2011 California Geothermal Forum

Please Note: If you are trying to register for the Geothermal Resource Council (GRC) Workshop on May 25, go to the GRC website at www.geothermal.org/works.html

If you are registering for the California Geothermal Energy Collaborative Forum on May 26-27, continue on this site.

2011 California Geothermal Forum

Geothermal Power Generation in California

Hosted by the California Geothermal Energy Collaborative

May 26-27, 2011

Mountainside Conference Center

Mammoth Mountain Inn

Download the Summary Page as a PDF

Historically, geothermal power generation has been one of the major renewable energy resources in California. Although development of geothermal resources slowed over the past past few years, growing awareness of geothermal energy’s importance as part of California's total renewable energy package is encouraging renewed development. It is important to keep the momentum going.

May 26 and 27, 2011, The California Geothermal Energy Collaborative will hold its annual California Geothermal Forum regarding geothermal power generation in Mammoth Lakes, California.

This conference is intended for geothermal stakeholders interested in power generation, transmission and regulation. The meeting will focus on current trends and technological developments, as well as regulatory and administrative issues. Topics to be covered will include:

• Developments in addressing transmission challenges
• Current geothermal resource development projects
• Advances in resource assessment and exploration, including remote sensing
• Water management
• Regulatory challenges
• Updates to the CGEC Permitting Guide and new Geothermal Energy Outreach Guide

On May 26^th - CGEC 2011 California Geothermal Forum

The CGEC 2011 California Geothermal Forum will be held at the Mountainside Conference Center next to the Mammoth Mountain Inn.

Cost per person will be $140. The cost for students with a valid Student ID will be free with valid ID. Cost includes a continental breakfast, lunch and the reception the evening before the Forum.

On May 27^th - Long Valley Field Trip

CGEC is planning a tour of Long Valley and the Casa Diablo Power Plant lead by Gene Suemnicht. Space for the tour will be limited, so attendees for the Forum will have first priority. After space is filled, names will automatically be added to a waiting list, but with no guarantees. The CGEC staff will notify you if room becomes available.

The Long Valley Field Trip fee will be $160. Attendees who ride the UC Davis to Mammoth Mountain charter bus will receive a 50% discount (see charter bus information under the Directions tab). No student discount will be available.

The tour group will meet in the Mammoth Mountain Inn Lobby at 6:30 am. From there, we will take the gondola to the top of the mountain for breakfast and a presentation by Gene. The group will then return to board the bus in the Mammoth Mountain Inn parking lot. We need to start promptly because it is a full day of activities.

The tour will include the Casa Diablo Geothermal Field, a stop at Hot Creek for a boxed lunch, Mono Lake Visitors Center, and a number of geological points of interest along the way. We will return to the Mammoth Mountain Inn by 6 p.m. You will be on your own for dinner, but the Mammoth Mountain Inn has a first class restaurant, and there are many quality restaurants in town. 

The field trip will include short hikes over moderate terrain at elevations >7000 feet (2100m).  You should plan to dress in layers and wear a winter jacket, field boots or sturdy walking shoes, and bring a small field pack, and sunscreen. CGEC will provide refreshments on the bus, but it is wise to pack along some water for the hikes.  We will have a rock hammer with us, but you can bring your own if you wish.  At least one of the stops will be in the Mono Craters National Recreation Area where sample collection is strictly prohibited.

Spring weather in the Sierra can be unpredictable and you should plan for extremes.  We do expect snow on the ground, but weather for past trips has varied from Indian Summer sun and 75°F (24°C) to thundershowers and hail or 32°F (0°C) and snow…….all in the same day.  Mammoth Mountain summit is 11,053 feet (3369m) at the gondola station and while the view is spectacular, the winds can make things quite brisk.

On May 25th – Welcome to Mammoth Reception

As part of the GRC Technical Workshop and CGEC Annual Forum, there will be a "Welcome to Mammoth" reception on Wednesday, May 25th from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Sidedoor Cafe, in The Village at Mammoth, located at the base of Mammoth Mountain and Mammoth Mountain Gondola.

The evening Reception is hosted by Ormat, Inc., the Geothermal Institute of Mammoth (GIM), the Sidedoor Café, Geothermal Resources Council and the California Geothermal Energy Collaborative. The event will include appetizers and wine (no-host cocktails also available).

On May 25^th – GRC Technical Workshop

The GRC will be presenting a technical workshop, An Introduction to Geothermal Resource Exploration and Development – Examples from the Long Valley Caldera. Please visit their website for more information on the workshop, registration and GRC lodging at www.geothermal.org/works.html

CONTACT INFORMATION:

California Geothermal Energy Collaborative (CGEC)

Telephone: 530-752-0972

Email: fischette@sbcglobal.net