Geothermal Issues and Outlook Workshop

Saturday's Geothermal Issues and Outlook Workshop saw a successful discussion of current topics in the industry. Nearly 100 participants and attendees were there - thanks to everyone, especially for coming out on a Saturday!

Workshop discussion topics included transmission, tax incentives, climate change, RPS initiatives, resource assessment and research, and leasing/permitting. I was in and out while attending to other aspects of the workshop and conference as well, but was able to get a lot out of the remarks from presenters.

The discussion about tax incentives of course revolved much around the extensions that were passed just the day before. But one thing that was brought up was whether or not these extensions are effective - Although a definite victory for the industry, it's unpredictable what will happen after the next expiration date comes up in two years.

"The need for long-term investment certainty is one of the key challenges facing the geothermal industry today. With the need for longer planning and construction, the industry must either obtain a long-term production tax credit or else look to create other tools and financial incentives to create a long-term steady demand for this resource," said Jonathan Weisgall from MidAmerican Energy.

State and federal RPS initiatives' purpose was stated in a fact sheet prepared by AWEA that was included with the Workshop: "The RPS provides a predictable, competitive market, within which renewable generators will compete with each other to lower prices."

"Texas leaders appear prepared to adopt a non-wind renewable energy portfolio standard. The PUC is evaluating a new rule to implement a 500 MW standard now, and the legislature will consider expanding this when it meets in January. Good Company Associates is organizing an industry coalition to help assure these opportunities are not missed." said Bob King of Good Company Associates.

The AWEA fact sheet shows which states currently specifically include geothermal electric or heat pumps: Colorado, Hawai'i, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

One thing that was really stressed about resource assessment and research was that communication information sharing is key. I enjoyed comments from Allan Jelacic from the DOE. The DOE is putting out FOAs (funding opportunity announcement) including one for an information-sharing database and another for EGS (enhanced geothermal systems) technologies.

Jelacic said that while EGS is definitely a focus right now, there shouldn't be reference to the "EGS capacity potential." "The term is geothermal potential," he said, and added that the exciting technologies that are being developed are still under the umbrella of basic reliable geothermal energy - the only renewable with baseload capacity.

Many thanks to all who participated as speakers and as attendees!