy Association held its fourth annual Finance Forum at the Marriott
Marquis in San Francisco. To leverage the industry conference and secure earned media placements, The
Rosen Group organized an exclusive media roundtable featuring industry leaders and key Bay Area
energy and business reporters. This event was positioned as an open dialogue for industry participants and
leading journalists to discuss opportunities and trends in the geothermal industry. The media roundtable
was a great success with top journalists attending from outlets including Dow Jones/Wall Street Journal,
Forbes, Reuters, Bloomberg/Businessweek, E&E News/Greenwire, AOL Energy, California Energy
Markets and Renewable Energy World. The GEA Finance Forum received over 21 million media
impressions in major business outlets.
Left and below: Media Roundtable with CEC
Commissioner Karen Douglas, GEA Executive Director
Karl Gawell
and Senior
Advisor to
Governor
Brown
Michael
Picker.
22
Renewable Energy Executives Call for Extension of the Production Tax Credit
On February 8, executives from the hydropower, geothermal and biomass power industries called on
Congressional leaders to extend the production tax credit through 2016 for hydropower, geothermal and
biomass. During a tele-press conference with reporters, the group called for the immediate passage of
H.R. 3307. Participants in the press conference included Karl Gawell, Executive Director, Geothermal
Energy Association; Linda Church Ciocci, Executive Director, National Hydropower Association; Mark
Stover, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Hydro Green Energy; Jonathan M. Weisgall, Vice President,
Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company; and Robert Cleaves,
President and CEO, Biomass Power Association. Eighteen reporters participated in the tele-press
conference, including those from the Los Angeles Times, National Public Radio, Bloomberg, Reuters,
E&E/Greenwire, Politico, CQ/Roll Call, AOL Energy, SNL Energy and Platts. The initiative received
more than 10 million media impressions.
Annual U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Report
On April 3, the GEA released its Annual Update, and held a corresponding tele-press conference
featuring the GEA members that had brought projects online over the past year. The press conference call
focused on the report’s findings, including overall industry growth, emerging technologies that are
spreading the reach of geothermal, and challenges for future expansion. Twenty-two reporters participated
in the press conference from outlets including USA Today, Associated Press, Reuters, U-T San Diego,
Las Vegas Sun, Northwest Public Radio, The Desert Sun, Northern Nevada Business Weekly, SNL
Energy, Renewable Energy World, California Energy Markets, BNA News, Platts, Energy Central, and
Imperial Valley Press. The report received placements in more than 40 outlets reaching an audience of
over 8 million.
International Geothermal Showcase (May 2012)
In May, GEA brought geothermal leaders from around the world to Washington, D.C., for the fourth
annual International Geothermal Energy Showcase. GEA released a corresponding report on the
International Market during that time, as well. Senator Jeff Bingaman offered the keynote address. TRG
leveraged the opportunity to gather media for a roundtable discussion with geothermal leaders hosted by
GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell with participants including Craig O’Connor, Director, Office of
Renewable Energy & Environmental Exports, Export-Import Bank of the United States; Jeffrey Humber,
Director, Africa Infrastructure Program, US Agency for International Development; Ernesto Martinez
Tiffer, President of the National Electric Company of Nicaragua; Shuman Moore, CEO, Ram Power;
Halley Dickey, Director Geothermal Business Development, TAS Energy; John Fox, CEO, Electratherm;
Mike Long, Vice President, GALENA Advisors, a division of POWER Engineers; and Jonathan
Weisgall, Vice President for Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, MidAmerican Energy Holdings
Company. Participating media included AOL Energy, mergermarket (a Financial Times publication),
Bloomberg’s BNA, SNL Publications, Cleantechnica and ThinkGeoEnergy. The International Showcase
received 22 million media impressions.
GEA Summit
In August, GEA hosted the 2nd
Annual National Geothermal Summit 2012 in Sacramento. The event
featured the GEA Honors Awards Dinner, where geothermal industry leaders were recognized by GEA
for their contributions to the industry. TRG organized a media availability for August 8. The event was
moderated by GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell and featured industry experts including John
DiStasio, General Manager / CEO, Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD); Karen Edson, Vice
President Policy and Client Services, California ISO; JR Delarosa, Renewable Energy Advisor, Office of
Governor Brown; \and Paul Thomsen, Ormat. The availability was positioned as a roundtable opportunity
for onsite reporters, and featured a dial in option for reporters who could not be onsite to further the reach
of the Summit’s message. Ten reporters participated on site including reporters from the Sacramento Bee,
23
the Sacramento Business Journal, KQED Radio (NPR) San Francisco, California Energy Markets and
CNBC.com. Eleven reporters dialed in including reporters from Scientific American, CQ Rollcall,
Northern Nevada Business Weekly, Forbes, SNL Energy and Platts. The audio of the event was provided
upon request to E&E News. Gawell also participated in two phoner interviews from the Summit with
KFBK News Radio Sacramento and Climate Change Business Journal. To date, overall coverage of the
Summit received 100 news placements, reaching an audience of over 302 million.
GEA Press Releases:
Forging ahead: Geothermal Community Gathers at GEA National Geothermal Summit
to Map Road Ahead in California and Beyond (August 2012)
GEA Honors Recognizes the Best in Geothermal as Leading Industry Event Gets
Underway in Sacramento (August 2012)
GEA National Geothermal Summit Media Roundtable To Address Path Forward for
Geothermal Energy (August 2012)
Mayor Kevin Johnson Welcomes U.S. Geothermal Industry’s Premier Event to
Sacramento (August 2012)
GEA National Geothermal Summit to address challenges in advancing geothermal
industry in California and beyond (July 26, 2012)
Geothermal Energy Association Announces Finalists for 2012 GEA Honors (June 2012)
Second Annual GEA National Geothermal Summit to Bring Top Industry and Policy
Leaders to Sacramento (June 2012)
USAID and Geothermal Energy Association Announce Public-Private Partnership
Initiative at AGOA Forum (June 2012)
DC Area Event: 15th Annual Congressional Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency
EXPO + Forum (June 2012)
Nomination Deadline Extended for Second Annual GEA Honors (May 2012)
GEA International Showcase 2012 highlights U.S. leadership in Geothermal Global
Market (May 2012)
GEA report details international geothermal growth and potential (May 2012)
GEA brings together leading federal agencies to co-host International Geothermal
Showcase (May 2012)
GEA Geothermal Web Recognizes Students Expanding International Geothermal
Capacity in Peru, Iceland and Nigeria (May 2012)
U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman to Offer Keynote Speech at GEA International Showcase
(May 2012)
GEA International Showcase to Bring Over 200 Global Leaders to Washington (April
2012)
Geothermal Energy Industry Sees Steady Growth Despite Inconsistent Government
Policies (April 2012)
GEA Seeks Entries for the Best in Geothermal (March 2012)
GEA International Geothermal Energy Showcase 2012—Registration Now Open
(March 2012)
Geothermal Energy Association releases 2012 Policy Priorities (March 2012)
24
10 Advantages to Supporting Geothermal Energy: GEA report highlights benefits of
geothermal power for the Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo (February 2012)
Hydropower, Geothermal and Biomass Power Executives Call for Extension of the
Production Tax Credit (February 2012)
GEA-NHA-BPA Tax Incentives Letter (February 2012)
GEA Brings “Geothermal Energy 101” to North American Renewable Energy
Conference (January 2012)
GEA’s Statement on President Obama’s State of the Union Address (January 2012)
Geothermal Energy Finance Forum Concludes With Call for New Approaches to
Expanding Geothermal Power Production (January 2012)
Senior Advisor to the Governor for Renewable Energy Facilities to join GEA
Geothermal Energy Finance Forum 2012 (January 2012)
Geothermal industry leads the way towards a more sustainable 2012 (December 2011)
Keynote Speakers Announced for GEA Geothermal Energy Finance Forum 2012
(December 2011)
GEA Hosts Geothermal Energy Finance Forum 2012 in San Francisco - Registration
Now Open (November 2011)
GEA Announces 2012 Event Roster (November 2011)
GEA Geothermal Energy Expo 2011 Closes with Record Attendance: Amid Exciting
Industry Growth, a call for Leadership from Washington (October 2011)
GEA Hosts Geothermal Plant Tour of Imperial Valley to Launch Geothermal Energy
Expo 2011 (October 2011)
Event Advisory: Companies from around the world to convene in San Diego to display
technological advancements to the geothermal community (October 2011)
2011 Expo will feature breakthrough developments that are driving industry growth
(October 2011)
25
GEA International Market Development
During the past year, GEA worked to develop a stronger presence and help US geothermal companies
compete in the fast-growing world geothermal market. This was included as an organizational priority by
the GEA Board early in the year. This complemented GEA’s efforts to represent the industry to many
international and federal agencies, and highlighted GEA’s Executive Director’s role as the Chair for the
Secretary of Commerce’s advisory committee on renewable energy exports – the Renewable Energy and
Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee.
In January, GEA held an International Market Workshop for members preceding the January Finance
Forum. The GEA International Markets Workshop was an opportunity to dialogue with GEA member
companies regarding exports and international markets. Select government officials also participated to
help companies explore how the President’s National Export Initiative applies to geothermal companies.
GEA & US Agency Geothermal Meeting Day, Washington DC (May 22): GEA held a half-day US
Agency Geothermal Meeting Day on May 22. This half-day program, held in conjunction with GEA’s
International Geothermal Energy Showcase, was a smaller, more informal information session for US
geothermal companies interested in initiating or expanding their export business to learn more about the
types of assistance offered through US government agencies. Representatives from various agencies
(listed below) gave brief overviews of the types of resources and export assistance programs (with a
specific focus on geothermal exports) available to US geothermal companies. The meeting helped connect
US geothermal companies with the agencies and officials who can help them initiate or expand their
export business.
Participating agencies included: U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), U.S. Export-Import
Bank (EXIM), Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S.
Commercial Service, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the International Finance
Corporation (IFC).
The agency meeting day was followed by the GEA International Showcase (May 23) in Washington,
DC. This event is discussed in detail under GEA Events. But, it’s worth repeating here that the
Showcase was attended by government and industry leaders representing 27 countries, including
Belgium, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Djibouti, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Indonesia,
Kenya, Mexico, Nevis, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Rwanda,
Singapore, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Tanzania, Turkey, the United States, and the West Indies.
Left: participants at the GEA Agency
Meeting Day
26
Following these events in May, GEA joined in supporting the launch of a new geothermal
partnership to connect US Companies, East Africa business opportunities. East Africa is an exciting
geothermal market, with countries looking to dramatically expand power production from a very large,
untapped, world-class geothermal resource. The potential billions of dollars in business opportunities
associated with developing East Africa’s geothermal resources are attracting companies and countries
from around the world. Now, with support from the US Agency for International Development (USAID),
US companies may see increased opportunities in the East African geothermal power market.
GEA’s Board of Directors in May passed a resolution of support for the newly-established US-East
Africa Geothermal Energy Partnership (AGEP), which is being funded by USAID and implemented
through an existing framework within the US Energy Association (USEA). AGEP seeks to highlight the
development of geothermal energy resources in East Africa in 2012 and 2013 and to encourage and
facilitate the involvement of US companies and experts in the region. USAID recently commited an initial
$1.5 million to the program through next August, and that number could increase in subsequent years.
GEA and a wide range of member companies have already been heavily involved in shaping a draft scope
of work for the program, and expect to be involved in facilitating the program and garnering industry
engagement.
In support of these efforts:
GEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with USAID in June as part of the African Growth
and Opportunity in Africa meeting held by the US Department of State.
Funding has been committed. An initial $1.5 million from USAID has been transferred to USEA
to establish the geothermal program. This means the AGEP is now an official, funded program.
A Program Director has been hired. Steve Hirsch, a longtime advocate of geothermal
development in Africa, has been hired as AGEP Program Director.
An Industry planning meetings to be scheduled once the new Director is in place. The program
will be setting up a series of industry planning meetings to gather further input from industry
regarding program priorities and the proposed scope of work.
The AGEP will have a booth at the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo, taking place September 30-
October 3 in Reno, Nevada. This will provide an opportunity for industry to meet with program
staff and to learn more about the initiative.
27
Networking and Recognition: The Geothermal Web and GEA Honors
The Geothermal Web
Another of GEA’s many outreach and education tools is the GEA Geothermal Web, an online
network connecting companies, individuals, and academics interested in geothermal energy.
There is significant and growing interest in renewable energy technologies today. One of GEA’s
objectives is to inform and educate the public about geothermal energy’s existence and its benefits. One
way to accomplish this is through an open network of individuals who are interested in and supportive of
geothermal energy. The Geothermal Web affords GEA an opportunity to reach a larger audience with
information about geothermal energy by connecting with people outside of our membership and serving
as a liaison between supporters and industry. The Geothermal Web offers an outlet, particularly for
students and individuals who cannot directly join GEA, to get involved in the industry, easily locate
information about geothermal energy, and to connect with others who are interested or involved in
geothermal energy production or use.
What is the Geothermal Web?
About the Geothermal Web
The Geothermal Web is an inclusive network seeking to recognize and bring together companies,
individuals, and academics from across the geothermal industry. The Geothermal Web was
launched by the Geothermal Energy Association in October 2010 as a means to connect the many
sectors and individuals contributing to and benefiting from the expanded use of geothermal
energy. The Geothermal Web has since expanded to reach students interested in pursuing
geothermal careers and has seen the addition of a “Student Resources” section and student
features.
Mission Statement
The goal of GEA's Geothermal Web is to connect and recognize companies and individuals who
use and support geothermal energy, a green, renewable, sustainable energy source used
throughout the U.S. today. It creates a networking opportunity for supporters and functions as a
public database. Geothermal Web supporters are easily identified by the general public for their
role in promoting the expanded development and use of geothermal energy. By joining the
Geothermal Web, supporters are ambassadors of geothermal energy and encourage others in local
communities and the nation to adopt greener practices themselves.
What is GEA doing to improve the Geothermal Web?
Developing a grassroots campaign around the benefits of geothermal energy use
Building a portfolio of features highlighting individuals – beginning with students – who
support or are involved in geothermal energy production or use in any of its capacities
Creating, compiling, and consolidating resources for individuals interested in learning
more about geothermal
Involving students in enhancing the “Student Resources” section of the Geothermal Web
in order to better serve students pursuing geothermal education and careers in the
industry
Broadening the Geothermal Web to better encompass all aspects of geothermal energy
technology and uses
28
GEA Honors:
The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) recently announced the finalists for the GEA Honors, which
recognize companies and individuals that have made significant contributions during the past year to
advancing technology, spurring economic development or protecting the environment. The awards
program, which is in its second year, also gives special recognition to companies and individuals who
have otherwise made notable advancements and achievements for geothermal energy. Award recipients
were announced at a special awards dinner at the second annual GEA National Geothermal Summit
Awards Dinner in Sacramento, Calif. on August 7.
"The companies and individuals that were nominated and passed screening demonstrate the significant
progress being made in the U.S. geothermal industry," commented Karl Gawell, GEA's Executive
Director. “We are proud to recognize those companies and individuals that are leading the way towards a
successful future for expanded geothermal energy production. It is through the hard work and diligence of
these honorees that geothermal continues to meet the increasing energy needs of our country and provide
a clean alternative to coal and other non-renewable energy sources.”
GEA named the finalists for GEA Honors in the following categories: Technological Advancement,
Economic Development and Environmental Stewardship. In these three categories a final award
recipients were announced in August. Also announced were Special Recognition awards open to both
GEA members and non-member companies making significant contributions to the geothermal industry.
Technological Advancement: Awarded to an individual or company that has developed a new,
innovative, or pioneering technology to further geothermal development.
Finalists Include:
Baker Hughes: The company is working on multimillion-dollar-funded geothermal research and
development projects, including the Geothermal Ultrasonic Fracture Imager. The technologies
being developed are designed to improve geothermal industry efficiencies and reduce
environmental impact.
ElectraTherm: ElectraTherm’s fuel-free, emission-free Green Machine converts low
temperature waste heat into power and allows for the generation of electricity from low to mid-
temperature hot water. ElectraTherm recently completed a successful 1,000 hour demonstration
in Mississippi at an oil well. The company has also been approved for Phases 2 & 3 of its DOE
co-produced fluids grant and will be operating a unit at a Nevada gold mine later this summer.
*Enel Green Power North America: The Stillwater Solar-Geothermal Hybrid Project is the first
ever hybrid power plant of this kind. This technology may help to allow projects that would
otherwise have been unfeasible as stand-alone geothermal or solar projects to be more
economically and technologically viable. (*Award recipient.)
EnergySource: The Hudson Ranch I Plant is the first new geothermal plant constructed in the
Salton Sea in more than 20 years. This power plant is capable of normal operation using just two
of three drilled production wells and two of four injection wells, an unprecedented outcome.
TAS Energy: The company’s San Emidio and Dixie Valley power plants demonstrate unique
technologies and the modular designs of the plants allow for increased output without drilling
new wells. Additionally, TAS’s innovations contribute to a lower environmental footprint.
29
Economic Development: Awarded to an individual or company that has made a substantial contribution
to the development of local, regional or national markets through the development of geothermal systems.
Finalists Include:
GeothermEX: The company’s work is responsible for tens of thousands of jobs and has enabled
more than $10 billion in project financing.
*Ram Power/Polaris Energy: The San Jacinto Tizate Geothermal Project in Leon, Nicaragua
will add 10% of clean, sustainable, reliable and indigenous power to Nicaragua’s current power
portfolio. The knowledge transfer from the project will also serve to boost Nicaragua’s class of
technicians, and the construction, operation and maintenance of the plant will provide
employment to the local area. (*Award recipient.)
Environmental Stewardship: Awarded to an individual or company that has fostered outstanding
environmental stewardship through the use of geothermal systems. This award will be presented in
conjunction with the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI).
Finalists Include:
Geothermal Development Associates: The Eburru Wellhead Geothermal Power Plant in Kenya
is now producing up to 2.5 MW. Geothermal energy is a viable resource alternative for Kenya,
bringing economic benefits and reliable energy access to the region while preserving the
environment.
*Ormat Technologies, Inc.: While building the Tuscarora and McGinness Hills facilities, Ormat
took several precautions to preserve the natural habitat of a native bird to the area. (*Award
recipient.)
SNC-Lavalin: The company successfully completed over 60,000 MW of thermal power projects
while maintaining company-wide commitment to sustainability and is building an exemplary
environmental record for major projects on the Te Mihi geothermal power project in New
Zealand.
Special Recognition: Awarded to an individual or company for outstanding achievement in the
geothermal industry. These awards are open to both GEA members and non-member companies.
Award Recipients Include:
AltaRock Energy: The company commercialized EGS technology for power generation through
improving stimulation methods that will benefit the entire geothermal industry.
Dr. Desikan Bharathan: Established revolutionary condenser technology that improved
efficiency of geothermal energy production as part of his work at the U.S. Department of
Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Calpine Geysers Visitors Center: The center has been providing public education of geothermal
energy since 2010 and has welcomed more than 75,000 visitors from 79 countries.
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Dr. Leland (Roy) Mink: Serves on board of directors for US Geothermal and former Manager of
DOE Geothermal Technology Program. He has been working in geothermal industry since 1972.
National Geothermal Academy: Leader in geothermal education programs in the U.S. and
attracted national and worldwide attention in its inaugural year.
John Pritchett: Mr. Pritchett has been an internationally-recognized leader in the development
and utilization of geothermal reservoir engineering technology since 1974, and currently works
for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).
Simbol Materials: The company is working at a demonstration facility in the Salton Sea that
produces lithium from existing geothermal plants in an effort to revolutionize the future of the
new energy economy and turn the U.S. into a major lithium exporter.
SMU Geothermal Program: For more than 42 years the program has been supplying vital
information on geothermal energy and training the next generation of geothermal leaders.
GEA also honored these five companies that brought US power plants online in 2011-12:
Ormat (Puna, Hawaii) (Tuscarora, Nevada)
Terra-Gen Power/TAS Energy (Beowawe, Nevada)
Energy Source (Hudson Ranch 1, California)
U.S. Geothermal/TAS Energy (Neal Hot Spring Project, Oregon and San Emidio, Nevada)
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GEA Board Members 2012
Officers
Jonathan M. Weisgall, Chairman
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co.
Paul Thomsen, President
Ormat Technologies, Inc
Craig Mataczynski , Vice President
Vice President
Gradient Resources
Joe Greco, Secretary-Treasurer
Terra-Gen Power, LLC
Board Level Company Representatives
Arni Magnusson
Islandsbanki
Brian Fairbank
Nevada Geothermal Power
Doug Glaspey
US Geothermal Inc.
Bob Manasse
Enel Green Power North America, Inc.
Mike Rogers
Calpine Corporation - Geysers
Murray Grande
Northern California Power Agency
Shuman Moore
Ram Power
Richard Chow
ThermaSource, LLC
Elected Directors
Ann Robertson-Tait
GeothermEx, Inc
Curt Rich
United Technologies Corporation
Domenic Falcone
Domenic J. Falcone Associates, Inc.
Halley Dickey
TAS Renewable Energy Solutions
John McKinsey
Stoel Rives, LLP
John Pritchett
Science Applications International Corp
Mike Long
Power Engineers
Thomas P. King
US Renewables Group
GEA Staff 2012
Karl Gawell, Executive Director
Kathy Kent, Marketing and Events Manager
Leslie Blodgett, Editor-in- Chief, Geothermal Energy Weekly
Daniela Antonescu, Business Manager
Alison Holm, Member Initiative Coordinator
Dan Jennejohn Research Associate*
Brigitte Hines, Research Officer & Events Coordinator*
Michael Andrews, Esq, Legislative Representation* **
Shawna Seldon, Rosen Group**
* part year **consultant/contractor
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ARE YOU A GEA MEMBER?
What is GEA?
The Geothermal Energy Association is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the
expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal resources worldwide for electrical
power generation and direct-heat uses. Our members have offices or operations in many states and in
numerous countries throughout the world.
GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and utilization of geothermal
resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems, encourages research and
development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to governmental organizations,
provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles statistical data about the
geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects.
Why Join GEA?
The Geothermal Energy Association is the definitive voice of the geothermal industry and works
adamantly on your behalf to (1) support long-term industry growth through education, information,
outreach and advocacy and (2) increase public awareness of geothermal energy and understanding of its
near- and long-term potential.
Membership dues provide the bulk of financial support for GEA and directly facilitate our efforts to
engage policy makers on critical industry issues, organize events, produce geothermal industry data,
reports, and publications, engage the press in an aggressive public relations effort, publish the most
widely-circulated geothermal newsletter, and more.
We provide our members with the most up-to-date information on what is going on in the geothermal
industry today and the factors that are shaping the industry for tomorrow. GEA’s role has never been
more vital and your participation is critical as we endeavor to expand the use of this clean, renewable,
sustainable energy source and continue our work advocating for the industry.
GEA membership offers a range of
material benefits as well, including
listing in GEA’s member database
with a link to your company web
site, discounts on all event
registrations and a special exhibit
fee at the GEA Geothermal Energy
Expo, and access to exclusive
member-only meetings and
workshops.
Geothermal Energy Association
http://www.geo-energy.org/