GeoTherm 2020 Offenburg postponed

The Exhibition Center Offenburg postpones the international trade fair and congress GeoTHERM. Due to current developments and the high proportion of international guests at GeoTHERM, the Exhibition Center Offenburg has reassessed the situation. “This decision was not an easy one for us. Our customers, partners and the entire trade fair team have prepared this event with great commitment”, says Sandra Kircher, Managing Director of the Exhibition Center Offenburg.

“We discussed the situation every day on the basis of the dynamic development. And have now come to the conclusion that we cannot hold GeoTHERM this week, especially in view of the high level of internationality”, explains Supervisory Board Chairman and Mayor Marco Steffens the decision.

Exhibitors and visitors will receive further information in the next few days.

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“Treasure beneath our feet” – Podcast with Marit Brommer

Remco de Boer initiated a leading podcast series on the Energy Transition in the Netherlands. In the run-up to convening the global geothermal community in Iceland in April 2020, the Executive Director of the IGA, Dr Marit Brommer, was interviewed to showcase the ´treasure beneath our feet´ through the diversity of geothermal utilisation. The positioning of Geothermal Energy as a clean source for the heat demand in the Netherlands and in Europe was also discussed.

https://podcastluisteren.nl/ep/Studio-Energie-Afl-83-Marit-Brommer-IGA-over-bodemschat-geothermie-en-hoe-die-wereldwijd-gedolven-kan-worden

Note: The Podcast is in Dutch language

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Vocational Education & Training – Updates from the GSS–VET Project

Last month our Bulgarian partners under the Project “GSS – VET – Geothermal & Solar Skills – Vocational Education & Training” organized the first pilot training of building specialists and electrical engineers from all over the country. The training in photovoltaic systems was conducted at the TU Sofia and the training in Solar-thermal systems was conducted in Plovdiv. A pilot training for Geothermal will be held in Germany soon.

The curriculum was developed on the bases of surveys and mapping of the existing vocational training syllabuses, and discussions with representatives of companies working in the field of RES on the needed skills and competences of the specialists referred to above. The newly developed syllabuses have been uploaded on the platform of the VTC at CISB in the National Agency for Vocational Education and Training /NAVET/, which enables VTC at CISB to award legitimate certificates for part of the profession “Technician of energy facilities and installations”, specialized in Renewable Energy Sources.

Innovative training methods of ubiquitous learning were used – 3 different forms of teaching and learning, namely:

  • Flipped classroom;
  • Self-training using the specially developed platform of the project, with personalized access to training content, quizzes, tests and games;
  • Practical training in a real-life working environment.

The training ended with a self-assessment test and final tests, in accordance with the certification requirements. The trainees who have passed the tests successfully will be awarded ‘Certificate of Vocational Training & Qualification’ for part of the profession, which will be valid and recognized not only in the country but also in the whole EU.

The trainees showed a keen interest in the subject of the training, and its innovative teaching methodology, as well as a responsible attitude to the self-training part. During the training, the so called ‘green skills’ were emphasized in view of the growing need for “green jobs”. It was pointed out that ‘the green economy’ is vital for conserving the existing natural resources, protecting the environment and the well-being of humanity.

The GSS-VET project combines and promotes Geothermal and Solar Skills in Vocational Education and Training. The training content is focused on technical skills, but also on transversal ones, including entrepreneurship, ICT, interdisciplinary skills and ability to work effectively with people from other disciplines. 40 trainers and 200 workers will directly be trained during the project’s lifetime and 2,500 workers will be trained by 2025. Read more about GSS-VET at http://gss-vet.eu.

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The Vikings & Geothermal Iceland

Why and when did the Vikings come to Iceland – the land of fumaroles, geysers, thermal waters, and volcanic eruptions? And what happened next? Read an exciting story published by the Geothermal Resources Council here: 

https://geothermal.org/PDFs/Articles/20JanFeb.pdf

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GEOS department invites applications for the position of one Post-Doctoral researcher from 1st April 2020

The GEOS department, B2R team of the Institut Polytechnique UniLaSalle in France invites applications for the position of

1 Post-Doctoral researcher (m/w/d)

starting from 1st April 2020. The position is funded within a larger EU-Horizon 2020 project for a period of 12 months.

Your duties

You will work on the “Structural characterisation of Granitic reservoir outcrop analogues using digital data capture and analysis” to contribute to the Variscan geothermal reservoir modelling in granitic and metamorphic rocks, which is part of the H2020 project “Multidisciplinary and multi-context demonstration of EGS exploration and Exploitation Techniques and potentials (MEET)”. Study area is located within the United States (Death Valley, California) territories.

Based on literature, existing maps and, where available, on own previous fieldwork, you will:

  • apply quantitative high-resolution, ground and UAV-assisted photogrammetry during field surveys,
  • proceed with the field data processing in terms of tectonic evolution, mineralogical and rock microfabric analyses, 3D-fracture network and structural modelling,
  • contribute to investigations regarding petrophysical rock properties and reservoir rock-fluid interaction in close cooperation with PhDs and Postdocs at other Universities and Institutions within the MEET-project.

It is expected that you will closely cooperate in lab work with an intensive exchange with the MEET partner Universities.

Your results will have a strong impact on the development of geothermal energy exploration in Europe!

Your profile

  • You completed a PhD, general Geosciences knowledge will be a plus
  • You are highly motivated and experienced in field work and digital field surveying
  • You are experienced in spatial data analysis (e.g. GIS) and structural 3D-modeling (e.g. Agisoft Photoscan, Metashape, Cloud Compare, Move).
  • You are fluent in spoken and written English
  • You are highly motivated to publish your results, present them at international project meetings and conferences as well as to complete a PhD-thesis.
  • You bring excellent communication skills and enjoy working in interdisciplinary and international teams.

Please send your application, including a specific motivation letter, CV and relevant certificates, all in one single pdf file, by e-mail to Ghislain Trullenque, email: ghislain.trullenque@unilasalle.fr

The application deadline is: 30.03.2020

Please, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Ghislain Trullenque at UniLaSalle (phone: +33 3 44069327, e-mail: ghislain.trullenque@unilasalle.fr) if you have any further questions.

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2020 to become a milestone year for the global geothermal energy sector

+++ Press release +++ International Geothermal Association +++ 27 January 2020 +++

Going into a new decade, geothermal energy is well positioned in the efforts on a global energy transition providing heating, cooling and electricity around the clock

With the beginning of 2020, an exciting year and decade starts for the global geothermal energy community. Convening at the World Geothermal Congress 2020 (www.wgc2020.com) in Reykjavik, Iceland, the geothermal community enters a new period for our industry, rejuvenated and excited with the increasing interest into what geothermal energy has to offer in the global energy transition.

Expecting around 3,000 participants from all over the world, the World Geothermal Congress (WGC) will feature an exciting program, technical sessions, a trade show, side events, field trips and discussions related to everything that geothermal energy has to offer. The great opportunities to show the world the many elements of geothermal energy utilization just in a one-hour radius of the venue for the conference in Reykjavik, Iceland, will allow the industry to highlight the important role it has to offer for a cleaner and sustainable energy future.

The IGA continues on its path to push geothermal development forward globally through its activities, among others representing geothermal at international energy events, its efforts on standards for geothermal resource assessments, engaging with other renewable energy organisations and much more. We are representing geothermal energy as a valid and elementary part of the efforts to decarbonize the energy sector, not only for power generation but also heating and cooling. We are thereby understanding our sector as part of a global renewable energy revolution that is shaping the future how we derive, utilize and sustain energy sources for future generations.

Today, geothermal power plants are operating in 29 countries with a total installed power generation capacity of 15,400 MW at the year-end 2019. The leading countries based on installed capacity are the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines, Turkey, New Zealand and Mexico. With ongoing development an additional 50 countries could see the addition of geothermal power generation to their energy mix.  Globally, geothermal power generation capacity could reach 28,000 MW in the next 15-20 years. Over the next 5-year period, with the ongoing development IGA expects development of 4,500 MW in power generation capacity added. Key growth markets remain to be Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.

Support mechanisms introduced by multilaterals, such as the World Bank, and development banks continue to play an important role in getting projects over the big hurdles in the early stages of geothermal development, how sustainable that support is for further development will have to be seen.

The key growth market for the geothermal sector though, will be the heating and cooling market. Targeting an energy transition, the European Green Deal announced by the new European Commission, the heating and cooling market is becoming the center of efforts on an energy market decarbonization. This provides an incredible opportunity for the geothermal sector, that already sees increased interest by energy utilities all over Europe and beyond. Efforts by cities like Munich in Germany, in the Nordic countries and in the Netherlands to tap into geothermal energy for its heating needs show an increased expansion of geothermal development efforts beyond “traditional” geothermal markets in volcanic regions of this world.

The timing of IGA’s World Geothermal Congress 2020 taking place in 27 April to 1 May 2020 in Reykjavik, Iceland is perfect in the current market environment. It allows us to engage the global geothermal energy community, its partners and potential customers to discuss the opportunities and challenges, while also highlight what has been achieved. Being able to showcase how Iceland is utilizing energy to its fullest extent possible is providing an incredibly timely opportunity for the geothermal community. 

Alongside many ongoing and planned initiatives, the IGA is striving to create value for the geothermal sector and expand its collective voice on behalf of global geothermal development. These initiatives are already well underway with the deployment of UNFC Specifications for Geothermal Energy Resources, and engagement on the Geothermal Sustainability Assessment Protocol.

IGA is actively taking steps for a deeper engagement with industry on activities and alignment that supports and strengthens our scientific and academic roots. Contact us for details on how you can support us in our efforts to give geothermal energy the attention it deserves.

About the International Geothermal Association (IGA)

Founded in 1988, the International Geothermal Association (IGA) is the international representation of the global geothermal energy industry. With more than 4,000 members in over 65 countries, IGA is a non-political, non-profit, non-governmental organization with consultative status to the UN and special observer status to the Green Climate Fund.

In our representation of the global geothermal community, we support and promote the sustainable utilization and development of geothermal energy resources through education, research, collaboration, and social awareness. We promote and support geothermal energy, as a sustainable, clean and valuable source of energy for future generations.
  
As the association of associations, IGA currently represents 36 national geothermal associations and groups, as well as industry and institutions.

IGA website: www.lovegeothermal.org & www.lovegeothermal.org
Website of the World Geothermal Congress 2020: www.wgc2020.com
The new logo of IGA: https://goo.gl/iCixL3 (zip file)
Social Media handles: @lovegeothermal

Media Contact:
Dr. Marit Brommer, Executive Director
E-mail: marit@lovegeothermal.org Mobile: +49 (0) 151 5984 3284

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IRENA 10th Annual Assembly in Abu Dhabi

Alexander Richter, IGA President, had the opportunity to represent the IGA at the IRENA 10th Annual Assembly. The president showcased collaborative projects such as the pilot deployment of the UNFC Specifications in Indonesia, Caribbean and Ethiopia. He shared some details about the work done in collaboration with IRENA and the World Bank and its ESMAP program on the introduction and implementation of the UNFC Specifications for geothermal resources.

‘The work, lead by Dr. Marit Brommer, Executive Director of the IGA, was holding three workshops to introduce, train and work with geothermal resource specifications under UNFC in Indonesia, the Caribbean and Ethiopia. Initially planned to concretely apply the specifications in quantifying resources, the projects required specific capacity building efforts. This will be the next emphasis on further implementation of these efforts.
The meeting also concluded that the upcoming World Geothermal Congress 2020 in Reykjavik, Iceland will be an important event for the global geothermal community and those interested in geothermal development. Participants will be able to see and experience the different opportunities for geothermal energy utilisation and this uniquely all in a maximum one-hour radius from the venue for the event in Reykjavik. To not miss the event, make sure to register timely at https://www.wgc2020.com.’

Alexander Richter

Read full article here: http://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/increasing-international-attention-to-geothermal-energy-and-what-it-has-to-offer/

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2nd Annual India Power Conference in New Delhi

Join the biggest 2020 power conference in India on 11-12 February 2020.

What to expect:

  • Perfect Platform to discuss and deliberate Current opportunities & challenges
  • Thematic sessions covering wide scope for the Sector Energy Transitions
  • Best in class, Domestic & International experts to give talks
  • Nationwide Insight into the Power Sector

Find out more about the event: http://www.elekore.com/ipc-2020/index.html

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Battle of the Bands at WGC 2020: Registration

HELLO GEOTHERMAL MUSICIANS!
TIME TO REGISTER FOR WING WGC 2020 BATTLE OF THE BANDS

It’s quick and easy –
Start here: https://forms.gle/6X7zzfxwYz36GAYk6
Then . . . .
1) Fill in your basic information
2) Tell us what you need to support your performance (musicians, singers, gear, etc.)
3) Tell us how you can lend your musical skills to support other performers
4)That’s it!

Questions? Atli and Ann have answers!
atli@axlaw.is ann1@slb.com

Stay tuned in February 2020 for Episode 4: Musicians’ Exchange

B-of-the-Bs-Episode-3_RegistrationDownload
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2020 Geothermal Design Challenge: GIS Mapping Student Competition

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), in conjunction with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), is hosting the 2020 Geothermal Design Challenge™: GIS Mapping Student Competition. The design challenge focuses on a non-technical barrier to geothermal development to foster understanding and share the benefits of geothermal energy technologies. Student teams of two or three will use geographic information system (GIS) mapping to create a compelling infographic/poster or interactive map to discover potential opportunities from this renewable energy source.

High school and university teams from across the United States are invited to create a compelling infographic/poster or interactive map while considering the following questions:

  • Geothermal energy is difficult to understand because it is located underground. How can geospatial mapping increase our understanding of this important renewable energy resource? 
  • How can GIS improve how we visualize and communicate about geothermal energy?

More detailed information about the Challenge can be found at geothermalchallenge.com.

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