Just In! for November 11, 2023

The weekly newsletter of the New York Geothermal Energy Organization (NY-GEO)

Just In! is NY-GEO's weekly news feed for members. See more information on memberships here. If we send you a complimentary copy and you're not a member of NY-GEO, it means we value your role in the transition to renewable heating, but without a membership, please don't count on getting Just In! weekly. For past issues, check out the Just In! Archive available on the NY-GEO.org website.

2024 – NY-GEO 2024 CONFERENCES – Yes that’s plural - We are excited to share there will be two conference events in 2024 with content focused on both the diverse residential and commercial markets in NYS.  The programs will include dynamic keynote speakers and panels, educational tracks that are relevant and applicable, and an opportunity to network with exhibitors showcasing products and services that will support and advance your knowledge. 

*2024 04 08&09 - Albany - Once again hosted at the Albany Marriott, we bring together the best of the best in the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry. We will open with an exhibitor mixer on April 8 followed by a full day of programming on the 9th with focused attention on Upstate.  NY-GEO 2023 maxed out with attendees and exhibitors, so register today if you don’t want to miss out.  

·      To register and learn more about becoming a sponsor and or exhibitor - Click Here 

·      Book your stay at the Albany Marriott by Clicking Here

*2024 10 21 to 23 – NY-GEO 2024 – New York City - The New York Brooklyn Bridge Marriott will host a two-day conference with sessions and tracks, the NY-GEO Annual Dinner, and a day of local project site tours. This is NY-GEO's first conference Downstate and will emphasize content on how to address densely populated areas and large commercial buildings.

·      To register and learn more about becoming a sponsor and or exhibitor - Click Here 

·      Book your stay at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott by Clicking Here

NY-GEO Members can attend the conferences at a discounted rate, so now is a good time to renew your membership through 2024. 

Buffalo Developer Starts 2^nd Geothermal Multi-Use Project – Buffalo Rising - Matthew and Christopher Siano's HES Properties III, LLC has installed ground loops for its second geothermally heated and cooled multi-use building on Buffalo’s West Side. For the first building, the ground loops were placed under the building, which features 11 apartments and retail space on the first floor. Installer Buffalo Geothermal estimates that with available incentives in 2018, the project cost slightly less than a conventional gas heating system with air conditioning. In addition, utility bills for the building have been an estimated $4,400 less than they would be with conventional HVAC. Lower costs are one of a number of factors that went into the decision to use geo on HES’s 2^nd West Side new-build, which will include 1^st floor commercial space and 5 apartments. It will feature solar panels, bicycle racks and EV chargers in addition to the geothermal system. Article link here.

Site prep for the 2^nd HES West Side new-build. The black geothermal supply and return pipes are to the left, just inside the foundation footer.



NY Federal Reserve Banks Releases “Window of Opportunity” Report on Electrification of State’s Small Multifamily Buildings – From the 32 page report: “Units in 5- to 50-unit buildings constitute nearly 20% of the housing stock in New York State, almost 70% of the tenants in these buildings are low- and moderate-income, and more than 1.3 million units in such properties are heated by non-electric equipment that is over 15 years old and nearing or beyond replacement age. Electrification of these properties is challenging due to lack of awareness and capacity, monetary issues, complicated government incentive programs, the complexity of retrofitting, and inefficiencies in the market for retrofits.” Thanks to Lisa Marshall of New Yorkers for Clean Power for this tip. Report link here.

ClimateMaster IRA Tax Incentive Calculator – Green Builder recently featured a presentation from Joe Parsons , Senior Marketing Sustainability Manager, Climate Control Group. Parson’s presentation focused on IRA incentives and unveiled a sophisticated incentive calculator the Climate Control Group has created for commercial and residential geothermal installations. Recording of the webinar with calculator link here.

Louisville Airport Goes Geo – WDRB.com - “An underground geothermal field is now live at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The geothermal field is the largest at any airport in the country (648 500-foot boreholes). The system will help naturally heat and cool the terminal by circulating water through the geothermal wells underground. This allows the earth to help reduce the energy required to regulate temperatures above ground inside buildings.” The system is projected to save $400,000 per year on energy bills. Thanks to Stu Yarfitz from Seattle, WA for this tip. Article and 2-minute video link here.

Could Thermal Energy Be New York’s Best Shot at Reaching its Climate Goals? – Mariana Simões – City Limits – “New York is at the forefront of testing how the technology can become more widespread, partnering with utility companies to convert the current framework used for fossil fuel hookups into thermal energy networks using the utilities’ existing workers. Last year, New York became the first state in the nation to pass a law that required the state’s largest utility companies to design at least one thermal energy network project, and to use their ‘existing utility union work-force’ to bring them to life.” Thanks to NY-GEO member Paul Coons for this tip. Article link here.

DOE: 3% Annual Geothermal Heat Pump Growth – In 2022 “The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO)… announced the publication of the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) 2021 U.S. Geothermal Report. Among the data “Geothermal heat pumps maintain approximately 3% annual growth in the U.S., with current installations exceeding 1.7 million units. About 40% of installations are residential; the other 60% are commercial or institutional. Most growth continues to occur in the central and eastern states.” Also “As of 2021, there are 23 geothermal district heating (GDH) systems in the United States. The oldest installation dates from 1892 (Boise, Idaho), and the most recent installation was completed in 2017 (Alturas, California).” Report link here.

Delaware Sets a 100% Goal for Greenhouse Emissions Reductions – Clean Energy States Alliance November newsletter – “Back in August, Delaware Governor John Carney signed a series of important bills to advance clean energy and address climate change. Among them, House Bill 99 set out targets to reduce net emissions 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. This brought the number of states with 100% goals to 23 plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The states’ commitments are shown in CESA’s Table of 100% Clean Energy States.” Article link here.

Resiliency Matters More to Younger Homeowners – Sarah Gutterman - Green Builder – “Resiliency is top of mind for homeowners in the face of intensifying wildfires, super storms, flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures. When it comes to resilience, younger generations in particular are acutely aware of the impact that climate events have on their homes. Given the state of the home insurance industry, it’s an important topic to study.” Editor’s note: Power resilience refers to a utility company's ability to adapt to power outages. Climate-related issues have intensified the attention on energy sustainability and resilience. Article link here.

National Grid Advertises “Exclusive” Rebates on Gas Heaters – Despite the climate crying out for a transition to emission-free appliances, National Grid is continuing to advertise rebates on gas heating equipment. A couple interesting aspects of the rebate website: off to the side of the page, NGrid does include a less flashy paragraph on cold-climate heat pumps, and note the phrasing below in the caption that references a ”final opportunity to redeem rebates on gas heating equipment”.  We can only hope…  Grid website here.

Michigan: 100% Clean Electricity by 2040 – Jeff St. John – Canary Media – “Michigan’s Democrat-controlled legislature has passed a package of clean energy bills that includes one of the most aggressive state-level clean energy targets in the nation. Senate Bill 271, which requires the state’s major utilities to achieve 100 percent carbon-free energy by 2040, as well as bills 273, 502 and 519, were passed on party-line votes in the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, where Democrats hold narrow majorities. Article link here.

Washington Post Climate Coach on Geothermal – Michael J.Coren – We thought you might want to see what the Washington Post’s Climate Columnist is saying about geothermal. “Here’s the deal on geothermal energy: Digging is expensive. It’s why most of our electrical and telephone lines are aboveground even though this leaves us vulnerable during storms and wildfires.  So to take advantage of the constant temperatures below the Earth’s surface, we need to figure out a way to make tunneling cheaper.”  Btw – Just In! welcomes responses to any of our briefs and if they’re well done and short enough (maybe with a link to longer content), we’ll print them. Article link here.

Which Clean Energy Sector Is Creating the Most Jobs? – Maria Virginia Olano – Canary Media – According to a Climate Power report, clean energy projects announced since the IRA passed are expected to produce more than 211,000 direct jobs across 45 states and Puerto Rico, with about half of the jobs in battery manufacturing. A report by E2 predicts 400,000 direct and indirect jobs. Article link here.

Community Ownership Facilitates Greener and Cheaper Electricity on Hawaiian Island - Justin Spector - Canary Media -LIHUE, Hawaii — It’s hard to find anywhere in the United States that has greened its electricity supply as quickly as verdant Kauai. And the people of Kauai achieved that on their own, through collective ownership of the electricity grid, not by hoping profit-maximizing utilities find a way to balance the urgency of human-caused climate change with quarterly dividends for shareholders. Article link here.

How the Fossil-Fuel Lobby Weaponized Julia Child’s Gas Stove – Rebecca Leber – “…from the industry’s point of view, Child was potent product placement that could help establish the dominance of gas in the American home. ‘Millions of viewers week after week will be able to watch Julia Child as she stirs food simmering over a gas flame,’ read an October 1978 article from the association’s monthly trade magazine. As part of a larger campaign, the American Gas Association established a ‘Hollywood Bureau’ staffed with agents whose job was ‘obtaining publicity favorable to the natural gas industry within the national media of television and motion pictures,’… The bureau took credit for gas appliances appearing regularly in 25 primetime television series, periodically in another 12, in eight television movies, and nine feature films. “ Article link here.

Maine Consumer-Owned Utility Defeated After Deluge of Opposition Spending – Evan Popp – Maine Morning Star – “ A referendum to replace Central Maine Power and Versant with a consumer-owned utility was voted down Tuesday after a deluge of advertisements and spending against the measure, ending a multi-year, nationally-watched campaign that would have dramatically altered Maine’s energy future. The referendum, known as Question 3, would have set in motion a process for a newly-formed consumer owned utility — the Pine Tree Power Company — to buy out CMP and Versant and provide electricity to most of Maine.” Article link here.

Lucy Hochschartner, deputy campaign manager for Pine Tree Power, speaks to reporters after it was announced that voters rejected Question 3. (Photo by Jim Neuger - Maine Morning Star)

Exporting US Fracked Gas Is Far Worse for the Climate Than Coal, Study Finds – Mike Ludwig – Truthout – “The next big fight over fossil fuels is brewing in coastal Louisiana, where protests by local fishers against massive liquified gas export terminals are evolving into a nationwide movement to stop what a growing number of experts and environmentalists warn is a climate emergency…If every proposed LNG facility were built, the Sierra Club estimates the full climate impact would equal the pollution from 532 coal plants annually.” Article link here.

Climate Updates:

New Hansen Study Warns of an Imminent Spike of Planetary Warming – Bob Berwyn – Inside Climate News - “James Hansen, the scientist who first sounded the climate alarm in Congress, sees a decrease in aerosol pollution driving a surge of warming and criticizes the U.N. climate science panel, drawing a backlash from other researchers.” Article link here. 

Municipal Spending on Climate Responses Across New York State – Comptroller Tom DiNapoli – “A sample of local governments across New York reported $1.34 billion in actual and anticipated spending on capital projects over a 10-year period, with about 55% of the total in response to climate-related hazards such as increased flooding and storm damage, according to a report released (in April) by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. DiNapoli said. ‘Local governments are shouldering much of the financial burden of climate change as they maintain important infrastructure such as roadways, drinking water systems and sewers.’” Thanks to Anne Rabe of NYPIRG for this tip which was offered in support of the Climate Change Superfund Act (S.2129A/A.3351A). Contact Anne at arabe@nypirg.org for more information. Press release on the report here.



Frequent Sources for Just In! briefs:

Green Energy Times

City & State First Read

POLITICO Weekly NY & NJ Energy email)

Canary Media

National Building Electrification Network & Sunstone Strategies



Just in! thanks NY-GEO board member John Ciovacco of Aztech Geothermal for his frequent proofreading contributions to this publication and Paul Maliszewski and John Rath for their work on the briefs.

EVENTS:

*Indicates a New Listing or Updated Information

*2023 11 14 – Why Electrify – 2:00-3:30 pm ET – Rewiring America - You are invited to Rewiring America's first-ever educational course! Why Electrify is an interactive, 90-minute online session designed with electrification beginners and newbies in mind. We'll explain what "electrifying everything" means and the benefits this energy switch could unlock for American households. The registration form suggests the course will be available at alternative times as well.  Register here. One-minute sneak preview video of the course here.

*2023 11 15 – Take the Heat! Part 1: Geo & Wastewater – 9:00-10:30 am ET – Building Energy Exchange and NYSERDA - This workshop will showcase approaches to wastewater heat recovery and geothermal heat projects in New York City. The session will include presentation and discussion by two EBC partner teams: Amalgamated Housing Cooperative, with EN-POWER GROUP and Egg Geo; and Tishman Speyer, with Jaros, Baum & Bolles Consulting Engineers and Brightcore. Register here.

*2023 11 15 – Bill McKibben on How LNG Exports Threaten Our Clean Energy Future – 4:00 pm ET – “Join Canary Media for a live online conversation with journalist and climate activist Bill McKibben about how the U.S. is ramping up exports of liquefied natural gas, or LNG. The Biden administration has made big strides in promoting clean energy, but it's also been enabling a massive expansion of dirty energy in the form of new LNG export terminals. What does this mean for the global climate, the clean energy transition, and the communities that live near these polluting facilities? “ Register Here.

2023 11 29&30 - Certified Residential Geothermal Designer Course Online with HRAI - Learn how to properly design a residential system, starting with the benefits and types of ground source heat pumps. Attendees will also learn about the design process, energy loads and requirements, and how to calculate loads; how to select mechanical systems; site, geology and soil conditions; ground heat exchanger design; pumping, interior piping and header design; economics of the design; and calculate a sample problem. Upon successful completion of the corresponding exam, an IGSHPA Certified Residential Geothermal Designer (CRD) certification will be issued. Register here.

2023 12 05 to 07 - IGSHPA Annual Conference - “Geothermal, the Genius Renewable”– The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) will be holding its annual conference December 5 to 7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. IGSHPA is partnering again this year with NGWA (National Ground Water Association). Early bird registration is open now, along with exhibitor, sponsorship, and advertising opportunities. Keynote speaker will be Alejandro Moreno, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy.  For more information, check out the conference page.

2023 12 14 - Renewable Heat Now December Power Hour – 7:00-8:00 pm ET – Renewable Heat Now (RHN) is organizing intensively for NY’s transition to clean, fossil-fuel free heating. Join RHN for its monthly Power Hour, a strategy meeting designed to inspire and inform. All are welcome to attend, and if you’re new to the movement for renewable heat, these meetings are a great place to learn and get plugged in! Register here..

*2024 01 24 to 26 – IGSHPA Accredited Installer Workshop - Renewable Energy and Sustainability Center at Farmingdale State College – “The three-day comprehensive Installation Workshops are designed for GSHP installers, contractors, dealers, home builders, manufacturers, distributors, architects, heating and cooling mechanical engineers, trench/water well drilling contractors, and anyone who desires a working knowledge of this innovative technology. Representatives from public utilities, and rural electric cooperatives can also benefit from training. Information gathered from the workshops can help utility representatives serve as a source of information regarding money-saving concepts.” Register here.

*2024 01 26 – IGSHPA Dig Deeper - GHP Impact Analysis – 11:30 am ET – Speaker: Jeff Winick & Sean Porse of U.S. Department of Energy Geothermal Technologies Office, “In Fiscal Year 2022, with GTO support, ORNL and NREL conducted a modeling assessment of the grid impacts resulting from the mass deployment of GHPs. Modeled changes in end use load profiles for the US building stock and their impacts on the bulk power system were analyzed under various carbon policy, electrification, and sensitivity scenarios using capacity expansion modeling (ReEDS) and production cost modeling (PLEXOS). The results demonstrate GHPs’ significant aggregate value to a decarbonizing grid through reduced infrastructure requirements, reduced emissions, and improved grid efficiency.” Register here. 

2024 – NY-GEO 2024 Conferences – Yes that’s plural - We are excited to share there will be two conference events in 2024 with content focused on both the diverse residential and commercial markets in NYS.  The programs will include dynamic keynote speakers and panels, educational tracks that are relevant and applicable, and an opportunity to network with exhibitors showcasing products and services that will support and advance your knowledge. For information on the NY City Conference see 2024 10 21 to 23 listing below.

*2024 04 8&9 - Albany - Once again hosted at the Albany Marriott, we bring together the best of the best in the Geothermal Heat Pump Industry. We will open with an exhibitor mixer on April 8 followed by a full day of programming on the 9th with focused attention on Upstate.  NY-GEO 2023 maxed out with attendees and exhibitors, so register today if you don’t want to miss out.  

·      To register and learn more about becoming a sponsor and or exhibitor - Click Here 

·      Book your stay at the Albany Marriott by Clicking Here

Not a Member? CLICK HERE to Join! 

2024 05 28 to 30 – IGSHPA Research Conference - The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) is pleased to announce that the next IGSHPA Research Conference will be held at Polytechnique Montréal. This is the fourth in a series of research conferences held in Denver (2017), Stockholm (2018), and Las Vegas (2022). Like the previous three conferences, papers will undergo peer-review to ensure quality. Details will follow, but it is anticipated that abstracts will be due on September 18, 2023 and papers due around November 20, 2023. Conference website - https://igshpa.org/igshpa-research-conference/

*2024 10 21 to 23 – NY-GEO 2024 – New York City - The New York Brooklyn Bridge Marriott will host a two-day conference with sessions and tracks, the NY-GEO Annual Dinner, and a day of local project site tours. This is NY-GEO's first conference Downstate and will emphasize content on how to address densely populated areas and large commercial buildings.

·      To register and learn more about becoming a sponsor and or exhibitor - Click Here 

·      Book your stay at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott by Clicking Here

NY-GEO Members can attend the conferences at a discounted rate, so now is a good time to renew your membership through 2024.

JOBS !                                                                    * = new listing

Just In! has carried job listings since our inception in 2019. We’re aware of sources that have been doing a better job of compiling and tracking job listings and instead of posting individual jobs, this section will now point you to good sources of job information: 

New Yorkers for Clean Power is proud to lead the charge for green jobs through Clean Energy Careers NY, a collaborative initiative to create equitable clean energy careers pathways in New York to help achieve the state’s climate and clean energy goals…”We're excited to launch the Clean Energy Careers New York Newsletter! The newsletter is chock-full of Clean Energy Careers NY resources, event information, job opportunities, and more. If you're a job seeker, a trainer, an employer, or a clean energy advocate, this newsletter is for you! (listed 2023 07 22) Read the newsletter here.

The Building Performance Contractors Association (BPCA) Career Center is here. 

Ongoing – NYSERDA is hiring! The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has ongoing recruitment opportunities. Join our email list or check this page periodically to learn about new career opportunities. All qualified individuals will be evaluated for each relevant position for which they apply. Opportunities include:

NYSERDA Career Opportunities

NY Green Bank Career Opportunities

Paid Fellowship Opportunities

Paid Internship Opportunities

To learn more about NYSERDA, please visit our social media channels.