Case Studies, Technology, and Incentives to be Featured at Geothermal Heating and Small Power Workshop

The GEA-OIT workshop will bring together -- for the first time ever -- those interested in using geothermal energy for distributed power generation and direct heating purposes from across the West.  Pratt &Whitney Power Systems, maker of the PureCycle® Power System, is the Gold Level Sponsor of the event, and the Oregon Department of Energy is a cosponsor.

The workshop will feature presentations on successful geothermal uses for school heating, district heating, fish farming, greenhouses, spas/resorts, and small power production - including generation utilizing hot water from oil and gas wells.  In addition, Dr.  John Lund, Director, GeoHeat Center, Oregon Institute of Technology, will make a presentations on the OIT heating and power systems and the total US potential for geothermal heating and small power production.

Among the leading power equipment suppliers, drilling and exploration firms, and engineering and construction companies on the agenda are Pratt and Whitney Power Systems, Turbine Air Systems, SNC-Lavalin , and ThermaSource.  Representative from the US Department of Energy, Oregon Department of Energy, and Oregon Environmental Trust, the US Bureau of Land Management and the Geothermal Energy Association will discuss programs that can help those interested in utilizing geothermal energy, including new federal and state financial incentives. 

OIT's Klamath Falls campus is a world-class example of both geothermal direct use heating and small power production. OIT expects its new geothermal power plant will be up and running by the time of the workshop.  Together with its geothermal heating systems, OIT's campus will be a practical showcase for those attending the event.

While geothermal resources have been used for heating purposes in the West for over 100 years, small power technology utilizing geothermal resources is a new trend.   Alaska, Florida, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming have each seen or will soon see geothermal power produced for the first time.   In each of these cases the power is being used locally for power generation for a resort, commercial business, or similar site.  

Registration for the August 12 Workshop is $195 for the general public and $95 for GEA Members, non-profit groups, government employees.  Registration includes workshop materials, snacks, and lunch.  OIT has organized a field trip for the following day, and registration for the August 13 Field Trip is an additional $75.

For more information, or to register for the workshop or field trip, visit: www.geo-energy.org