GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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{Geothermal Energy Weekly}

National News 3

House Cuts Geothermal in Energy and Water Appropriations Bill; Senate Funds Full Request Members of Congress Testify before Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee GEA Event to Feature Senator Jeff Bingaman in Keynote Address, Participants from 21 Countries

Company News 6

Cornell Univ.: Student Teams Selected for National Competition Geothermal Regional Center: Letter Commits to Provide up to US$15 M for San Emidio Ormat Technologies: Agreement Signed for North American Geothermal Power Project

RE & Climate Change 8

Navy May Reduce Power Use to Help Avoid Blackouts in Southern Cal

State News 8

California: Bill Supports New Lithium Extraction Process at Geothermal Plants California: CPUC Reduces RAM for Baseload and Non-Peaking Categories Hawai’i: County Hears Local Views at Geothermal Energy Meeting Nevada: Energy Professionals’ Networking Group Launches NV Chapter, Promotes Geothermal

International News 10

Asia and Pacific China: Agreement with Iceland Expands Geothermal Cooperation India: Minister of New and Renewable Energy Comments on Geothermal Philippines: Basic Energy Eyes 4 Geothermal Deals; Maibarara to Expand Geo Plant

Americas Honduras: Geothermal Project Approved at Platanares

Europe Iceland: Landsvirkjun Adds Support to Underseas Geothermal Cable Efforts UK: Government “Stalling” on Geo Energy in North Atrium

GHPs & Direct Use 12

Senator Bernie Sanders Hails GHP Use and Manufacture in Vermont

Notices 13

New This Week Forest Service Seeks Comment on Geothermal Lease, Mount Baker, WA (May 20)

Featured Notices Exhibiting at Geothermal Energy Expo this Fall? Secure Your Spot Call for GRC 2012 Annual Meeting Papers (May 4) Outstanding Submissions Invited for GEA Honors 2012 (May 25) Nevada BLM Accepting Geothermal Lease Sale Land Nominations for January 2013 (June 29)

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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Employment 15

Featured Jobs Two Geothermal Jobs, Hawaii Dep’t of Land and Natural Resources

Various Jobs Various Jobs in Geothermal Energy

Requests for Proposals 16

New This Week SCE Launches Second Renewable Auction Mechanism Request for Offers (May 31)

Featured RFPs Postdoctoral Research Awards, DOE Office of EERE (May 1) Cornwall Seeks Consultant for Deep Geothermal (May 2) Geothermal Funding Available through USDA REAP Program (June 29)

Events 18

GEA and GEA-Sponsored Events GEA International Geothermal Energy Showcase 2012, Washington, DC (May 23) Annual Congressional RE/EE EXPO & Forum, Sustainable Energy Coalition, Washington DC (June 21) GEA National Geothermal Summit 2012 - Sacramento, CA (August 7-8) GEA Geothermal Energy Expo® and GRC Annual Meeting - Reno, NV (Sept. 30-Oct. 2) Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America (co-located with Power-Gen International), Orlando, Fla.

(December 11–13) Featured Events

West Virginia Geothermal Energy Conference (May 22) Oregon Geothermal Working Group meeting, Salem, OR (May 31) CGEC Forum & Field Trip to The Geysers (July 17-18) Recent Advances in Geothermal Geochemistry Workshop, GRC and UC-Davis (July 19-20) 20th Annual Congress of the AGM and 1st Latin-American Geothermal Congress, Mich., Mexico (September 26-28) Geothermal Workshop, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Philippines (October 21–24) Geothermal Energy Utilization Associated with Oil & Gas Development, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas

(March 12-14, 2013)

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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National News

House Cuts Geothermal in Energy and Water Appropriations Bill; Senate Funds Full Request

The Department of Energy requested $65 million for its Geothermal Technologies Program in FY 2013. Last

week, the House Appropriations Committee cut that significantly, while the Senate Appropriations Committee

funded the program at the requested level.

The Full House Appropriations Committee has adopted its FY 2013 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. The

bill provides $30 million for the Geothermal Technologies Program in FY 2013 with the following

language/restrictions:

“Geothermal Technologies.—Ground heat is a potentially large source of domestic energy that could be broadly

tapped for power generation, heating, and cooling. The Committee recommends $30,000,000 for geothermal

technology, $8,000,000 below fiscal year 2012 and $35,000,000 below the budget request. The recommendation

includes no funds for the proposed $30,000,000 Enhanced Geothermal Systems Field Sites. The Department is

encouraged in future budget requests to refine its justification for these field sites and to include details on out-

year commitments. A realistic budget proposal that includes field sites should not assume a significantly

increased overall appropriation for Geothermal Technologies.

“As noted by the Committee last year, the United States Geological Survey has identified more than 120

gigawatts of potential domestic energy from low-temperature geothermal sources. The Committee directs the

Department to continue supporting a comprehensive program that will help the nation tap these vast resources,

and to consider the full authorized spectrum of geothermal technologies in order to maximize the use of domestic

geothermal energy.”

The Senate Subcommittee approved the bill, and the Geothermal Technologies Program was funded by the

Subcommittee at $65 million for FY 2013. The Committee Report provides the following direction regarding this

funding:

“Geothermal Technology — The recommendation for geothermal technology is $65,000,000. The funds made

available by this section shall be disbursed to the full spectrum of geothermal technologies as authorized by the

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110–140) and the Department of Energy shall

continue its support of comprehensive programs that support academic and professional development initiatives.

The Committee continues to have concerns about the level of funding devoted to low-temperature geothermal

research and development and directs the Department to provide funding to this geothermal area of research and

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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development. The U.S. Geological Survey has identified more than 120,000 MW of untapped potential at these

temperatures.”

When Congress acts to work out the differences between these bills, it will have to decide what priority to give

geothermal research and reconcile their differences.

Members of Congress Testify before Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee

On April 26, the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures heard testimony on expired or

expiring tax provisions from fellow Members of Congress who either introduced or co-sponsored legislation

related to tax extenders during the 112th Congress as of April 25. A Forbes contributor called this step in the

review process “a case of Congress doing its actual job,” one that “may lead to a serious review of these tax code

subsidies.”

Congressman Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) provided testimony that despite the need to remove complexities from

the tax code and eliminate wasteful provisions, “there is a role for certain business and individual tax incentives to

play both as a bridge to tax reform and as a continued catalyst for job creation and economic recovery,” he

testified.

Reichert, who authored the renewable energy production tax credit (PTC) (H.R. 3307), said it has demonstrated

its ability to leverage private capital and create jobs. “In the past six years, the [PTC] leveraged billions of dollars

of private investment in American manufacturing – $60 billion in the wind industry alone, where the credit has

successfully grown our domestic manufacturing capabilities from 25% of turbine value to over 60% in the same

time frame. Studies suggest that the PTC leveraged $15.5 billion in private capital in the wind industry annually

since 2005, nearly 12 times the Joint Committee on Taxation’s revenue estimate for the PTC. And that figure

does not even account for the investment that the PTC spurs in other qualifying renewable resources, including

hydropower, geothermal, biomass, and landfill waste projects.

“I believe a tax incentive that serves the dual purpose of putting Americans to work lowering energy costs for

other American families and businesses is worthy of extension,” Reichert added.

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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GEA Event to Feature Senator Jeff Bingaman in Keynote Address, Participants from 21 Countries

The Geothermal Energy Association has announced that U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman (N.M.) will keynote its

fourth annual International Geothermal Energy Showcase.

The Showcase, to be held May 23 in Washington, DC will bring together the key government and industry leaders

representing at least 21 countries. Confirmed participants thus far hail from Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Costa

Rica, Djibouti, Germany, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nevis, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, the

Philippines, Romania, Rwanda, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Tanzania, Turkey, and the United States.

GEA, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Agency for International

Development, and the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. are collaborating for this event.

Along with Senator Bingaman, additional confirmed speakers include: Adam O'Malley, Director of Energy and

Environmental Industries, US Department of Commerce; Pierre Audinet, Clean Energy Program Team Leader,

The World Bank; Pinsuda Alexander, Country Manager-South and Southeast Asia Region, US Trade and

Development Agency; Craig O'Connor, Director, Office of Renewable Energy & Environmental Exports, Export-

Import Bank of the United States; Freddy Saragih, Head of Fiscal Risk Evaluation Centre, Fiscal Policy Board,

Ministry of Finance, Indonesia; John Fox, CEO, ElectraTherm; Michael Ronzello, Business Development

Manager, Pratt & Whitney Power Systems; Friedo Sielemann, Counselor, Energy and Environment, German

Embassy; Halley Dickey, Director Geothermal Business Development, TAS Energy; Binarto Bekti Mahardjana,

PLN; Cartwright Farrell, General Manager, Nevis Electric Company Limited; Jamie Merriman, Country Manager,

US Trade and Development Agency; Jeffrey Humber, Director, Africa Infrastructure Program, US Agency for

International Development; Silas Simiyu, Geothermal Development Company; Mary Mervenne, Managing

Director Structured Finance, Overseas Private Investment Corporation; Stephen Onacha, Head of Geothermal

Unit, Ministry of Rwanda; Karl Gawell, Executive Director, Geothermal Energy Association; Warren Dewhurst,

Managing Member, Dewhurst Group; Arni Magnusson, Executive Director-International Industries, Islandsbanki;

Gene Larson, Vice President Business Development, SNC-Lavalin Thermal Power; Will Osborn, Vice President,

Geothermal Resource Group; Minister Emilio Rappaccioli, Ministry of Energy and Mining, Nicaragua; Gordon

Bloomquist, Geothermal Scientist; Roger Henneberger, GeothermEx, a Schlumberger Company; Xiaoping Wang,

Senior Energy Specialist, The World Bank; Richard Chow, CEO/President, ThermaSource; Dr. Jerrol Thompson,

Prime Minister's Office, St Vincent & Grenadines; Shuman Moore, CEO, Ram Power; Philippe Niyongabo,

Geothermal Risk Mitigation Facility (GRMF), African Union Commission; Moses Nthiga, KenGen; Dr. Fouad

Ahmed Aye, Minister of Energy and Water, Republic of Djibouti; Paul Von Hirtz, Board Member, International

Geothermal Association (IGA); Mike Long, Galena Advisors- a division of POWER Engineers; Philippe Dumas,

Manager, European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC); Doug Hollett, Program Director, U.S. Department of

Energy Geothermal Technologies Program; Jonathan Weisgall, Vice President for Legislative and Regulatory

Affairs, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company; Nir Wolf, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Ormat; Dr.

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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Halit Kara, HK ITHALAT IHRACAT ve TICARET Ltd; Mark Taylor, Head of Geothermal & CCS Research,

Bloomberg New Energy Finance; Reza Agahi, Marketing Manager, Atlas Copco Gas and Process; Steven Hirsch,

Vice President of Business Development, Geothermal Development Associates; Mike Allen, Chair, Geothermal

New Zealand; and Pedro Eusse, Research and Development Professional, Energy Research and Business

Development Department, EPM.

Company News

Cornell Univ.: Student Teams Selected for National Competition

Two of the 10 teams receiving a $10,000 Department of Energy stipend for geothermal energy research at the

Snake River Plain, Idaho, come from Cornell University and are featured this week in R&D Magazine. The

National Geothermal Student Competition asked teams to address the use of exploration technologies in the

potential development of the geothermal system.

An undergraduate team from Cornell University Sustainable Design (CUSD) will use remote sensing data to

compile satellite images. "We are aiming to …make a multilevel map of the area, from the surface to deeper in

the ground," said Katie Mayer '14, student and CUSD geothermal-team leader. The results of the project could

assist in determining optimal sites for geothermal production.

The second Cornell team, from the Cornell Energy Institute, is made up of graduates students who are gathering

data and information on Snake River Plain's geothermal energy for integration into a journal article, to include a

comprehensive literature review. Sean Hillson, Cornell Energy Institute team leader and a graduate student in the

field of chemical engineering was quoted on topics to be discussed in the article: the Snake River Plain's

geothermal potential; a geothermal profile of the region; options for electricity and heating geothermal projects;

and an economic analysis of implementing a geothermal plant and the expected payback period.

Both teams are mentored by Jeff Tester, the Croll Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems in the School of

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, who previously chaired the 18-member international panel that in 2006

produced "The Future of Geothermal Energy," a report evaluating the long-term geothermal potential in the U.S.

Findings from the DOE-funded projects may be used by industry to develop new geothermal sites. The authors of

the top three reports will present results at the Geothermal Research Council Annual Meeting, held in tandem with

the GEA Geothermal Energy Expo: Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 in Reno, Nev.

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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Geothermal Regional Center: Letter Commits to Provide up to US$15 M for San Emidio

Press Release (full story at Wsj.com) (Miami, Fla.) April 11 -- Geothermal Regional Center (GRC) today

announced that it has signed a Commitment Letter and Term Sheet with U.S. Geothermal, Inc. (USG) under

which GRC will provide up to a $15 million loan facility for USG's San Emidio North Project. GRC, the only

USCIS approved Regional Center that is focused on the highly acclaimed geothermal energy sector, will raise the

capital for USG through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Pilot Program (the "EB-5 Program").

"We are pleased to have GRC's support and to be able to access this innovative source of capital as we continue

building out the San Emidio resource," said Daniel Kunz, U.S. Geothermal Inc. Chief Executive Officer.

The proceeds of the loan are expected to fund a portion of the development of the San Emidio North power

project including the drilling of geothermal wells, related infrastructure and other development costs. The EB-5

Program is designed for those foreign high net worth individuals who are interested in obtaining Permanent

Residence status through investments in a commercial enterprise which are shown to have significant job

creation benefits.

Ormat Technologies: Agreement Signed for North American Geothermal Power Project

Press Release (Reno, Nev.) April 25 -- Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA) announced today that Ormat

Nevada Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, was selected to supply a $61.2 million engineering, procurement and

construction (EPC) contract through a competitive bid process. Under the expected EPC contract, which is

currently under negotiation, Ormat will provide two air-cooled Ormat Energy Converters for a geothermal power

plant project in North America. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2013. Until the signature of

the full EPC contract the parties have entered into an interim agreement in the amount of approximately $9 million

for a limited scope of work to ensure timely completion of the project.

Yoram Bronicki, president and COO of Ormat said, "We are pleased to increase our backlog by this project which

will continue the strong product segment performance. This development will incorporate Ormat’s low-operating-

cost design and our consistent project completion standards.”

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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RE & Climate Change

Navy May Reduce Power Use to Help Avoid Blackouts in Southern Cal

While Southern California deals with the loss of power from its San Onofre nuclear plant’s twin reactors, the U.S.

Navy may help the region avoid blackouts by agreeing to temporarily reduce its electricity use at San Diego-area

bases. "We will do our best, while preserving our capability to carry out our mission responsibilities, to support

[the] request," Capt. Dora Lockwood, a Navy spokeswoman told press.

San Diego Gas & Electric has similar deals with large industrial customers, and the Navy is the utility’s largest

customer, said an AP article. Navy installations in San Diego County include Naval Base San Diego, the Naval

Air Station North Island in Coronado, and Miramar Marine Corps Air Station.

The nuclear facility has been closed for about three months as investigators attempt to determine why hundreds

of alloy tubes, which carry radioactive water in steam generators, have shown excessive wear.

State energy planners have simultaneously been strategizing to supply replacement power, and plans could

include restarting two retired natural gas-fired power plants in Huntington Beach. A new $1.8-billion transmission

line, to be completed by summer, could help fill shortages.

State News

California: Bill Supports New Lithium Extraction Process at Geothermal Plants

Last week, a bill related to extracting lithium at geothermal plants won approval from the Assembly Committee on

Environmental Safety and proceeds to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for fiscal review. The bill (A.B.

2205), authored by Assemblyman V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella) aims to facilitate the use of a new lithium

extraction process and encourage new business in geothermal and related industries. According to A.B. 2205:

“Existing law exempts from the requirements of the Hazardous Waste Control Law geothermal waste generated

from the exploration, development, or production of geothermal energy and that does not result from drilling for

geothermal resources meeting specified criteria.

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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“This bill would additionally exempt from the requirements of the Hazardous Waste Control Law geothermal waste

that is contained, and continues to be contained, within a piping system, nonearthern trench, or descaling area, or

within related equipment in connection with the beneficial extraction of commercial substances from the

geothermal waste.”

California: CPUC Reduces RAM for Baseload and Non-Peaking Categories

Of note to geothermal companies, among the resolutions determined at a April 19 meeting of the California Public

Utilities Commission, Resolution E-4489 (Cpuc.ca.gov) approves PG&E’s Request to Reduce Renewable Auction

Mechanism (RAM) for baseload and non-peaking categories and make other changes to its previous RAM for all

utilities. While IOUs are directed to solicit participation of baseload and non-peaking intermittent project

developers in the next RAM solicitation and auction, it will reduce the PG&E allocation for these projects from 35

MW to 10 MW. At the same time it raises the allocation to solar PV to 85 MW. Among the factors to the decision

was the limited response of baseload projects to the first RAM.

CEERT, Ormat Technologies, and the Geothermal Energy Association had all protested PG&E’s request to

reduce its baseload and non-peaking as-available RAM product categories. In addition to CEERT noted process

concerns, and all three argued that PG&E should be encouraging additional baseload (i.e., geothermal and

biogas) resources.

Hawai’i: County Hears Local Views at Geothermal Energy Meeting

The Hawai’i County Council last week held a meeting to hear concerns about geothermal energy development on

the Big Island. The meeting was attended by over 300 people (Hawaiitribune-herald.com), including members of

the Pele Defense Fund which opposes building additional geothermal facilities on the island, in part because the

group says geothermal drilling harms the goddess Pele, insulting religious Hawaiians. Opposing testimony cited

a blowout in 1991 that sent steam from the plant into the air. Mike Kaleikini, manager of the existing plant in Puna

District, was quoted offering a presentation to the council on the plant’s safety features. “No one I know of has

become ill as a result of working at the plant,” he said.

Nevada: Energy Professionals’ Networking Group Launches NV Chapter, Promotes Geothermal

Press Release (full story on Finance.yahoo.com) (Las Vegas, Nev.) April 25 -- Professional networking groups

have been growing in popularity throughout the country. The energy industry’s Young Professionals in Energy

(YPE) has been in Las Vegas since Monday for its annual summit. At the group’s Opening Night Party, the

formation of a new Nevada chapter (YPE Nevada) was announced, along with details of the organization’s first

activities:

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May 14 – Electric Vehicle Test Drive & Copper Mountain Plant Tour (Las Vegas; Boulder City)

May 17 – Electric Vehicle – Gourmet Food Truck Scavenger Hunt (Reno)

May 24 – Tour of the Geothermal Operations at the Peppermill (Reno)

“YPE Nevada is designed to engage Nevada’s mid-career energy professionals through a variety of career-

related, community service, professional education and social events to be scheduled across the entire State,”

said YPE Nevada Board Member Walt Borland, the President and CEO of NIREC. “And, we expect that this

enhanced interaction will help to drive more energy-related entrepreneurial activity in Nevada.”

Over the past six years, Young Professionals in Energy has quietly built an international network of over 20,000

members, with connections throughout the U.S. and abroad.

International News

Asia and Pacific

China: Agreement with Iceland Expands Geothermal Cooperation

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, a geologist by training, visited Iceland last week, resulting in a new agreement that

expands China’s cooperation with Iceland on geothermal energy to include plans for electricity production. Under

the agreement, Iceland's Orka Energy and Chinese oil company Sinopec will expand geothermal heating. The

partners will look into developing geothermal energy for electricity in Tibet, and possibly other areas.

A joint venture between Sinopec subsidiary Sinopec Star and Iceland’s Enex China, called Shaanxi Green

Energy, already provides geothermal heating in China, and the venture agreed last year to build 20 million m2 of

geothermal space heating in Shaanxi province.

India: Minister of New and Renewable Energy Comments on Geothermal

A statement from the Minister of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Dr. Farooq Abdullah, quoted on Pib.nic.in,

comments on progress in geothermal energy in India, noting that draft policy and guidelines could facilitate

geothermal utilization. During the last three years, the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand,

Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and West Bengal have taken steps to harness geo-thermal energy in their

respective states, Abdullah said in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha. Geothermal resource assessment

studies have also been undertaken by the MNRE through National Geophysical Research Institute.

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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India has Memorandum of Understandings on cooperation in renewable energy with several countries, but no

specific assistance has been sought.

Philippines: Basic Energy Eyes 4 Geothermal Deals; Maibarara to Expand Geo Plant

Basic Energy Corp. has filed applications with the Philippine Department of Energy for geothermal energy service

contracts at four sites, all classified as frontier areas, Abs-cbnnews.com reports. Basic Energy holds rights to the

Mabini Geothermal Project, an intermediate temperature resource, with a reservoir temperature of 180°C or

greater.

Meanwhile at the 20-MW Maibarara geothermal power project in Batangas, the Philippines, Maibarara

Geotheraml Inc. is planning to drill two more geothermal wells next year with the intent to expand capacity.

Energy Undersecretary Jay Layug told reporters this project is significant because it would be the first geothermal

project operated by a Philippine private company. The cost of drilling the two wells was estimated at about $10

million.

Americas

Honduras: Geothermal Project Approved at Platanares

Honduras’ National Congress has authorized a 35-MW geothermal project at Platanares, according to

Laprensa.hm, which did not disclose the name of the private developer. Binary technology would be used to

generate 297 GWh per year. According to the decree, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment

(SERNA) grants the developer the right to exploit the geothermal resource under the condition that the project will

"respect" the environment. Per the contract, the developer will be responsible for damages to the public,

communities, and third parties resulting from the project.

Europe

Iceland: Landsvirkjun Adds Support to Underseas Geothermal Cable Efforts

Landsvirkjun, a renewable energy company owned by the Icelandic government, will assist in research analyzing

the potential of exporting geothermal energy from the island nation to Europe via submarine cable. Chief

Executive Hoerthur Arnarson told press his firm committed to an initial 1.5-year study following by a few years of

investigation into potential effects of the project on social, environmental, legal, and technical aspects, said

Upi.com. The company hopes to power 1% of the European datacenter industry with electricity from hydro and

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geothermal sources by 2020. Additionally, Icelandic Minister of Finance Oddny Harthardottir announced the

formation of a working group to research project feasibility for the undersea cable.

UK: Government “Stalling” on Geo Energy in North Atrium

The Department of Enterprise has determined not to move legislation that would have facilitated the development

of geothermal energy in North Antrim, where Geosystem and Apex Geoservices were commissioned for ground-

based magneto-telluric and gravity geophysical surveys in 2009.

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay spoke out against the decision, saying developers who are interested

in North Antrim and Ballymena are up against a “brick wall” from the Department of Entreprise. “The Department

excluded geothermal energy in the recent Renewable Heating Incentive proposals and now they are stalling on

bringing forward legislation that is required and that is already in place in most countries,” McKay told press. “At

present there is no definitive judgment on ownership right to geothermal energy. The Minister has confirmed that

they are not going to bring similar legislation forward here and will instead wait and see what governments in

Britain are going to do.”

McKay added such renewable projects in North Antrim that could ultimately lead to cheaper household bills. “I

agree with the Minister that we must ensure that the cost benefits of gas should be brought to many more

households, but it should not be used as an excuse to block alternative forms of energy that could help improve

the quality of life for people living in this area,” he was quoted.

GHPs & Direct Use

Senator Bernie Sanders Hails GHP Use and Manufacture in Vermont

Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders last week outlined successes of geothermal heating projects in Vermont,

encouraging more attention to the technology. The independent senator said 99% of geothermal systems

installed in the U.S. were manufactured in his state. The systems are in use at homes, businesses, and schools

in Vermont, including three Vermont National Guard buildings.

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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Notices

New This Week

Forest Service Seeks Comment on Geothermal Lease, Mount Baker, WA (May 20)

From US Forest Service -- The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is seeking public comment until May 20 on

whether to lease a portion of 5,500 acres of land nominated for geothermal exploration and development, located

southeast of the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area and west of Baker Lake.

This project will evaluate the suitability of the area for leasing and determine stipulations to minimize potential

impacts on natural resources. The Bureau of Land Management manages subsurface resources on federal lands

and nominated the area for lease and development. If the Forest Service allows BLM to lease the area, that

agency would later conduct additional environmental analysis of specific locations for exploratory drilling,

production wells and a power plant.

Released April 20. Contact: Eric Ozog (360 691 4396). Written comments may also be mailed to Mt. Baker

Ranger District, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284-1263.

Featured Notices

Feature general announcements and notices related to the geothermal energy industry. Contact: leslie@geo-

energy.org. Opportunities are listed for three weeks.

Exhibiting at Geothermal Energy Expo this Fall? Secure Your Spot

If your company is planning to exhibit at the Geothermal Energy Expo 2012, act soon - the show is already nearly

85% sold out. Please consider joining GEA as a member -- joining GEA gets you a significant discount to exhibit

at the event. The Floor Plan is available on the GEA Web site; colored-in booths are already reserved. Contact:

Kathy@geo-energy.org. More information on the Geothermal Energy Expo is available in the Events section of

this newsletter and on www.geo-energy.org.

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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Call for GRC 2012 Annual Meeting Papers (May 4)

Submission deadline has been extended to May 4. Authors may submit an oral technical presentation and/or

poster by May 4 to present at the Geothermal Resources Council’s 2012 Annual Meeting, September 30 through

October 3, 2012 in Reno, Nevada. See: Instructions to submit; Submission form [PDF]. Please direct all content

related questions to: Frank Monastero at monasterofc@gmail.com; Lisa Shevenell at lisaas@unr.edu. Please

direct all format and general submission questions to: Anh Lay at alay@geothermal.org or (530) 758-2360 ext.

100. 2012 Paper Topics: Business Development / Finance; Basin & Range / Cascades / Rocky Mountains; Direct

Use / Heat Pump; Enhanced Geothermal Systems; Exploration / Resource Assessment / Management; Geology,

Geophysics and Geochemistry; Geothermal Energy Associated with Oil and Gas Operations; Geothermal Project

Case Studies; International; Power Operations / Maintenance / Production Technologies; Regulatory /

Environmental Compliance / Policy Issues; and Utility and Transmission Issues.

Outstanding Submissions Invited for GEA Honors 2012 (May 25)

In its second year, GEA’s Honors program will recognize outstanding advancements GEA member companies

have made in geothermal technology, environmental stewardship, and economic development, as well as

nominations for special recognition to companies or individuals. Winners will be announced at an awards dinner

at the GEA National Geothermal Summit 2012 on August 7 in Sacramento, Calif. An application may be

submitted for more than one award category.

Technological Advancement: Awarded to an individual or company that has developed a new, innovative,

or pioneering technology to further geothermal development;

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);

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.

Special Recognition nominations will be accepted for individuals and companies for outstanding

achievement in the geothermal industry and are open to GEA members, non-member companies, and

individuals.

The GEA Honors program deadline for nominations is May 25. Finalists will be named in June. Geo-

energy.org/GEAHonors

GEA’s GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY April 30, 2012

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Nevada BLM Accepting Geothermal Lease Sale Land Nominations for January 2013 (June 29)

The BLM Nevada State Office is now accepting nominations of lands for competitive geothermal leasing for the

next geothermal lease sale, tentatively scheduled for January 29, 2013. Click here for regulations for nomination

requirements regarding maximum acreage, acceptable land descriptions, and nominating parcels as a block,

under Title 43, Volume 2, Chapter II, Part 3200. Each nomination must be submitted with a nonrefundable filing

fee of $105 per nomination plus $0.11 per acre of lands nominated. All land nominations must be received by the

Nevada State Office no later than June 29, 2012, in order to be considered for the January 2013 Geothermal

Lease Sale. Nominations received after June 29, 2012, will be processed for the next sale. Sale notices, results

lists, and Form 3203-1 will be posted to the BLM Nevada Web site. Contact: Elisabeth Puentes at (775) 861-

6615; fax 775-861-6710; e-mail epuentes@blm.gov.

Employment

Featured Jobs

Feature job opportunities and internships related to the geothermal energy industry. Contact: leslie@geo-

energy.org. Opportunities are listed for three weeks.

Two Geothermal Jobs, Hawaii Dep’t of Land and Natural Resources

The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is hiring a Geologist for its Engineering Division.

The Geologist will head the Mineral Resources Section to perform geothermal resource management functions

and hydrology-geology advisory duties relative to other departmental programs. The position is currently being

announced through the State of Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development. A second position is

available: Engineer, Geothermal Resource Management. The Registered Professional Engineer will perform

geothermal resource management functions. The position is currently being announced through the State of

Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development.

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Various Jobs

Various Jobs in Geothermal Energy

Check out opportunities listed in the ThinkGeoEnergy.com Job Portal.

Several internship opportunities are available at Calpine. ["About Interning at Calpine"]

There are jobs for Research Scientists and Engineers listed on the CSIRO Web site (Australia). Positions

currently available include: (1) Senior Reservoir Engineer -- “We are seeking a dynamic individual to represent

CSIRO's interests in the development of relationships and collaborative projects with the petroleum and

geothermal industries and government agencies.” (2) Senior Geometallurgist/Geochemist/Geologist – “The

successful candidate will help bridge the gap between the disciplines of metalliferous exploration and processing.”

Enel Green Power is listing several jobs available, including: EHS Engineer Geo; Assistant Operations

Supervisor; Operations Supervisor; Assistant Operations Supervisor; EHS Specialist; SCADA Engineer; Manager,

Compensation, Benefits and HR Planning; Tax Manager; Geothermal Operator; Process Analyst; Civil Engineer;

Wind Resource Specialist 1; Construction Project Planning & Cost Control Engineer; Hydroelectric Facility

Operator; and Reservoir Engineer. The Geothermal Operator is responsible for outside operations, general

housekeeping, minor maintenance, maintaining equipment, taking logs of equipment, maintaining company

vehicles, operating equipment, and assisting A and B operator as needed; and Performing all necessary tasks as

pertained to Operations of a Binary Cycle Geothermal Power Plant, or as assigned by Plant Supervisors or Plant

Manager.

Requests for Proposals

New This Week

SCE Launches Second Renewable Auction Mechanism Request for Offers (May 31)

SCE is pleased to announce that it has launched its Second Renewable Auction Mechanism Request for Offers

(RAM 2 RFO) for products from eligible renewable resources. Information and definitions regarding the RAM 2

RFO can be found on the RAM 2 RFO Web site (Sceram.accionpower.com).

The RAM 2 RFO is open to renewable electric energy generating facilities not less than 1 megawatt (MW) and not

greater than 20 MW. To participate in the RAM 2 RFO, Offerors must register on the RAM 2 RFO Web site and

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complete prequalification in the Offer Management tab. Only those participants who have met the prequalification

criteria may submit an Offer using the Offer Form.

Offer Submittal Deadline: Thursday, May 31, 2012. For an Offer to be considered in SCEs RAM 2 RFO, Offerors

must submit complete Offer(s) via the RAM 2 RFO Web site no later than 12:00 pm (noon) Pacific Prevailing Time

(PPT) on Thursday, May 31, 2012.

SCE will host an RFO Conference via Webex to discuss the RAM 2 RFO process on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at

9:00 am PPT:

Webex Log-in information: Event number: 801 849 920; Event password: 2012ramrfo; Event address for

attendees: https://sce.webex.com/sce/onstage/g.php?d=801849920&t=a.

For Verizon Teleconference -- Call-in: 1 888 913 8415; Attendee access code: 479 686 2

Featured RFPs

Feature Requests for Proposals related to the geothermal energy industry. Contact: leslie@geo-energy.org.

Opportunities are listed for three weeks.

Postdoctoral Research Awards, DOE Office of EERE (May 1)

The DOE’s office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is accepting applications for Postdoctoral

Research Awards. These research awards offer unique research opportunities to highly talented Ph.D. recipients

to engage in innovative research at universities, national laboratories, and other research facilities conducting

applied research in support of EERE. Applications due by May 1, 2012. The EERE Postdoctoral Research

Awards are administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) in collaboration with

EERE. ORISE is responsible for the implementation of the program, processing applications, the review and

notification processes, and management of payments to participants. Eere.energy.gov.

Cornwall Seeks Consultant for Deep Geothermal (May 2)

Cornwall Council seeks a suitably qualified and experienced specialist individual or consultancy organization to

understand how European e.g. Convergence, and /or other public sector funding, could invest in the development

of Deep Geothermal Energy in Cornwall to support the development of the industry within the County. The

consultant(s) (specialist individual or consultancy organization) will be required to undertake an analytical

examination and develop a strategy to address barriers and accelerate delivery. The period of consultancy will be

from about May 8 to about June 19 of this year. Government-online.net. (Added 4/11/12)

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Geothermal Funding Available through USDA REAP Program (June 29)

From the official release -- USDA is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural

small businesses to complete a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, including geothermal.

Funding is available from USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) authorized by the Food,

Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill). Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement

guaranteed loan only applications are accepted on a continuous basis up to June 29, 2012. More information on

how to apply for funding is available in the January 20, 2012 Federal Register, pages 2948 through 2954. Further

information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office. Rurdev.usda.gov

Events

GEA and GEA-Sponsored Events

Sponsorship opportunities: Your company has the opportunity for high visibility at GEA’s events. In addition to

providing the financial support needed for GEA to undertake successful events, GEA events feature media

availabilities with sponsors which garner extensive coverage in mainstream press outlets. Contact: Kathy,

Kathy@geo-energy.org. Geo-energy.org/events

GEA International Geothermal Energy Showcase 2012, Washington, DC (May 23)

The fourth annual GEA International Geothermal Energy Showcase will focus on successes in leading geothermal

markets from around the world. Topics include: what measures are succeeding in expanding geothermal energy

production; U.S. geothermal exports; financing for international geothermal development. Over 200 industry

leaders, foreign diplomats, financiers, and government officials are expected to attend. Past events have

welcomed participants from over 20 different countries and over 20 U.S. government agencies and leading

international institutions. GEA, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S.

Agency for International Development, and the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. are collaborating for this event.

The GEA International Geothermal Energy Showcase will be on May 23 at the Ronald Reagan Building and

International Trade Center, Washington, DC. Register now. Geo-energy.org/events

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Annual Congressional RE/EE EXPO & Forum, Sustainable Energy Coalition, Washington DC (June 21)

GEA is a member of the Sustainable Energy Coalition, and helps to plan this annual congressional expo and

forum to provide information and discussion on Capitol Hill. It is scheduled to be held Thursday, June 21 in the

Cannon Caucus Room of the US House of Representatives. Exhibitor opportunities for the event will open up in

April. If your company is interested in being featured, contact Leslie, leslie@geo-energy.org or Karl, karl@geo-

energy.org. There is very limited exhibit space for this event; at least one space will be held for a geothermal

company. The 2011 event featured 55 businesses and organizations as exhibitors and approximately 600+

visitors. Senator Mark Udall addressed the expo as well as Reps. Roscoe Bartlett, Peter Welch, and Russ

Carnahan. The Veterans Affairs Committee Room held the day’s forum, with over 30 speakers addressing the

100-person room, filled beyond capacity.

GEA National Geothermal Summit 2012 - Sacramento, CA (August 7-8)

Updates coming soon. Geo-energy.org/events

GEA Geothermal Energy Expo® and GRC Annual Meeting - Reno, NV (Sept. 30-Oct. 2)

Updates coming soon. Geo-energy.org/events

Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America (co-located with Power-Gen International),

Orlando, Fla. (December 11–13)

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. Renewableenergyworld-events.com

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Featured Events

To request that your event be featured on this list, contact: Leslie, leslie@geo-energy.org.

West Virginia Geothermal Energy Conference (May 22)

Hosted by Marshall University and sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Energy, the first-ever West Virginia

Geothermal Energy Conference will be held May 22 at the Days Inn in Flatwoods, W.Va. For more information

contact: Teresa Buckland, buckland@marshall.edu (304 696 3568) or George Carico, carico@marshall.edu (304

696 5456).

Oregon Geothermal Working Group meeting, Salem, OR (May 31)

Oregon DOE in collaboration with Energy Trust of Oregon and NEBC will be hosting the day-long 2012 Spring

Oregon Geothermal Working Group meeting on May 31, 2012 at the Oregon Dept. of Forestry: 2600 State St.,

Salem, OR. Open to the public. Contact: Vijay Satyal, vijay.a.satyal@state.or.us (503 373 0008).

CGEC Forum & Field Trip to The Geysers (July 17-18)

The CGEC Forum will take place July 17, exploring issues and current trends in geothermal power, direct use

geothermal and geothermal heat pumps in California. This Forum is suitable for anyone interested in the

geothermal, renewable energy field.

The Field Trip to The Geysers will follow on July 18. A presentation will be given during lunch at the Visitor

Center followed by a tour of the facility by experienced Calpine staff. The tour also includes a tour and wine

tasting at the 100% solar electric and GHP off-grid Frog's Leap Winery in Rutherford.

To register for the CGEC Field Trip to The Geysers, you must register for either the CGEC Forum or Recent

Advances in Geothermal Geochemistry Workshop, GRC and UC-Davis (July 19-20; see below). Agenda

available, register now. Cgec.ucdavis.edu

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Recent Advances in Geothermal Geochemistry Workshop, GRC and UC-Davis (July 19-20)

The Geothermal Resources Council (GRC) and the California Geothermal Energy Collaborative (CGEC) are co-

hosting a joint workshop on the Recent Advances in Geothermal Geochemistry at the University of California,

Davis Campus, July 19-20. This two-day workshop on the applications of geochemistry to geothermal systems

will be of interest to professionals in the geothermal industry and graduate students interested in hydrothermal

and geothermal systems. Register now. Geothermal.org

20th Annual Congress of the AGM and 1st Latin-American Geothermal Congress, Mich., Mexico (September

26-28)

The 20th Annual Congress of the AGM and 1st Latin-American Geothermal Congress will be convened by the

Mexican Geothermal Association (AGM), the El Salvador Geothermal Association (AGES) and the Colombian

Association for Renewable Energy (ACER). It will be held 26-28 September 2012 in Morelia, Mich., Mexico.

Contact: Luis Carlos Gutiérrez-Negrín: l.g.negrin@gmail.com. Geotermia.org.mx

Geothermal Workshop, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Philippines (October 21–24)

An interactive workshop on Geothermal will be held by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, October 21–24 in

Cebu, Philippines. In the Philippines, geothermal development accounts for more than a quarter of the nation's

power generation. Although located in the Philippines, this event will have a global remit, bringing together the

field experiences of petroleum engineers with geothermal techniques used in the Philippines, Australia, New

Zealand, Indonesia, Chile, the US, and other hubs of global activity. Additionally, SPE is now soliciting for

program committee members for the Workshop. Contact Sherine Chin at +60.3.2182.3000 or e-mail:

spekl@spe.org.

Geothermal Energy Utilization Associated with Oil & Gas Development, Southern Methodist University,

Dallas, Texas (March 12-14, 2013)

The SMU Geothermal Laboratory, a leader in research on the conversion of oil and gas fields into geothermal

energy projects, welcomed 200 attendees at its 5th conference dedicated to Geothermal Energy Utilization

Associated with Oil and Gas Development. The conference focuses on an exciting part of the industry: taking

these wells and energizing them with geothermal power instead of abandoning them. Request updates on this

event from Maria Richards: mrichard@smu.edu. Smu.edu/geothermal

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GEOTHERMAL ENERGY WEEKLY ~ A newsletter for the geothermal industry written by Leslie Blodgett and Karl Gawell

© 2012 Geothermal Energy Association

Contact, subscribe, submit posts ~ leslie@geo-energy.org ~ 202 454 5241

Archives ~ http://www.geo-energy.org/updates.aspx