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  • Geothermal Energy Sources 101 [View article]
    U.S. geothermal industry experiencing "dramatic growth surge" with expectations that total power production (currently 3 million homes) could triple over the next few years.
    GEA together with Ormat (NYSE:ORA) and Glitnir Bank will host a workshop on july 23 in NYC to introduce geothermal energy to the NYC financial community.
    Among the present: Google.
    Google announced that geothermal energy will be one of their focus areas for new investment.
    More info: geo-energy.org
    May 16 09:13 am |Rating: 0 0 |Link to Comment
  • Geothermal Energy Sources 101 [View article]
    One cannot cover an entire field in one article, but its a good summation.
    The article is about the past, present and future of geothermal.

    As for the past: while there have been temporary setbacks, everytime someone derided the sector they have been proved wrong. Also in the past: fossil fuels were cheap & plenty, environmental issues ignored, but those days are gone!

    Presently some 3 GW in operation and an additional 3 GW in geothermal devellopment worldwide.
    Best and safest stock, at present: Ormat technologies (ORA). Vertically integrated (from drilling, well completion, modular powerplants, maintenance to electricity sales) Rankine engine technology gives (ORA) niche advantages in low to medium temp. wells and clean tech sector. This year to surpass 1 GW powerplants sold, with millions of hrs of operation. Recently 2008 Q1 earnings above analysts estimates. Sector seems to be heating up somewhat, the sale of 3 million+ shares to Lehman is a good sign as it indicates they expect growth, wich is not surprising with fossil fuel prices and carbon & pollution legislation becoming a liability (risk) to utilities.

    As always investors should try to be a little ahead of the future. And the future looks bright. Alcoa (aluminum is energy intensive)sees great future in supercritical high temp. geothermal, is drilling first well in 2008, 2 new 4 km wells to be drilled in 2009 and 2010.
    Plant expected in operation 2015.
    There is also an increasing probability that the drilling and well completion cost/depth function will become linear -as opposed to exponential in conventional technologies used in the oil, gas sectors.
    potterdrilling.com/pag...

    For more info about geopower:
    potterdrilling.com/pag...

    I propose a toast to the Harry Potters of drilling.
    May 12 16:08 pm |Rating: 0 0 |Link to Comment
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