Interview series: Steve Hirsch at Geothermal Development Associates (GDA)

“GDA’s new (Sept. 2009) offices and workshop facility, in south-east Reno, includes 6,000 ft2 of office space and 11,000 ft2 of workshop space. The office uses passive lighting and a geothermal heat pump system to create a model renewable/energy-efficient installation” (source: GDA)

Alexander Richter 23 Sep 2010

In continuation with the interview series I got the chance to hear from Steve Hirsch, the VP of Project Development activities at Reno, Nevada based Geothermal Development Associates (GDA). ThinkGeoEnergy recently reported on the company’s contract signed with KenGen in Kenya.

Steve Hirsch, is an electrical engineer by training, with much of his previous geothermal work, before joining GDA, having been in the East African Rift region.

How would you describe your company and your key activities?

Our company, Geothermal Development Associates (GDA), is a geothermal power developer, resource consultant and equipment provider. We’ve provided resource assessment, licensing/permitting, training services and power plants to the geothermal industry, government agencies and private companies worldwide since our incorporation in 1978. We’re based in Reno, Nevada, and have a permanent professional staff of 13 mechanical and electrical engineers, geologists, and permitting specialists experienced in project management, resource assessment, drilling management, project feasibility, engineering design, construction supervision, startup and performance testing, power sales contract negotiation, utility interconnection studies, permitting and environmental and regulatory affairs.

We also build, supply and install geothermal power plants. We recently completed the design, supply and assisted with the installation of a 2 MW geothermal power plant to the Oserian Development Company, Naivasha, Kenya. Prior to that time, we did the same for the Lihir Gold Mine, Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea (units of 6 MW, 3×10 MW and 2X10 MW); provided geotechnical and engineering services to the Ethiopian Electric Power Company for the rehabilitation of their 8.4 MW Ormat combined cycle binary/steam geothermal power plant at Aluto Langano; and a feasibility study for a new geothermal plant in the northern part of the country.

In Chile, we’re carrying out geothermal exploration activities for a large US mining company in the northern part of the country. And, at present, we’re negotiating the design and supply of two 2.5 MW geothermal power generation sets for PLN in Indonesia.

We recently won an international bid for the design and supply of a 2.5 MW geothermal power plant to the Kenya Electricity Generating Company and are now completing work on it in our production facility here in Reno.

How do you see the growth opportunities for your company in the U.S.?

We see growth possibilities in the design, engineering and supply of 2-20 MW geothermal power plants.

What do you consider the key obstacles and challenges for increased development in the U.S.?

Permitting is a slow process. Also, prices paid for geothermal-generated power are not presently inspiring to investors.

What do you think holds back speedier development of geothermal energy projects globally?

A few factors – 1. Unequal financial support provided by industrialized countries to their respective private companies. 2. Perception of high risk in many countries where geo resources are abundant and resulting absence of investment capital for upfront geo exploration and, later on, power plant installations. 3. Absence of regulatory frameworks in countries with geo resources that encourage private sector participation.

What are your expectations for the event in Sacramento, and who do you look forward to meet at your booth at the Trade Show?

Present our company’s capabilities and establish direct contact with country and private sector representatives who are seriously interested in exploring geothermal development projects.

Company website: www.gdareno.com