Neal Hot Springs in Eastern Oregon, a potential resource uncovered by Chevron in 1979, is now in play. US Geothermal recently announced plans for a full-scale test drilling program that includes plans for a 1,000m (~3,500f) hole to determine the extent of the resource in the area. Geothermometer temperatures are predicted around the 150C (~310F) range.

US Geothermal has taken the Raft River project from prior exploration to commercial operation previously.

D&D Rulebook Photo

Gary Gygax, the creator of Dungeons & Dragons passed away today at age 69. He had apparently been ill for some time and finally succumbed to that illness in his Wisconsin home.

Mr. Gygax had a big influence on my life since I spent a fair amount of (wasted?) time playing D & D and immersing myself in a fantasy world with other malcontents. It was fun, it got me out of the house, and I’m grateful for the social life it provided in those awkward pre-teen years. There have been many innovations since, but Gygax really is the father of the role playing realm. He will be remembered fondly by many people like me.

For awhile there, Raser was releasing a new press release every couple of days for the most minor of events. But now, it’s clear that Raser has entered the geothermal development business in a very serious way and has had some significant steps in transforming into a geothermal power producer. Recently, Raser CEO Brent Cook granted an interview to The Street in which he reiterated the company’s grand plans and vision including announcing 100MW of projects per year (not necessarily finishing) for the first few years, and 150MW per year thereafter in 10MW increments.

This comes on the heels of the news that the company has completed its first well in Utah where a 127C (260F) resource was apparently hit in the Escalante desert region. Their drilling program is proceeding even as the resource is being evaluated for commercial applicability. Coupled with their promise of 155MW worth of funding, this breakthrough puts Raser closer to operation than ever before and moves them into the column of serious developer.

Polaris Geothermal published an update on well performance for its San Jacinto – Tizate field in Nicaragua. The most recent result showed that a well completed in late November to a depth of 1,200m (~3,900 feet) flowed sufficiently to yield 16MW at 265C (~500F) resource. Polaris continues drilling at the site and intends to increase production from present levels of 10MW to 34MW considering the new drilling program.

Also, Polaris indicated their intention to employ new Kalina cycle technology from Exorka to boost existing production with existing resources.

San Jacinto Plant

Photo Credit: Polaris Geothermal

Last week I had the chance to go to the French Riviera, ooh-la-la. What a beautiful area! The trip to get there notwithstanding, I enjoyed the short time in Cannes, France and took a few snapshots of the waterfront, the Palais (where the film festival is held,) a double decker merry-go-round, and of an excellent restaurant in Antibes. If you’re traveling there, you’re lucky! In some respects, I’d love to see it in season, but in others (primarily traffic related) I think that could be a nightmare. In any case, some photos are below.

Cannes Waterfront taken from quay west of the Palais


Merry-Go-Round, Double decker variety on the Cannes waterfront


The Palais advertising VMWorld


You too can be Han Solo, just step and snap a photo – these were all over the Palais area


The excellent restaurant Les Vieux Murs in the old city portion of Antibes