| Abstract |
This paper summarizes the Utility Geothermal Working Group (UGWG) activities since the October 2011 Annual Meeting of the Geothermal Resources Council (GRC). The activities support the UGWG’s mission . . . to accelerate the appropriate integration of three geothermal technologies into mainstream utility applications: Power Generation, Direct Use, and Geothermal Heat Pumps. The Utility Geothermal Working Group (UGWG) was formed in September 2005 at the GRC’s annual meeting in Reno, NV. It is a group of utilities and ancillary associations supported by the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Program. To help accomplish its mission, the Group conducts periodic training events in the form of webcasts and workshops. The events focus on geothermal and other renewable applications, technologies, and issues. Since its formation, the Group worked with its members, Western Area Power Administration, and GRC staff to shape utility training sessions at the 2006 - 11 GRC meetings. The training sessions provided an opportunity for more utilities to attend the high quality technology transfer meetings. In the past, other activities have focused on topics such as Power Generation, Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHP), Transmission Issues, and Renewable Energy Credits. Very little additional activities have been accomplished in the past year due to lack of DOE support. At press time for this paper, DOE has agreed to provide support in 2011 for UGWG and is going to give the group direction. |