Geothermal: Canada's Hottest Natural Energy Resource
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Last week, along with approximately 150 others, I attended the first ever CanGEA Geothermal Energy Conference at the new convention centre in Vancouver. It was a tremendous three day event, consisting of a workshop and open house, an industry day and a technical program. By all indication, the geothermal industry is well served by CanGEA.
Geothermal energy, not to be confused with its cousin geo-exchange, is capable of utility-scale generation of electricity. What is unique (and great) about geothermal energy is that it is low-impact, base load (ie, non-intermittent), cost-effective and widely available. It really is the "greenest" of all renewable power. About 10 GW of geothermal electric capacity is installed around the world as of 2007, generating 0.3% of global electricity demand. The US, Philippines and Indonesia are the global leaders in installed geothermal electric capacity. And because of its geographic location on earth, British Columbia is home to some world class geothermal energy resources.
While there are no geothermal facilities currently generating electricity in the province, I am aware of two BC publicly traded companies currently conducting geothermal exploration in British Columbia Western GeoPower has operations which are close to commercial viability at South Meager Creek (north of Pemberton). It is also developing a 35MW geothermal plant in the Geysers region of northern California. Sierra Geothermal Power Corp. recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Da'naxda'xw/Awaetlala Nation to develop geothermal power projects on their traditional lands, covering approximately 800,000 hectares (2 million acres) in the Knight Inlet area of British Columbia.
In my view, it is time that British Columbia and Canada (there are also good resources in the North) catch up to the rest of the world and put geothermal energy on the renewable energy to do list. The opportunities for this home based green energy natural resource are too good to pass up. Now is the time to move towards CanGEA's goal of 5,000 MW of installed geothermal energy resources by 2015. I truly believe with a little help, such as the federal government renewing the EcoEnergy for Renewable Power program, this can be done.
R2 Automation, Inc. Has a Turnkey Program for Producing Clean Energy from MSW Nationally, with Zero Emissions
April 28, 2009 by Alternative Energy Foundation
R2 Automation, Inc. has a turnkey program for producing clean energy from MSW nationally, with zero emissions, R2 Automation’s technology sterilizes and reduces Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) by over 85%, recovers recyclable material and eliminates the source of methane gas from the waste stream, and creates a clean cellulose fuel from which it creates electricity.
(PRWEB) March 26, 2009 — R2 Automation, Inc. has a turnkey program for producing clean energy from MSW nationally, with zero emissions, R2 Automation’s technology sterilizes and reduces Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) by over 85%, recovers recyclable material and eliminates the source of methane gas from the waste stream, and creates a clean cellulose fuel from which it creates electricity. The self-contained unit will process approximately 100,000 tons/year of waste, with de minims emissions, noise, and odor. From 100,000 tons of waste, the unit will separate recyclables, generate 8.5MW of continuous power output (annually providing approximately 52-65 million KWh of saleable power), and output approximately 15,000 tons of sterile, inert waste that maybe destined for the landfill.
Each modular for R2 Automation, is self-contained unit uses steam autoclaving technology that sterilizes the waste stream and creates the fuel for electricity generation. By extracting valuable components for re-use, the system promotes sustainability. By removing cellulose from the waste stream, the system eliminates the greatest landfill source of methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas.
Use of R2 Automation’s system will extend the life of current landfills, and eliminate the need for new ones. Termed a “virtual landfill,” because the system receives and properly manages MSW, without requiring landfill space, R2 Automation’s technology creates additional benefits including a reduction in the environmental impact and cost of transporting waste.
The R2 Automation has been proven in the operation of a two-year commercial demonstration plant in the United Kingdom, and will soon be in full commercial operations in the UK and Brazil.