The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries has published an interactive map that lets you view information on the location, temperature, and other features of thermal springs, wells and direct-use areas.
An article at Sphere.com explores the linkage between geothermal energy and earthquakes along with the problems that earthquakes have caused for geothermal projects and areas where they are located.
The AltaRock geothermal project near San Francisco, California, has officially been cancelled. The project was a type of test to determine the future direction of geothermal energy in the United States. What happened?
Many people believe that the current administration is promoting renewable energy too aggressively and not giving proper attention to fossil fuels. An article at Reuters.com details how Ken Salazar, U.S. Interior Secretary, responded to this criticism.
More than 50 AZGS publications and maps on geothermal energy in Arizona are now online and can be read or freely downloaded. The publications represent more than 30 years of studies and investigation by AZGS geologists and other contributors and collaborators.
The International Energy Agency has released their “World Energy Outlook”. A few quotes….
“A continuation of current trends in energy use puts the world on track for a rise in temperature of up to 6°C and poses serious threats to global energy security.”
“As one of the consequences of the financial crisis, global energy use is set to fall this year… it will soon resume its upward trend if government policies don’t change… with demand increases by 40% between now and 2030.”
“Containing climate change is possible but will require a profound transformation of the energy sector.”
“Whatever climate policies are introduced, natural gas is set to continue to play a bridging role in meeting the world’s sustainable energy needs.”
The Arizona Geological Survey has received a $15.7 million grant that will enable them to lead the development of a national geothermal data system. Forty state geological surveys will be contributing state-specific geothermal data. Press release for this event.
A German news site reports on a geothermal contractor drilling a well that would be used for a home heating system. At a depth of 130 meters the well erupted into a geyser spraying 6000 liters of water per minute.
Nicaragua is thought to have more geothermal energy potential than any other country in Central America. Two Canadian companies are helping the country increase its geothermal capabilities.
In 1998, Bernie and Connie Karl took over Chena Hot Springs Resort in Alaska – and discovered that the springs were warmed by diesel fuel. The couple converted the resort to low-temperature geothermal power using an innovative portable generator.
Australia has enormous geothermal potential in hot aquifers, volcanic sources and hot rocks at depth. So far very little has been done to tap Australian geothermal.
A geothermal plant has been built at the Teapot Dome oil field near Casper, Wyoming. The plant produces about 250 kilowats of electricity from hot water associated with oil production.
The Geothermal Energy Association has released its U.S. Geothermal Power Production and Development Update listing 10 GW of new geothermal development projects in 14 states.
Fearing potential problems with carbon legislation electric companies in the southwest states such as Arizona, Nevada and southern California are looking harder at renewable sources of electricity instead of coal.
University of Utah researchers will use a method similar “hydraulic fracturing” done by the natural gas industry to stimulate the yield of a geothermal well at a US Geothermal, Inc site near Malta, Idaho. Increasing the number of fractures in the rock should enhance its ability to deliver steam.
The Peppermill Casino in Reno, Nevada decided to bet $8 million on a geothermal well. They hit 170-degree water that will supply enough energy for space heating and hot water for their 2.1 million square foot resort.
The Energy Information Administration offers email subscriptions that allow you to receive messages when they publish a new energy update. There are a wide range of topics that you can subscribe to – some for specific types of energy (such as natural gas) and some for geographic-based information (such as Kansas energy topics).
Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are developing a way to capture more heat from low-temperature geothermal sources. The key to the process is a biphasic fluid containing a metal-organic heat carrier.
Sam Holbrook is a park ranger who has worked at the Old Faithful geyser for 43 summers. He loves the job and says “I’d probably do this for nothin’ but don’t tell the Park Service”.
About two years ago, a large landslide buried many geysers in the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia. Now, a new one has begun to erupt: the Prikolny, meaning “peculiar”, geyser, which reuses its water. This video shows Prikolny in action.
A well being drilled as part of the Iceland Deep Drilling Project entered a magma filled chamber. Here is quote from their report…
“At 2104 m depth the weight on the drill bit suddenly declined, the rate of penetration shot up and there was an immediate increase in torque. On pulling up a few meters to free the bit and circulate cooling fluid, cuttings of clear glass appeared, followed by darker colored obsidian.”
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Hobart King
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