Environmental Impact of Geothermal Energy

Strong and weak aspects one can identify when studying various issues. Let's summarize impacts of geothermal energy. In this shot we will write about impact on environment, the next one will be focused on human health impact.

The linguistic origin says that „Geothermal“ represents the heat coming from Earth's depths („Geo“ like Earth, „thermal“ like heat). It means that this source of energy is natural and this heat is primary one. In comparison for example with fossil fuels, there are no additional steps or „mid-steps“ required in order to make and obtain heat. In previous article we wrote that according various estimations, Earth accumulates heat that would be enough to satisfy global energy demand for more than 10 billion years (see this link). In addition, this heat is accumulated either by adsorbing sunshine through surface or by happening specific chemical and physical reactions in Earth's solid iron core. Dangerous products of these reactions (UV radiation, dangerous gases, nuclear elements etc.) remains either in space, outside the ozone layer of Earth's atmosphere, or enough deep in proximity of Earth's core, which means deeper than magma. Therefore creating of this heat doesn't represent relevant danger, no question about it.

There are just three main objections towards geothermal energy:

Drilling issue is comparable with mining issue in matter of obtaining power sources for coal or nuclear power plants. On the other hand, geothermal wells do not require such a long diameter than mining s ahaft or the colliery. It is true that geothermal wells could be deeper than mining shafts, but altogether they require less capacity of soil to be removed.

Cooling the Earth is being mentioned as the second objection. Yes, if we exploit more heat than is capable to be renewed, by time the geothermal well produces ever colder water stream and becomes comercially uneffective. This can be resolved by better customizing EGS approach (more about EGS on this link).

Water issue becomes step by step of an ever higher political priority. Climate change means also the change of global water regime. On the other hand, operating geothermal wells is managed like closed water loop, so there can be no question about wasting the water sources.

In conclusion, environmental impact of geothermal energy depends on how it is being exploited and which approach is taken. But geothermal plants in general does not burn fossil fuels or coal in order to produce electricity. In comparison with „traditional“ power plant, it produces just 1 percent of CO2 emission in contrast with incineration of fossils. In addition, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adds regarding geothermal heating systems (secondary utilization of geothermal power) that geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective systems for temperature control. Altogether, geothermal energy represents clean modern solution for growing energy demand as well as for steps against climate change.

Thermodynamic cycles in geothermal energy

How geothermal heat is transformed in order to be used in turbines producing electricity? Thanks to “thermodynamic cycles”. They are the set of various thermodynamic processes, which are based on the “law of conservation of energy”. It tells us that energy is isolated system and its amount remains constant; energy cannot be created or destroyed, just turned from one type into another. In other words, geothermal heat, thanks to thermodynamic cycles, can be turned into other types of energy used in steam turbines. Have a brief look on it:

Thermodynamic cycle is about turning heat into work (we mean physical term of „work“) under concrete pressure, temperature and other physical factors. In ideal case, transforming heat into work as well as work into heat, can be described like zero sum game. So, if there would not had been any losses (it means ideal case), the whole amount of energy in form of geothermal heat would have been transformed into the same amount of work and later on electricity. In reality, effectiveness varies regarding the concrete type of used thermodynamic cycle.

On field of geothermal energy, there are used several types of thermodynamic cycles - e.g. Kalina cycle, Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and other - or their combinations. The use of concrete type of cycle depends on quality of reservoir, the pressure, water temperature and many other factors. As we mentioned above, every transformation of one type of energy into another is accompanied with losses. In this regard, optimization of geothermal energy production process is necessary in order to minimize those losses.

Optimization means the most appropriate combination of thermodynamic cycles and the most appropriate setting of other physical parameters. If you are interested in the most used thermodynamic cycles in geothermal energy, next articles on this blog will be dedicated to this topic. We will also bring concrete case studies – description of some geothermal wells and facilities in Europe.

What steps can individuals, businesses or world leaders take to address the most pressing and often interrelated water and energy challenges?

To answer this question it is necessary to look at the sources which we walk on. From the volume perspective, only 1 % of the Earth is colder than 1000°C and 0.1 % is colder than 100°C. This amount of energy is available continuously 24/7 without any carbon dioxide or other pollution and practically not exhaustible. Heat under the Earth’s surface is still permanently produced in the Earth’s volume by decay of uranium, thorium, etc. For effective geothermal electricity production, there is a need to drill between 8-10 km in hard rock, where the temperatures almost anywhere in the world exceed 300°C, optimal for steam turbines and high enthalpy heat production. 

Research and development in emerging drilling technologies is aimed on effective deep drilling in hard rocks with the price linear with the depth, which is significant advancement in drilling technology. This enables to exploit geothermal energy practically anywhere in the world independent of the local geological situation. The most promising solutions are drilling systems based on thermal treatment on rocks. These systems provide cost effective and high speed drilling optimized for the hard rock environment. The technologies are oriented towards creation of power generation units ranging between 20 MW to 30 MW per unit, where drilling costs are expected to be less than $1M per drilled km. The main aim of the technology is to bring the position of the geothermal energy  in the world energy mix to its real potential as base load energy and real alternative to coal, oil & gas and nuclear, by RADICAL change through cost effective deep drilling.

Change of the strategy and paradigm of energy production: 

• Substantial contribution of geothermal energy to climate change mitigations. Energy distributed production to geographic localities where energy is needed and not where resources are available. It provides minimum transport losses in contrast to present day grids, high security against the collapse of energy systems and security against terrorist attacks.
• Affordability for developing nations, because the source of the energy the “fuel” is available anywhere. 
• Small footprint of geothermal energy production sites not harming the country environment in contrast to wind farms and photovoltaic large area fields.
• Safety of the processes compared to nuclear energy.

 
The emerging drilling systems are enabling technologies for future development of strategically important application areas as follows:

• Accessing new reservoirs of oil and gas - In recent decades new deep underground reservoirs that require significant advance in drilling technologies were discovered. One of the main innovations of emerging drilling systems based on thermal approach is the ability to produce continuous casing while drilling. Casing is created synchronously with the drilling process immediately in the drilling bit zone ensuring sealing and mechanical stability of the well all the time also in difficult conditions. This is a key factor in onshore, but even more considerable in offshore drilling with game-changing cost reduction. Moreover it reduces need for Shale Gas extraction and other methods with negative environmental impact. 
• Deep hidden water reservoirs and possible desalination on continents - Water wells in regions with limited access to drinking water but with rich sources of deep water reservoirs. Another utilization are geothermal wells for power generation aimed at desalination. Main targets areas are Africa, West and central Asia and Australia.
• Centers of prosperity - Geothermal heat cascade exploitation economy around each geothermal power generation complex, creation of new jobs and local autonomous economies. The cascade consists of hydrogen production, electricity production, lumber drying, direct building heating and cooling, biotechnology reactors, greenhouses, aquaculture, fisheries, wellness, geothermal heat pumps, etc. For development of such prosperity centers, the franchising concept could be applied. 

We believe that to address water and energy challenges it is necessary “to support development of emerging drilling technologies which will provide sustainable and safe energy for the future.”

Geothermal energy can play a decisive role, not only in the Pacific

If the Asian countries would make full use of the potential they have in renewable energy sources, 94% of the energy needs could be provided. But the countries, including Philippines, must initiate an “energy revolution”, states the newest Greenpeace report. According to the report, geothermal energy has one of the biggest potential in the Pacific region.

If we are to reach a drastic reduction of CO2 emissions by 2050, 80% of the world energy supplies should come from renewable energy. The developing Asian states will also have to play a crucial role, claims the Greenpeace report entitled “Energy Revolution: A Sustainable Energy Outlook”. The global investments ought to reach $17.9 trillion until 2030, whereas the share of developing Asian states should amount to approximately $837.5 billion.

The Philippines are currently the regions leading country in geothermal energy production. The installed capacity in the country reaches 1.900 MW, which is the second largest in the world. The United States hold the primacy with 3.000 MW of installed capacity. The two countries together with Mexico, Italy and Indonesia account for 75% of the world’s geothermal electricity. Geothermal energy is mainly used for heating.

According to the latest report released by Earth Times, the global geothermal energy capacity is currently 18.6 gigawatts, states the portal RenewablesHub. The potential of geothermal energy, an energy source free from greenhouse gas emissions, is more than 70 GW and is available at all time compared to solar or wind energy. However, one of the key conditions for a wider use of geothermal energy are new, cheaper, technologies that could reduce the costs of available and also emerging drilling methods (like that our – PLASMABIT).

We introduce Mr. Innovation - Ivan Kocis

Ladies and gentlemen, a short time ago, Mr. Ivan Kocis joined our group on Facebook. Very openly, it is appropriate to call him „Mr. Innovation“. Let us provide some basic facts about his career background.

This time, Mr. Ivan Kocis is the President and Chairman of the Advisory Board of GA Drilling a.s. - the innovative technology company developing the breakthrough system enabling efficient ultra deep drilling for accessing and utilizing the vast sources of geothermal energy anywhere in the world.

Ivan is the inventor of five registered patents on field of engineering and ICT. He is research veteran, with 35 years of experience in leading positions within the large organizations and successful start-ups.

He is a member of various executive and scientific EU technological platforms‘ bodies and since 1990 he has hold several posts in Slovak government administration, all linked to research and development.

In 1999 he became the founder and chairman of The Eurovalley Industrial and Technological Park in Slovakia, which focuses on renewable and geothermal energy. From 1992 to 2000, as the CEO of the INFOTRANS Company, he achieved a dominant position in the special government-security market in Slovakia.

Before 1989, he led the R&D of the robotics and automation technology at the Institute of Mechanics and Automation of the Slovak Academy of Sciences. In other words, he led the team composed of 400 researchers. From 1964 to 1996 he published more than 80 scientific reports linked to automation and ICT. Under his leadership and with his participation, his team developed the first ever 16-bit computer in former Eastern block.

He holds the M.Sc. from the Technical University in Bratislava, specialization mechanization and automation as well as the Ph.D. from the Slovak Academy of Sciences. Beside the mother tongue, he speaks fluent English, German and Russian.

From geothermal history: „Hot Dry Rock“ inspired also Mr. Nikola Tesla

Phenomenon of geothermal energy is not the discovery of our generation. At the very beginning of it, in 1852, Lord Kelvin focused his attention on natural heat as an enormous source of power at disposal for human being. On the other hand, knowledge on field of physics had been not enough developed in order to find ways how to exploit geothermal potential or potential of other sources of natural heat. Later, better understanding of thermo-dynamics came, so heat accumulated in Earth could had been started to be explored step by step.

„It is a well-known fact that the interior portions of the globe are very hot, the temperature rising, as observations show, with the approach to the center at the rate of approximately 1° C. for every hundred feet of depth,“ concluded Mr. Nikola Tesla in 1901 on the pages of Century Illustrated Magazine. His article, published at that time, was focused on thinking about various answers to issue of growing global energy demand. Among the solutions also the Sun's heat was mentioned (full article you will find on this link).

Thirty years later, in 1931, Mr. Nikola Tesla stated: „All that is necessary to open up unlimited resources of power throughout the world is to find some economic and speedy way of sinking deep shafts." This is quote from „Everyday Science and Mechanics“, in which he analyzed the possibility of using alternative sources of energy for producing electricity, beside the fossil fuels (full article you will find on this link). Once the shaft would had been filled by water, closed water loop could be established, thought Mr. Tesla. This could have been utilized for generating of steam, which would have been used in steam turbines, he assumed.

Well, in conclusion, developing “Hot Dry Rock” concept is not about „investing the wheel“, it has been known at least since the times of Nikola Tesla. On the other hand, for 80 years since that time geothermal energy technologies made some progress, but the technology enabling „economic and speedy way of sinking deep shaft“ (to depths of eight or more kilometers) is still waiting to be developed. It would mean a huge potential as well as a huge challenge.

Focused closely on „Hot Dry Rock“

All of you know that: Imagine you are on the beach during a sunny summer day. No clouds, no wind, just sun. Suddenly you decide to walk without shoes on your feet. Possible? Impossible because rocky road is too hot for your skin on feet. Actually, the rock can be good absorbent of enormous heat and it can deliver it quite quickly to all things in close contact with it.

Quality of rock is the same on Earth's surface as well as underground. This principle uses geothermal approach called „Hot Dry Rock“. If there are no natural hot water streams or natural hot water reservoirs, we can establish closed water loop and inject it down the well under high pressure. This water is warmed by „hot dry rock“ underground. In other words, in each area under the Earth's surface there is geological layer composed of rock. It is close to hot magma and it is of a very hot temperature. If we drill enough deep and make water to circulate through rock pores, after it is heated we can pump it above and use it as a source of energy in geothermal power plant. In order to bring rock permeability as close to ideal as possible, we can fracture this rock manually, through controlled detonation. Altogether, this process uses so called Enhanced Geothermal Systems.

There are more types of geothermal classification. One of them defines so called „hydrothermal“ and „petrothermal“ types of energy. „Hydro“ means that we drill and exploit presence of natural hot water. On the other hand,  „petro“ refers to drilling in order to establish closed water loop circulating through „hot dry rock“. Surely, in each area there are some natural underground water sources and at the same time, not all water injected down the well is able to be pumped back, so „petrothermal“ represents just ideal concept. In reality, all geothermal energy installations are combination between hydrothermal and petrothermal (based more or less on concrete type). But in general, „Hot Dry Rock“ is usually linked to „petrothermal“.

Well, this was just a brief explanation of what „Hot Dry Rock“ means. All is sketched on picture by civil engineer Mr. Geoff Sims on picture at the bottom. We also reccommend 10 minutes video explanation below:

PLASMABIT Rock disintegration subsystem

As we wrote in August, PLASMABIT deep drilling system is composed of several subsystems. The one that stands in the core is the PLASMABIT Rock disintegration subsystem.  

Despite the classical drilling methods, this one uses non-contact drilling process based on innovative approach modified for extreme thermal, physical and pressure conditions. It is not the method based on physical contact between the rock and the drilling platform, but it exploits electric plasma arc. Due to this subsystem, PLASMABIT offers penetration rate comparable to the present-day systems. Rock disintegration sybsystem ensures:

• Destructive spatial plasma disc impact
• Full drilling diameter impact
• Enhanced disintegration force
• Computer control over impact and speed of disintegration
• Casing option possibility
• Enhanced electrode guarding principle
• Independent energy generators
• Working reliably for months
• Extremely resistant cooled electronics
• Emphasis on failure prevention

Different independent energy generators in the PLASMABIT system ensures energy for efficient rock disintegration process. The subsystem works continuously and reliably for months. Autonomous distributed controlling, monitoring and communication system with low complexity, but extremely resistant and redundant cooled electronics works in extreme harsh environment of 1000 bars and 400 °C (750 °F). All in all, PLASMABIT system, has the ability to drill economically regardless the depth - it means also in deep depths (3-10 km) suitable for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS).

We present groundbreaking PLASMABIT system

To this time, we wrote just about geothermal energy in general and we also introduced ourselves. The time has come to start talking about Geothermal Anywhere‘s innovative drilling concept that could find the huge sense when it comes to geothermal energy, but at the same time, PLASMABIT™ could become the useful solution in hydrocarbon (oil and gas) drilling industry as well.

What is hidden beneath PLASMABIT system term? Proudly we say - this is our technology , this is our innovative approach to deep drilling, this is the end of exponential growth of drilling costs in depths 3 kilometers and deeper.

Summarized, PLASMABIT can be characterized by 6 denominators:

• 5-times cheaper than any of today‘s drilling methods,
• 4-times faster in comparison with the other drilling procedures,
• 3-times larger diameter at the bottom,
• 2-times deeper than common drilled well,
• 1 process for casing and drilling
• 0 tripping and drilling bit replacement 

PLASMABIT is a revolutionary innovative cost-effective system for drilling and casing-while-drilling system (ContiCase system add-on). This comprehensive system consisting of several complementary subsystems each solving a specific task during drilling process:

• PLASMABIT Rock disintegration system - Non-contact drilling process based on innovative approach modified for extreme thermal, physical and pressure conditions.
  

• PLASMABIT Interface with surface subsystem - Advanced cabling solution for energy and material supply for PLASMABIT rock disintegration system enabling real-time Measuring-While-Drilling with online connection to downhole drilling activities. 

• PLASMABIT Movement and anchoring subsystem - Autonomous movement and anchoring subsystem works in underground extreme conditions of high temperatures and high pressure securing synchronization of the drilling process with surface material supply channels.  

Regarding PLASMABIT, in order to learn more about it, we prepared the set of articles describing each of its components - one by one. Stay with us - we start in September.

Kalina Cycle

The next one among geothermal cycles is called "Kalina Cycle". It has been given name by its inventor, Russian engineer Alexander Kalina. Beside Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), Kalina Cycle is another cycle used in power facilities fueled by geothermal water streams of lower temperature.

In comparison with Organic Rankine Cycle, the main advantage of Kalina Cycle lies in higher thermodynamic efficiency. In addition, there is also so called "New Kalina Cycle" that can be characterized as one producing less emissions and requiring less energy while being used. There are various variations of Kalina Cycle, each one suitable for concrete mixture of geothermal water properties - working fluid.

Similarly to Organic Rankine Cycle, Kalina Cycle uses a working fluid comprised of at least two different components - typically water and ammonia. Unlike Organic Rankine Cycle, condensation of ammonia-water mixture typically permits additional heat recovery, so this fluid of much lower temperature can be repeatedly used in order to produce additional energy. Surely, the amount of additional energy is quite low and depends on the concrete ratio of water and other items included in working fluid.

Kalina Cycle trademark and patents are owned by Global Geothermal Ltd.

Organic Rankine Cycle – ORC

Like we mentioned that the principle of geothermal power plant lies in thermodynamic cycles, we would like to write briefly about one of them, so called Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC).

Firstly, what is a Rankine Cycle? In general, it is a thermodynamic cycle used in turbines in order to produce electricity. It is one of practical approaches to Carnot Cycle, which refers to ideal type of turning heat into work without any energy losses. Rankine Cycle is used in steam turbines exploiting so called waste heat. In other words, once the “primary” heat is used for some purpose and the part of it was consumed, the waste heat can be a source of energy for Rankine Cycle.

“Organic” means using high molecular mass fluid, which has lower boiling point than water. Very simplified, geothermal water stream heats closed high molecular mass fluid loop, turned into steam and fueling steam turbine. In practice, ORC uses chemical fluid consisting of butane, propane, ammonia or some of new environmental friendly refrigerants. The main advantage of refrigerant is that it boils at a temperature below the temperature of frozen ice. Moreover, additional heating, although by low temperature geothermal stream, increases the pressure in closed loop.

Organic Ranking Cycle is therefore suitable to be used in geothermal power plants established on wells producing water streams of lower temperature, which means especially the range from 50 to some 100 Celsius degrees, or in combination with other thermodynamic cycles producing the waste heat. On the other hand, the efficiency of ORC is low in general.

Mission (im)possible: EGS as backup energy source for the other renewables?

Geothermal energy could become the solution for low-carbon future as well as for countries’ energy independence. Some two weeks ago, European Climate Foundation (ECF) published the analysis titled “Roadmap 2050”, which expressed quite positive attitude to geothermal energy.

 

Of course, the study conditions the further exploitation of geothermal energy by investing into research and development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems - EGS. It deals with four scenarios by 2050: the share of renewable energy sources (RES) 40, 60, 80 or even 100 % from overall energy mixture.

This is maybe the first expert study that tells us we could rely on geothermal energy, beside the solar one. Under theoretical scenario 100 % by 2050, EGS all over the Europe as well as solar energy coming from the North of Africa, would be able to cover up the power deflections of the unpredictable sources, especially wind parks.

A few days after the ECF’s study had been published, European Commission introduced its own analysis, which says the similar: The interesting market would be created with geothermal appliances. Altogether, geothermal solar as well as biomass could produce more than 45 % of total energy in the EU by 2050, but under the most sutaible conditions also 100 % from RES.

All-in-all, two studies unveiled recently are quite optimistic and we think they would turn into new opportunities for EGS development financing. We chose some parts from “Roadmap 2050”, so you would find the key findings under this blog post.

• The chosen thesis from ECF’s “Roadmap 2050”:

“The potential for conventional geothermal is assumed to be limited to about 2% of European power demand due to limited suitable and economic locations. Enhanced Geothermal, which involves injecting water deep into dry geothermal reservoirs to be flashed into steam and spin a turbine, is assumed to be a breakthrough technology, though it is promising enough that it has been deployed in the 100% RES pathway.“

“Costs for biomass and geothermal plants improve by 1% per year. [..] Fixed opex for geothermal plants is assumed to reduce from € 100 per kW to € 60 in 2050.“

“The 100% RES scenario was tested to be technically feasible and equally reliable. It leverages enhanced geothermal systems technology and imports of North African CSP (a commercial technology).“

“Enhanced geothermal is a large scale, nonintermittent renewable energy source that is currently in pilot testing phase. A 3 MW plant is commissioned in Landau, Germany, with several larger projects planned in Italy (over 300 MW). The current capital cost amounts to approximately € 5,000 per MW.“

“Key risks are related to hot well drilling (up to 10 km depth), earth movements that could fill the well, and (local) resource depletion that would require a new well to be drilled. Its energy source is truly renewable, as the earth contains large amounts of heat. Some technologies, however, consume water.“

“Enhanced geothermal technology can be applied anywhere in Europe, but is most cost effective where the heat is closer to the surface.“

Igor Kocis: We found conceptual solutions of current ultra deep drilling technologies' limits

Igor Kocis is one of the members of Geothermania's team. But at the same time, he is the member of the Board at AGEO - Agency for Geothermal Power Engeneering as well as co-founder and CEO at GA Drilling, Slovak-based technology company focusing on technologies of ultra deep drilling.

Geothermania's Igor and Michal talk about the research and development of PLASMABIT deep drilling system and briefly about the renewable energy sources in Slovak context.

In January 2010 Geothermal Anywhere and our partners have been granted by EUR 2.64 mil. from the EU Structural Fund in order to do research and development of a new deep drilling method . Igor, let's summarize, why this concept does not have an equivalent in the whole world, in what ways is it so unique and on what do the supported grants focus?

The uniqueness of the new deep drilling concept is in several points:

1. We have approached the solution in a non-traditional way. We took a look at the whole field from outside of the traditional “drilling“ community. But we are continually in contact and communicate with the expert community and hence confirm the correctness of our approaches, methods and technologies.
2. We did not solve the problem „symptomatically“. In other words, we did not only try to solve the shortcomings of the existing technologies, but we also approached to solve the particular reasons due to which the current technologies are ineffective if we are talking about ultra-deep drilling deeper than 6 kilometers. I have to say that we are quite successful – for the particular shortcomings of the current technologies we have found conceptual solutions.
3. We build upon professional experts and in each technological as well as project line we put together teams of the best experts, including those from abroad.
4. In every technological aspect we assess the broadest spectrum of possible technologies. PLASMABIT consists of the most suitable available partial solutions, which we have selected according to very strict criteria.

The supported grants predominantly focus on technological components of PLASMABIT, especially for the very process of drilling, its energy supply and managing.

• A lot of people say that Slovakia has a big geothermal potential. According to your opinion, why does not Slovakia take advantage of it to the degree that it actually could?

Slovakia has a geothermal potential particularly for heating with hot geothermal water. The heating does not require very high temperatures. The geological conditions in Slovakia are suitable in the sense that we do not need to create engineered water loops because geothermal heated water is present under the surface naturally. On the other hand, for generating electric energy a higher degree of temperature is needed and with the current technologies we are not able to do this kind of drilling in Slovakia; at least not to the extent that we would be able to generate electric power with relative efficiency. Therefore we also try to develop such an approach that would allow us to drill into deeper depths, where we could reach sufficient temperatures also for constructing geothermal power plants, not only heating stations.

• This supposed to mean that anywhere in Slovakia or in the world in sufficient depths, irrespective of geological conditions, there is heat, which is big enough to run a geothermal power plant. I am right?
  

Yes you are. This knowledge motivated us to develop a technology for ultra-deep drilling which would be cost and time effective. Irrespective of geological conditions, if we are able to drill a geothermal well deep 6-10 km, it will be possible to reach temperatures, which allow us to build geothermal plants with standard turbines. That also means that we will save CO2 emissions, because geothermal heat will replace gas or coal as a “fuel”. At the same time, geothermal energy unlike nuclear one has the advantage that it is not surrounded by controversies and bad experiences from the past. Compared to other renewable sources as wind or solar energy, geothermal is able to supply a guaranteed amount of energy into the network constantly without amplitudes or dropouts – its availability is statistically 97%, which gives it a great advantage over other renewable energy sources.

• How would you in general characterize the status of renewable sources in Slovakia? Do you think that Slovakia will reach targets until 2020 to produce 40% of its electricity from renewable sources and in general 20% of all the energies from these sources?

Renewable sources in Slovakia are mainly represented by hydro plants, which are difficult to expand at present times. Photovoltaic is becoming more popular, but from an energy stability perspective it is not an effective solution. Wind plants received a red light in Slovakia due to their character, devastation of the scenery, high share of protected areas in Slovakia and ultimately also due to the necessity to back them up with power plants, which use traditional fossil and nuclear energy sources.

As for reaching the target in the field of renewable sources, I think that it is a too ambitious challenge. Reaching the target will be a problem for even more developed economies than the Slovak one. Therefore I think that the target in the horizon of year 2020 is not fully attainable. I claim this despite the fact that European Commission announced in its forecast that all EU member states are on a good way to fulfill obligations in regards of renewable energy by 2020.

• Let’s return to our PLASMABIT system. It has been developed in order to strengthen the position of geothermal energy in fact. On the other hand, geothermal and hydrocarbon drilling procedures are generally similar and face analogical problems. Well, aren't you afraid that what we are developing for the segment of renewable energy sources could ultimately strengthen hydrocarbons at the expense of renewables?

Quite the contrary. Firstly, newly discovered deep oil and gas fields, which will be available thanks to the deep drilling methods are a highly ecological alternative to the developing extraction of hydrocarbons for example in surface sand fields in Canada or protected areas in U.S. Secondly, and this is decisive, oil and gas companies are currently among the biggest investors into green technologies and green energy. If these giants want to make big profits also in the upcoming decades and they understand the exhaustibility of fossil fuels as well as their harmfulness for the climate, they are searching for other energy resources too. From their perspective, geothermal energy represents one of the unexploited sources.

We congratulate the leading geothermal cities

Geothermal Energy Association chose at the beginning of December ten leading geothermal cities. They are good example of geothermal energy development and utilization and could serve as an example for the others wishing to find ways how to exploit huge potential of clean energy. And here they are:

• Copenhagen in Denmark,
• Larderello in Italy,
• Reykjavik in Iceland,
• Reno in Nevada (U.S.),
• Perth in Australia,
• Xianyang in China,
• Madrid in Spain,
• Masdar City in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates),
• Klamath Falls in Oregon (U.S.),
• Boise in Idaho (U.S.).

 

Just a few observations regarding some of the cities above. Copenhagen set the target of zero carbon emissions by 2025 and the aim of covering 50 perc. of its local heating needs by geothermal energy. At the same time, the extensive geological exploration GEUS revealed the huge geothermal potential under the city as well as under the majority of Denmark‘s land (more information here).

In case of Iceland, one should know that 87 perc. of local buildings are heated by geothermal. Surely, this is due to very kind nature conditions and anomalies, which could not be found anywhere in the world.

Geothermal energy is linked to heat, but the energy can be used in many different ways. This is the example of Perth, which declared the intention to massively develop geothermal cooling systems and geothermal air-conditioning units.

Masdar City plans to use solely renewables in the future. The half of overall energy demand should be covered thanks to geothermal power plants.

Last but not least, some U.S. cities we awarded as well: Boise for the largest direct use of geothermal systems in U.S., Klamath Falls for wide scale of ways how geothermal can be exploited in daily life and Reno for supporting the technology development, research and marketing.

Photo: jerrroen/flickr.com (licence under Creative Commons)

geoEnergia: Topics of the 1st preparatory meeting

Last week we informed about the first meeting of future's geoEnergia technology platform's working group. Let's look at the event closer.

The first working meeting of the group took place on 24th June 2010 in Bratislava with the aim of creating the National Technology Platform geoEnergia. The meeting was attended by 15 participants from various institutions, e.g. representatives from universities and state administration, scientific and research SMEs, industrial companies and geothermal project developers. The whole working session was divided into a number of blocks, whereas each focused on a specific topic related to geothermal energy.

The first block was devoted to an overview of the potential of geothermal energy, its positions vis-à-vis other renewable sources, realized projects, research and development on a global scale:

The outlook for year 2030 with regard to electricity consumption is 31.8 trillion kWh, which is twice as much if compared to 2005. Currently renewable energy sources account for less than 7% of the whole energy mix, which is untenable under the above mentioned scenario. The three main advantages of geothermal energy are: it is a base-load energy able to guarantee state's strategic security; secondly, the fuel price is zero, because there no fuel is needed; thirdly, geothermal energy produces zero CO2 emissions, therefore it can save emission quotas.

The potential of geothermal energy in Slovakia is estimated at 5.538 MW, but currently only 2,3% of the whole potential is being used.

After evaluating the current global position of geothermal energy, the participants focused on the already existing European and national technological platforms, their influence and outcomes. The examples were the German or the Spanish platform, or the European RHC-ETP or Geolec.

The biggest part of the meeting was dedicated to Slovakia and the success stories of Slovak integration into international projects as Secricom or Artemisia. The participants then focused on the platform geoEnergia. Particularly on issues as establishing the whole working mechanism of geoEnergia, identification of the technological needs, legislative and other barriers, the potential of geothermal energy in Slovakia etc.

According to the project developers (e.g. Slovgeoterm), Slovakia has above-average geothermal conditions. Most of the projects in Slovakia focus on heating, however a lack of state support is the biggest barrier for further development of the geothermal sector. On the other hand, representatives from the research sector pointed out to the needs of creating cooperation with the industry, other SMEs as well as defining long-term strategic synergetic goals.

Official representatives of Slovak government from both the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Economy highly welcomed the idea of creating the technological platform and expressed their  further support and desire to intensify activities that would lead to the establishment of geoEnergia.

The next step in our plan is to conduct a series of meetings between the potential members of geoEnergia, communicating with partners in the EU in order to gain experience and best practices. The official kick-off of the national technological platform geoEnergia is planned for September or October later this year.

Photos from the first workshop you would find on our Facebook fan page.

New technology platform: geoEnergia

On 24th June 2010, the first workshop of coordinating group took the place in Bratislava, whose aim is to prepare future founding of Slovak National Technology Platform ‘geoEnergia’. The kick-off meeting's date  has been set for Autumn 2010. 

Since last Thursday, the preparation phase of future founding of geoEnergia technology platform has begun. The research and development in Slovakia is about to be boosted at kick-off meeting planned for the Autumn. It will become the first platform in Slovakia focused solely on the issue of geothermal energy as well as related research and development of drilling methods.

The first workshop with the outcome of preparing geoEnergia took place on 24th June 2010 in Bratislava, with attendance of 15 participants from universities, innovative SMEs and public administration (comprehensive information and more details you would find on Geothermania tomorrow), including us – the Geothermal Anywhere company. Representatives of the governmental sector expressed the support for establishing such technology platform, dealing with geothermal energy.

The first among the workshops was organized by the Agency for geothermal power engineering (AGEO), in which we are the founding members.

In regards of EU level, currently there are just two technology platforms in this field: GEOELEC (ETP for geothermal energy) and the Geothermal Panel included in Renewable Heating & Cooling ETP. In our opinion, technology platforms are one of the most effective ways how to support geothermal technology research, development and innovations useful „for real life“.

Photos from the first workshop you would find on our Facebook fan page soon.

Geothermal Energy to Change the World - The BALI declaration

We are proud to be among the first to foster the landmark "Geothermal energy to change the world" from the 5th World Geothermal Congress in Bali. Its fundamental message is: Energy Independence Powered by Geothermal.

 

In the Bali Declaration, signed by representatives of the world's geothermal community, countries emphasize their willingness to promote "geothermal energy to change the world" in order to provide a sustainable, peaceful, healthy and clean environment with prosperity for people and to support this environmentally positive source of energy.

The Bali Declaration

"We are more than 2500 members from World Geothermal Communities represented by 85 countries assembled in Bali, Indonesia, for the World Geothermal Congress 2010. The Congress has been convened by the International Geothermal Association and the Indonesian Geothermal Association. Indonesia is a country that has been blessed with abundant, sustainable natural sources of energy including perhaps the world’s largest readily accessible geothermal resources. In light of the long history of geothermal energy development here in Indonesia and throughout the world it is only appropriate that we, the members of the geothermal community so assembled, do hereby declare:

FIRSTLY – Energy constitutes a basic and continuing human need:

1. Humankind is learning to develop technology to effectively and efficiently manage this diverse energy need in an environmentally responsible manner.
2. Natural resources should not be considered merely as an inheritance from our ancestors, but that which has been entrusted to us for our children and grandchildren.
3. Without energy other natural resources cannot be developed, industrialization cannot occur; food production will always be a problem, unemployment will continue to be a major issue, and health services will be extremely limited.
4. Geothermal energy can be a major player in making significant changes in that situation and is reflected in the theme of the Congress. Geothermal: The Energy to Change the World.

SECONDLY – It is established that:

1. The world needs energy, now and in the future. Geothermal energy is hugely abundant.
2. Climate change must be well managed and energy must be provided at a reasonable cost to our growing world wide population.
3. Geothermal energy is indigenous, sustainable and environmentally responsible, counteracting global warming by displacing carbon-intensive energy usage.
4. Geothermal energy can generate electricity as well as provide for the development of a wide range of direct uses including heating and cooling buildings, various industrial processes and agricultural production, as well as balneological and recreational health resorts.
5. Geothermal energy is the only renewable energy source which is totally independent of daily, seasonal and variation, allowing it to provide power with a higher availability than any other energy source including fossil fuels and nuclear.
6. Geothermal energy technology is well established, though it is continuously being improved.
7. Geothermal energy has to date only been developed to a very limited extent compared to the potential resource base. Obtaining financing, and legal, institutional and regulatory barriers are two of the limiting factors.
8. Geothermal technologies based on higher temperature resources have life-cycle costs competitive with other forms of energy. Cost competitiveness is steadily being extended down the resource curve as technology improves, but at the lower end of the temperature scale pro-active policies or incentives are still needed to increase geothermal competitiveness.
9. The importance of extending geothermal energy usage to lower temperatures is that not only is the resources base increased exponentially as the minimum temperature is reduced, but the range of geographies where it can be applied also greatly increases.

THRIDLY: We the assembled therefore do urge that:

1. Large investment is secured for national, regional and local geothermal projects in developing as well as developed countries and economies in transition. Greater acceptance of geothermal by international funding agencies can play a major role.
2. Legislative and administrative barriers be removed and reformed.
3. All technocrats, decision makers, politicians and world leaders, whether they are in the developed or developing countries strive to create a favorable political climate by molding public opinions that are conducive to the sustainable development of geothermal energy. This can include for example government support in the areas of risk mitigation insurance, cost sharing, loan guarantees and production tax credits.
4. Investments can be provided in many forms (financial incentives from government, loans and capital investment from banks, private investors, venture capital funds) and policies need to be established to facilitate accessing all of these sources.
5. Recognition be given to the important role of existing utilities as the off taker for electrical output, that Renewable Portfolio Standards be adopted, that Integrated Resource Planning be fully implemented and standard offer contracts including feed-in tariffs be made available.
6. Substantial funding be committed to research and development to improve the cost competitiveness of geothermal energy production, particularly where it means it can be extended into new situations, such as at low temperatures and into different geological settings.
7. Know-how transfer from developed to developing countries is facilitated and supported through effective international cooperation among government, private and academic institutions, especially by joint training and education, capacity building, and technical assistance.

FOURTHLY – All this will:

1. Avoid additional carbon dioxide emissions and reduce current emission levels;
2. Create employment opportunities, increase industrial development and agricultural production and improve the standard of living of citizens of the world;
3. Secure adequate and environmentally responsible energy supply for generations to come; and last but not least
4. Effectuate “geothermal energy to change the world” toward a sustainable peaceful, healthy and clean environment in a world to live in and consequently the lasting prosperity of the people through out the world.

Nusa Dua, Bali – Indonesia, 30th April 2010."

The full text of declaration you would find here on this link.

Remarks on Innovation Policy and Technology Transfer Conference in Bratislava

Last week, we as Geothermal Anywhere, attended the Innovation Policy and Technology Transfer Conference in Bratislava. The discussion was about research, development and innovations in our country. The event was organized by American Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia, the Government Office of the Slovak Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic.

I do not want to write any detailed reports, those you can find as links at the end of this post. I want to point out several remarks that are typical for governments in Central Europe, in particular for the Slovak one. My comments can be interesting especially for our fans from Slovakia.

 

My first impression was the difference between most of the US and Slovak speakers. It was also mentioned at the end of conference that in Slovakia, we are very good in problem defining, while Americans are oriented towards problems solving. Very simple, but very unflattering statement for our government. For R&D and Innovation segments definitely.

Second, a symptomatic factor for all similar conferences is that all real decision makers - responsible Ministers - were just participating in their initial panel, presenting their success story and mentioning a lot of problems that have to be solved (and were not solved during 3,5 years of their government). The subsequent discussion with rectors of leading universities, prominent international guests and top governmental officials, full of good advises, criticism and success stories, was without the presence of the ministers. I know that their agenda is overfilled, but without qualified feedbacks you cannot make qualified decisions. And the result of the discussion was - very limited feedback.

 

Slovak government undertook an obligation to reach research and development expenses at 1,8% of GDP. In 2007 and 2008 this percentage dropped below 0,5%, one of the lowest in EU. Thanks to Structural funds this number is higher now, but this is only temporary.

And support of high-technology small and medium companies and innovative leaders in top regions is very limited and if there is some, then it is extremely bureaucratic. Conditions like refund character of research projects, their delays in every stage of project implementation and main focus on project inputs (reports, statements, procurement, accounting) not outputs (technology, competitiveness) makes the efficiency of these investments even lower.

What we are missing are real long term priorities. We hope that the new government’s approach will take this issue seriously, because without a competitive economy any country will sooner or later turn into one cheap manufacturing factory. And I think this is not a target of any government in EU. The worse thing is that most of the results of the government’s investments in R&D are visible only in the next term of office.

Igor Kosic, CEO at Geothermal Anywhere

Photos (source: AmCham Slovakia):

• No.1: Mr. Dusan Caplovic (left), vice-PM of Slovakia responsible for knowledge society, and Mr. Jan Mikolaj (right) vice-PM of Slovakia and the Minister of Education
• No.2: Mr. Igor Kocis, CEO at Geothermal Anywhere
• No.3: Mr. Tomas Kristofic, Project Leader at Geothermal Anywhere

More photos you would find here on this link.
More information about the Conference you would find here (AmCham) or here (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

EU about to miss (un)renewable chance

As a part of plan of economic recovery, EU decided to allocate EUR 3.98 billion on energy projects. Today, the vast majority (97 %) has been devoted CCS technology demonstrations, building some cross-border gas and electricity interconnections as well as for developing a series of offshore wind parks etc; but not a single euro for geothermal projects.

In the beginning of March 2010, European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) raised its voice and asked European Commission to give some insurances for risks linked to geothermal drilling projects as well as to large geology explorations. In other words, EGEC in name of geothermal industry asked for what remained from 3.98 billion-euro package.

EUR 119 million could be turned into the buffer helping us to overcome main barriers, which we  (geothermal industry) face in regards of geothermal energy development. Financial insurance schemes are necessary in order to whet companies’ appetite for large geology explorations, despite the related risks. Similar insurance schemes are in place for example in France, Switzerland, Germany or Netherlands. But schemes on EU level are desperately missing.

Finally, yesterday we saw interesting advertising video spot and lower we share it with you. This one is focused on promotion of wind energy, which is definitely not our favorite. But despite of that this spot is creative, so in this case we are taking of our hats off to competitors. It is about “Mr. W” (wind energy), who lived lonely and misunderstood by people. One businessman once recognized him and closed the deal. At the same time, similarly to “Mr. W”, there also “Ms. G” (representing geothermal) – she has lived not recognized and also under-appreciated not only by the people, but by the EU as well. Leaders in Brussels should recognize her as soon as possible; otherwise EU is about to miss (un)renewable chance and great opportunity.

Travelling to Vegas

These days, we take the part at the 3rd Annual Geothermal Finance and Investment Summit in Las Vegas. At the same time, geothermal energy sector becomes more and more self-confident to offer the solution for rising demand on wider using of renewable sources.

The most influence investors, project developers, contractors and the other stakeholders, meet from 8th to 10th March 2010 in Las Vegas in U.S. in order to discuss prospects for near future. And so we do as well.

Geothermal Anywhere company takes the part. Our colleagues flew away to U.S. on very early Monday. We are glad we could share and compare our opinions, our PLASMABIT technology concept as well as contact-less drilling methods with the ones of the other experts.

Hopefully, we are open for networking, closing the deals on cooperation or the other ways of joining forces together in order to bring the end of exponential growth of costs for drilling process in depths of 6 – 10 kilometers.

We have been in Vegas these days not for gambling and hazard, but for introducing our platform and confronting the views on research.

We also look forward to talk with the investors, who, as we believe, are the core group in regards of further support of ultra deep drilling systems’ innovation and development.

Dear friends, keep us the fingers crossed, while we take the part at the Summit in Vegas. Have a nice day from Nevada desert.