In this issue

Western and partners produce new guides on geothermal power

Clean, reliable, homegrown and largely neglected, geothermal energy was the third largest source of renewable energy in the United States in 2003. Yet, if you asked someone, even in the utility industry, to name different types of renewable energy, chances are that geothermal would be further down the list. Western hopes to raise awareness about this base-load renewable resource with two new guides, developed in cooperation with American Public Power Association and several other organizations.

All About Geothermal Power, a CD modeled on Western's popular Wind Workshop in a Box, provides a comprehensive overview of geothermal power, while the Geothermal Heat Pump Report focuses on a non-electric application. "The scope of these tools shows the versatility of the resource," said Randy Manion, Western Renewable Resources Program manager. "Almost any utility can incorporate some form of geothermal power into its portfolio."

CD addresses all levels of experience

Western cooperated with APPA's Demonstration of Energy Efficient Developments Program, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and U.S. DOE's GeoPowering the West program to produce All About Geothermal Power. "This is a well-done CD with lots of information on geothermal powerplants," said Michael Pehosh, NRECA principal engineer. "I think it will be a good resource for people to learn more about this energy source."

The CD collects some of the best resources available to help state and municipal government agencies, community groups, utilities and consumers understand and evaluate geothermal energy. In addition to interactive materials, the CD includes Web links, reports, case studies and calculation tools. Along with general information about geothermal energy, users will learn about power generation technology, financing, permitting, tax policies and much more. There is also a section on non-electric applications, including geothermal heat pumps and direct use of heat.

The resources on the CD were compiled by the Geothermal Education Office, which works to promote public understanding about geothermal resources and their place in a sustainable power portfolio. "Our goal was to offer something for all levels of experience with geothermal energy," said GEO Executive Director Marilyn Nemzer. "Some utilities have experience with generation, some with direct use for heating and others don't have any type geothermal experience. Everyone can learn something from All About Geothermal Power."

Report focuses on non-electric application

APPA and GeoPowering the West were also partners in bringing the Geothermal Heat Pump Report to Western customers and other utilities. Authored by Utility Programs Specialist Katherine Johnson of Market Development Group, the report was first released in 2001. "The industry needed a collection of best practices, vendors and strategies for marketing the benefits to customers," explained Johnson.

She subsequently updated the report for a manufacturer who wanted to get more insight into the market. Changes in the third, current edition reflect the continuing evolution of the market and the technology.

The report, available on CD, covers basic information about the equipment and costs and examines successful utility heat pump marketing programs. Profiles of system manufacturers, architects, engineers and non-profit associations dedicated to promoting the technology describe history, products, markets served and competitive strengths and weakness of each organization.

In addition to the Geothermal Heat Pump Report, the CD also includes two Excel-based spreadsheet calculators. One helps utilities calculate the effects of residential geothermal heat pump installations in their territory. The other helps residential customers compare geothermal heat pumps to a variety of alternative heating and cooling systems. "The spreadsheets will help utilities explain and quantify the benefits of geothermal heat pumps to customers," explained Johnson. "They will be an indispensable marketing tool for utilities and a great educational tool for consumers. The spreadsheets are a valuable addition to the report."

Workshop includes report information

The Geothermal Heat Pump Report forms the core of a workshop Western and Basin Electric Power Cooperative will present Sept. 11-12 in Bismarck, N.D. APPA and NRECA are co-sponsoring the event.

Participants will learn how to use the Geothermal Heat Pump Report and spreadsheet calculators, and hear about the latest efforts by USDA's Rural Utility Services to help co-ops install heat pumps. Utilities will provide case studies on developing and implementing heat pump programs. "A Tale of Two Buildings" will compare building energy use of one facility using a geothermal heat pump with another using conventional HVAC.

For more information about the workshop, contact Guy Nelson, Utility Geothermal Working Group, at 541-994-4670. To obtain a copy All About Geothermal Power or Geothermal Heat Pump Report, contact your Energy Services Representative.