Latest news with #geothermal
E&E News
2 days ago
- General
- E&E News
Another clash emerges between USDA nominee and Forest Service
The Trump administration's nominee to oversee forest policy at the Department of Agriculture is facing new scrutiny from the Forest Service, this time for diversion of a geothermal stream to a home on his Idaho ranch. Michael Boren, whose family owns multiple properties, has had longstanding conflicts with the Forest Service over his use of land in and bordering the Sawtooth National Forest, and he and the agency have had extended negotiations to settle them, according to a person closely familiar with many of the details. Boren is the administration's nominee for undersecretary for natural resources and environment, which oversees the Forest Service. His nomination hearing in the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee is scheduled for Tuesday. Advertisement The latest dustup involves a Boren property called West Pass Ranch LLC, according to the person familiar with the situation. Details of this person's account match with information a USDA employee and former employees shared with POLITICO's E&E News, all requesting anonymity for fear of retribution.
E&E News
2 days ago
- Business
- E&E News
Interior using new expedited reviews for geothermal projects
The Interior Department announced Friday it will use a new streamlined environmental review process to evaluate three proposed geothermal power projects in Nevada. The environmental assessments for the three smaller-scale projects, all proposed by Ormat Nevada, will be completed within 14 days, Interior announced Friday. The three projects are the first geothermal energy projects to undergo the streamlined process for shortening National Environmental Policy Act reviews of simpler projects to 14 days and up to 28 days for more complex proposals. Interior outlined the changes last month, leading to an outcry from critics. Advertisement Friday's announcement is the latest effort by the Trump administration to target the NEPA process, which opponents have long argued is onerous and has slowed development of important projects. Republicans have focused on complicated environmental impact statements for bigger projects, which typically take about two years to complete.
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
US implements emergency permitting procedures to speed geothermal energy development
WASHINGTON, May 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of the Interior said on Friday it was implementing emergency permitting procedures to accelerate reviews of geothermal energy development projects. The projects that will be fast-tracked include three in Nevada led by Ormat, which received funding in 2020 during the first Trump administration for research and development. 'Geothermal energy is a reliable energy source that can power critical infrastructure for national security and help advance energy independence,' Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said. 'We're fast-tracking reliable energy projects while strengthening national security and supporting American workers.' The Trump administration declared an "energy emergency" in President Donald Trump's first days in office, allowing him to use a series of steps to fast-track or skip over lengthy environmental reviews and permitting processes for oil and gas production as well as mining. His emergency orders did not apply to renewable energy like solar power or wind but now applies to geothermal, a form of renewable energy which harnesses heat generated within the Earth for heating, cooling and electricity generation.' It is a technology that enjoys support from Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who has previously invested in geothermal company Fervo Energy. Last week, the U.S. Geological Survey produced a report that said that geothermal energy in the Great Basin of Nevada and adjoining states could produce electricity equivalent to 10% of the current U.S. power supply.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Premier Invest to Highlight Strategic Financing for Africa's Energy Future at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025
Rene Awambeng, Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest, will be a featured speaker at this year's African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies conference, taking place on September 29-October 3 in Cape Town. With a reputation as one of Africa's leading energy financiers, Awambeng brings decades of experience in mobilizing capital and structuring deals across oil, gas and renewables. Premier Invest is currently facilitating over $10 billion in active energy transactions across the continent, positioning the firm as a critical catalyst for Africa's energy development. From hydrocarbons to green energy, the firm is working closely with governments, developers and financiers to accelerate bankable projects that can unlock economic growth and energy access across the continent. These transactions span a wide range of geographies and technologies, from a €2–5 billion refinery expansion project to a $362 million geothermal power development in Kenya. These are just a few examples of how Premier Invest is shaping Africa's energy landscape through innovative deal structuring, risk mitigation and global investor engagement. As part of its expansion strategy, Premier Invest is also establishing a new financial institution in the UAE. This move signals a strategic shift toward deeper capital market integration between the Gulf and African energy markets. By creating a dedicated Africa-focused bank, Premier Invest aims to streamline energy investment processes and provide bespoke financial products tailored to the continent's infrastructure and energy needs. Awambeng's deep background – including his previous role as Global Head of Client Relations at Afreximbank – has positioned him as a leading voice in African finance. At AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies, he will offer valuable insights into how capital can be effectively deployed across the energy value chain, the types of projects international investors are prioritizing, and how Africa can position itself competitively in the global energy transition. 'Premier Invest plays a pivotal role in mobilizing capital and facilitating strategic investments critical to advancing Africa's energy sector. Their expertise in structuring complex transactions and fostering international partnerships significantly accelerates the continent's energy development and transition. Their participation at AEW 2025 will provide invaluable insights into the financing mechanisms driving Africa's energy future,' states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. With global finance playing a defining role in the future of African energy, Premier Invest's work represents a crucial bridge between opportunity and implementation. AEW 2025 will offer a unique platform for stakeholders to connect with Awambeng and other key financiers shaping Africa's energy future. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber. About AEW: Invest in African Energies: AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event.
Japan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Ishiba and Tomasdottir agree to deepen cooperation between Japan and Iceland
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Icelandic President Halla Tomasdottir met in Tokyo on Tuesday and agreed to deepen cooperation between their countries in a wide range of fields, including the economy and security. During their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, Ishiba said he feels Japan has an affinity with Iceland because both countries are known for their many volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. Referring to intensifying competition in the Arctic, including for new shipping routes, Ishiba said Japan hopes to advance its cooperation with Iceland in a concrete way. Tomasdottir said Japan is Iceland's most important partner in Asia, and expressed her eagerness to collaborate with Japan on geothermal energy and gender equality.
