Recent industry events are detailed.

Bullish on Geothermal

Geothermal heat is a significant provider of energy in a small number of countries, all located in regions subject to earthquakes and volcanoes. A new report from Research and Markets is titled, The Geothermal Report Ed 4 2007, and it provides an excellent introduction and understanding of the three technologies for exploiting geo-thermal energy – power generation, ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) and direct use (excluding GSHPs). The report tracks the industry’s development and use of technology, power generation, efficiency and location of resources. It also provides an overview of geothermal energy, capacity and utilization. The geothermal power industry is reviewed looking at the power operators and equipment manufacturers. Geothermal revenue and costs are analyzed, including generation, construction and equipment costs.

The report looks at country use and development of geothermal energy with an analysis of the major market places – North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa. A significant new geothermal technology also is reviewed for the first time, GSHPs. This technology made its debut in the last five years and already is the largest single exploiter of geothermal energy. The principles on which it operates are completely different from power generation or all other forms of direct use of geothermal heat.

In the past couple years, the United States showed strong signs of renewed growth for geothermal power generation, and opinion in the geothermal industry in the United States is up-beat for future expansion.

A listing of major geothermal manufacturers with address and telephone numbers is provided.

For more information or to order the entire 109-page report (approx. $1,000), visit www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c52782.

Infrastructure Funds Surge

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invested $5 billion in 2006 to help states and municipalities update their wastewater infrastructure, the agency reports. That figure, reported in the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Annual Report, brings to $57.7 billion the total funds distributed and nearly 19,000 loans since the program began 20 years ago. It is the first year such assistance has topped the $5 billion level.

The report points to greater emphasis placed on community outreach programs. The programs stimulate participation and encourage new approaches to providing information about the CWSRF. Although participation is voluntary, all 50 states and Puerto Rico are now tracking the link between project assistance and environmental benefits. More than 75 percent of the low-interest loans went to projects aimed at restoring and protecting aquatic life, recreational uses and drinking water sources.

The CWSRF is the largest federal funding program for wastewater infrastructure projects, such as treatment plants and collection systems.

C/I Pump Training Courses

The Grundfos Technical Institute will conduct 21⁄2-day training programs for commercial and industrial (C/I) pump installation and sales professionals May 15-17, Aug. 21-23 and Nov. 27-29, 2007.

C/I pump applications typically include pressure boosting in smaller buildings, commercial boiler feed, machine tool cooling, industrial process, water treatment and chemical injection with the dosing pumps.

The course is designed to equip industry professionals with product and technology knowledge about the application and sales of a wide variety of pump and circulator systems.

Coursework and hands-on laboratory training will cover:

• Pump basics – hydraulics, pump fundamentals, pump and system curves, and motors.
  
• C/I extended pump basics – boiler feed, multistage pumping, chemical compatibility, including application, options and features.
  
• Variable speed pumping, including application and energy savings.
  
• Dosing, including theory, application and hands-on instruction.
  
• Immersible pumps, with application theory.
  
• Booster modules, including application theory.

Training takes place in Grundfos’ state-of-the-art laboratory in Olathe, Kan. All participants will gain valuable instruction and hands-on experience through interaction with live pumping systems.

Tuition is $150. Applicants can register online at www.us.grundfos.com/training; by calling 913/227-3400, ext. 3436; or by email: training@us.grundfos.com.

Mark Your Calendars

A friendly reminder for you:

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13, this year. May boasts lots of days to celebrate, but they all take a back seat to Mother’s Day. Some of the other happy occasions this month:

1st – May Day
2nd – Baby Day
3rd – World Press Freedom Day
4th – International Firefighters Day
5th – Cinco de Mayo
6th – Nurses Day
7th – National Roasted Leg of Lamb Day
8th – National Teacher Day
9th – National Receptionist Day
10th – National Shrimp Day
11th – Military Spouses Day
12th – Kite Day
14th – National Women’s Check-up Day
15th – National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day
16th – Love a Tree Day
17th – Pack Rat Day
18th – National Bike to Work Day
19th – Armed Forces Day
20th – Flower Day
21st – National Waiters and Waitresses Day
22nd – Musical Instrument Day
23rd – World Turtle Day
24th – National Escargot Day
25th – National Missing Children’s Day
26th – International Jazz Day
27th – Sunscreen Day
28th – Memorial Day
29th – Coq Au Vin Day
30th – National Mint Julep Day
31st – Save Your Hearing Day
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