Africa’s first direct use of geothermal steam plant opens in Kenya

Trueman Goba named honorary fellow by Royal Academy of Engineering

The Royal Academy of Engineering named Trueman Goba, chair of Hatch Africa, an honorary fellow of the academy, recognizing him for his exceptional contributions, innovative leadership, and remarkable achievements.

Goba was born in Durban, South Africa. He began his career as a survey technician and went on to graduate with a BSc Eng from University of Natal and an MEng (Civil) from Cornell University. In 2001, Goba’s company GMA merged with Keeve Steyn to form GOBA (Pty) Ltd, which merged into the Hatch Group in 2013.

In 2014, Goba was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Engineering at the South African Professional Services Awards (SAPSA). He also held a position as the president of the SA Institution of Civil Engineers (SAICE) in 2002 and was president of the engineering council (ECSA) from 2007 to 2009. In 2010 he was appointed by South Africa’s president to the first National Planning Commission and was awarded a Gold Medal by the SAICE in 2013.

He has been recognized through various awards and three doctoral degrees in Engineering.

“The Fellows named this year are the first to reflect the Academy’s Fellowship Fit for the Future initiative to drive more nominations of outstanding engineers from underrepresented groups ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2026”, announced the Royal Academy of Engineering. “This initiative will see the Academy strive for increased representation from women, disabled and LGBTQ+ engineers, those from minority ethnic backgrounds, non-traditional education pathways and emerging industries, and those who have achieved excellence at an earlier career stage than normal”.

In a statement, the Royal Academy of Engineering says the fellows named this year are the first to reflect the academy’s Fellowship Fit for the Future initiative to drive more nominations of outstanding engineers from underrepresented groups ahead of its fiftieth anniversary in 2026. In addition, the initiative also aims to propel engineers who have achieved excellence at an earlier stage in their careers than normal.

Africa’s first direct use of geothermal steam plant opens in Kenya

Plans to create a special economic zone in Nakuru are taking shape with the Geothermal Development Company launching the direct use of geothermal steam to power industrial processes. GDC Engineer Esther Njuguna says the direct use of geothermal steam will lower the cost of power by 70%. Companies located in the special economic zone will also benefit from water drawn from the wells.

On 14th August 2020, Geothermal Development Company signed a Collaboration Framework Agreement with Nakuru County for the utilization of geothermal energy. The signing ceremony took place in Nairobi at the Council of Governor’s office.

Nakuru is home to GDC’s Menengai Geothermal Project. In addition to the anticipated provision of steam for power generation to power producers once the power plants are ready, the Project also houses a demonstration site which showcases Direct Uses of geothermal energy. The pilot project at the site showcases various Direct Uses of geothermal resources, namely pasteurization, aquaculture, and greenhouse heating. There is also a laundromat and a grain dryer.

GeoPrism now provides drone surveying equipment in Morocco

GeoPrism of Morocco, a company with more than 20 years of experience in the sale and introduction of high-end, technological, surveying, and geospatial solutions is the latest partner to join the Microdrones network of global distributors and offer Microdrones as a Service (mdaaS) including everything needed to do drone LiDAR and surveying the right way, with convenient hardware and software packages and affordable monthly payment options.

Ali Biar, CEO of GeoPrism, made the decision to sign on as a distributor since Microdrones provides fully integrated systems with high-quality sensors, a fullservice solution (drone, software, data processing and support) and the mdaaS sales model that makes acquiring drone surveying equipment more affordable. “Microdrones offers a seamless integration between the drone, sensor and software and has a proven successful track record in mapping applications around the world,” says Biar. “At GeoPrism, customer satisfaction is key for us to develop long-term relationships and grow with our partners. Since Microdrones is known as one of the worldwide leaders in the drone market, we feel our customers can greatly benefit by using their technology and software to create better deliverables.”

Abdel Diani, the Global Director of Distribution for Microdrones sees great promise in this new partnership. “Their goal is to offer the best technological solutions for all of their customers,” said Diani, “which aligns with our values at Microdrones. We welcome GeoPrism to our global distributor network and look forward to continued growth and success.”

Microdrones partners with Nautikaris as a new drone surveying equipment distributor in Benelux

Nautikaris, a supplier of various hydrographic, telemetry and GNSS positioning products is now offering drone surveying equipment from Microdrones throughout the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxemburg (Benelux.) As a distributor and partner of Microdrones, Nautikaris will be able to supply their customers with LiDAR, photogrammetry, and gas detection drone solutions.

Don Schouten, Account Manager, said that Nautikaris made the decision to sign on as a distributor since Microdrones provides fully integrated systems with high-quality sensors, a fullservice solution (drone, software, data processing and support) and the mdaaS sales model to make it affordable to start using drones for surveying.

“The Microdrones as a Service sales model is the future for our customers,” Schouten said. “In an ever-changing world, we see a shift towards people not buying equipment in a traditional manner, but rather paying for a service. This helps them manage costs, anticipate usage, and charge accordingly.

mdaaS empowers customers to deploy the full hardware and software solution as a service which includes mdInfinity, packaged with either the purchase or rental of survey equipment. It’s a win for both Nautikaris and their customers.”

“Nautikaris has been in business for over 50 years and we understand it’s important to offer more than just the technology, products, and software,” added Schouten. “In times where everything can be bought online, we provide the intangible assets on which our clients rely: service, cooperation and a customerfocused business relationship.”

“Nautikaris wanted to grow their surveying and drone business,” explained Samuel Flick, the Sales Manager for Central Europe at Microdrones. “We offer them the flexibility to rent or buy systems through Microdrones as a Service, which also helps them keep up with the evolution of the technology.

AgEagle to Acquire senseFly from Parrot

AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE American: UAVS) (“AgEagle” or the “Company”), an industry-leading provider of drones, sensors and software, and Parrot (Euronext Paris: PARRO), a leading European drone group, has jointly announced that they have signed a definitive agreement under which AgEagle shall acquire senseFly, a Parrot Group wholly-owned subsidiary, in a cash and stock transaction valued at US$23 million.

Founded in 2009, senseFly develops and produces a proprietary line of eBee-branded, high performance, fixed wing drones for professional use. Safe, ultralight and easy to use, these autonomous drones are utilized by thousands of customers around the world in agriculture, government, engineering and construction, among other industry verticals, to collect actionable aerial data intelligence. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, senseFly employs approximately 90 people, generating total annual revenues of approximately US$12.5 million in 2020.

Brandon Torres Declet, Chief Executive Officer of AgEagle, stated, “Recognized as the producer of the world’s most widely used fixed wing drones, senseFly is an ideal strategic fit for AgEagle; and is expected to accelerate our core growth strategy centered on delivering proprietary, full stack drone solutions to the global agriculture, construction, energy, government sectors, and in the future, package delivery. In addition, senseFly brings AgEagle solid engineering talent focused on advanced research and development, a well-established global reseller network and a strong portfolio of intellectual property.”

Parrot founder and Chief Executive Officer, Henri Seydoux, commented, “We trust that senseFly and the eBee line of fixed wing drones will continue to deliver tangible value, benefits and efficiencies to AgEagle’s customers and business partners well into the future. Moving forward, Parrot will focus its expertise and resources on the growth of its professional quadcopter drone equipment and drone data analysis software activities. The transaction will provide additional cash and lower operational expends to drive Parrot’s growth and industry standing. With the expended capabilities of the ANAFI line of professional drones and of the Pix4D software suites, Parrot will continue to address its core market segments: 3D Mapping, Surveying and Inspection, Agriculture, and Defense and Security.”

“senseFly has reached a very exciting and pivotal point in its history and is well positioned to build upon its leading position in the fixed wing drone market and accelerate its promising growth trajectory through this strategic combination with AgEagle,” noted Gilles Labossiere, senseFly’s Chief Executive Officer. “The impressive mix of solutions for customers and proven industry experience of both companies is expected to make for a solid foundation capable of propelling the companies forward and fueling exponential growth.”

In tandem with the closing of the acquisition expected shortly, Labossiere will resign as Chief Executive Officer of senseFly. Michael O’Sullivan, who previously served as the Company’s Head of Global Marketing, will be appointed as Managing Director of the new AgEagle subsidiary. All other senseFly employees will retain their current responsibilities.

Concluding, Brandon Torres Declet added, “We are very pleased to welcome senseFly to the fast-growing AgEagle family and look forward to integrating its many strengths with the power and performance of AgEagle’s proprietary sensor and software solutions to effectively meet the needs of customers globally. We would also like to extend our deepest thanks to Gilles for his leadership at senseFly and the instrumental role he played in the acquisition process. This is an exciting inflection point for the AgEagle and senseFly teams.”

FIXAR has signed an exclusivity agreement with the leading Indian technology development company Paras Aerospace, a subsidiary of Paras Defense and Space Technologies Limited, for FIXAR unmanned solution distribution in India.

Both companies will collaborate to ensure access to efficient and cost-effective unmanned aerial solutions offering an autonomous vertical take-off and landing model FIXAR 007 and a professional multirotor FIXAR INDOOR dedicated to indoor mapping, inspection, monitoring, surveillance, inventory, and exploration.

Operations Setup, business development, and technical support for providing this futureready technology will be supported by Paras. Paras Aerospace will be the Master Certification Compliance partner for FIXAR in India.

The first step is the market introduction of the flagship FIXAR 007, which is equipped with inhouse developed embedded Autopilot and closed-source xGroundControl Software for safe, secure and efficient missions. FIXAR 007 sets itself apart with its patented Fixed Angle Rotor system for seamless transitions to level flight and enhanced efficiency due to all motors being in use during the entire flight. The UAV has demonstrated an increased flight length (up to 60km/37.3 mi), payload capacity (2kg/4.4lb max), and increased stability compared to similar class drones. As end-to-end inhouse product, FIXAR 007 is adjustable to diverse market safety requirements making it promptly available on the market.

The first FIXAR 007 unmanned aerial vehicles are estimated to reach users in India by November, 2021. The initial agreement sets the mark of 150 drones to be delivered to operators in India for real-time video surveillance, laser scanning and aerial photography tasks in the sectors of government, agriculture, security, surveying and more.

“We’re excited to enter the Indian market as it holds great potential. We estimate fast overall UAV market expansion based on a liberalization of Drone Rules in India, which eases user and operator access to unmanned aerial vehicles and allows to apply UAV solutions to a broader array of applications,” says Vasily Lukashov, founder and CEO at FIXAR. “We are glad to take this step together with Paras as a wellknown and reliable company in the field of aerospace in India,” he adds.

Speaking on the cooperation Mr. Pankaj Akula, CEO, Paras Aerospace said, “It has been a privilege to serve the nation through our technological integration and production support for over three decades now. In these virtual times, drone technology has “Drones play an essential part in the successful implementation of various key functions imperative for operational excellence whether it is real-time video surveillance, cargo delivery, laser scanning or aerial photography. FIXAR is the platform with Fixed Angular Rotor Drone concept which will uniquely address this requirement. We are looking forward to continued support from thriving businesses for industry-leading drone solutions,” he emphasizes.

Unmanned aerial vehicle market in India is growing and in 2021 the industry and market is valued at 1 billion USD. Further growth is estimated based on the increased drone applicability range, and new advanced UAV models developed to carry heavier payload and work in challenging and severe environments.

great achievement for the Delta Drone International team.

Delta Drone International ranks fourth in drone industry insights’ top global drone service providers for 2021

Delta Drone International (ASX:DLT) has ranked fourth in the Top Global Drone Service Providers Report for 2021 by Drone Industry Insights (Droneii). The annual report, created by global leaders in drone market research, Droneii, analyses 400 of the world’s top drone service providers over a 12-month period and ranks them using company size, market share, development, and public attention as key metrics. Delta Drone International commenced operations on 1 January 2021, making this year the only year the Company has been eligible for the report. However, Delta Drone International’s mining specialist brand, Rocketmine has featured three times since the report’s inception in 2018.

Delta Drone International CEO, Christopher Clark said: “To rank fourth in the Droneii Top Drone Service Providers for 2021 Report after less than a year of operations, under our new merged structure, is a been revolutionizing various industries worldwide for carrying out smooth functioning of essential commercial processes.”

“Our business model was designed to address the growing customer need of frequent, high-quality & accurate drone data. Each of our brands are specialists in their industries, with every Rocketmine team member, drone and software platform chosen specifically for their experience and capabilities of a mining site. Similarly, our RocketFarm team are one of, if not the best UAV agriculture specialists in the world. Having these specialist brands is why our enterprise customers come to us for their aerial data requirement and stay with us long-term.”

Droneii researcher, Lukas Schroth said: “It takes time to be established enough to become competitive in all ranking categories, and Rocketmine’s success was a great precursor for what Delta Drone International has achieved in less than 12 months since its inception.

“We were thoroughly impressed with what Delta Drone International has been able to achieve in such a small amount of time and believe their fourth spot ranking alongside some of the world’s leading drone companies is well deserved.

Geo Week Conference Program and Speaker Lineup Announced

Organizers of Geo Week, the single powerhouse event that champions the coming together of geospatial technologies and the built world, have announced an impressive list of conference sessions and speakers for the 2022 event, which will take place February 6-8, 2022, in Denver, CO. The conference program features more than 125 speakers across 50 sessions with content that explores best practices in 3D capture, working in the built environment, gaining ROI from BIM, defining what’s possible now with lidar, and much more.

The coming together of AEC Next Technology Expo & Conference, International Lidar Mapping Forum, and SPAR 3D Expo & Conference to form Geo Week reflects the increased integration between the built environment, advanced airborne/terrestrial technologies, and commercial 3D technologies. Partner events taking place in conjunction with Geo Week include ASPRS Annual Conference, MAPPS Winter Meeting, and USIBD Annual Symposium, ensuring the presence of geospatial and built world industry movers and shakers all in one place.

Presenters representing leading organizations including Autodesk, Esri, USGS, The Beck Group, Hexagon Geosystems, GM, Caltrans, Velodyne Lidar, Draper, MLB and NASA will share their expertise on a range of topics. Featured sessions include:

BIM Project Approaches The Digital Twin In Action • Locating and Mapping Underground Infrastructure • 3D Technology in Transportation • AR/VR/XR Applications

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Mapping for Transportation (Road, Rail) • Exploring How 3D Technology Will Define Our Future Workflows • Advances in Processing of Point Clouds

Geo Week will have multiple tracks with content clearly identified as relevant to one or more of the audience groups feeding into Geo Week. The International Lidar Mapping Forum (ILMF) audience has historically been comprised of precision measurement professionals in surveying and mapping who use airborne and terrestrial lidar and related remote sensing technologies. The AEC Next audience has historically been comprised of professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) that use technologies such as reality capture, automation, AI and XR to bid and manage projects and improve workflows. The SPAR 3D audience has historically been comprised of professionals who use 3D capture, scanning, visualization and modeling technologies across a variety of verticals.

“We’ve witnessed the growing convergence between geospatial and the built world,” said Lee Corkhill, Group Event Director at Diversified Communications, organizer of Geo Week. “We believe the market is ready and eager for this next step of leveraging the confluence of technologies for improved collaboration, increased efficiency, and better outcomes. Much of the conference content and technology being showcased will reflect and support this increasing integration. At the same time, we recognize that individuals and organizations are at differing levels of adoption, and so there will be ample content that is more focused on what were traditional AEC Next, ILMF, and SPAR 3D topics.”

Geo Week will provide education, technology, and resources for professionals in industries including AEC, Asset & Facility Management, Disaster & Emergency Response, Earth Observation & Satellite Applications, Energy & Utilities, Infrastructure & Transportation, Land & Natural Resource Management, Mining & Aggregates, Surveying & Mapping, and Urban Planning & Smart Cities.

More than 80 companies have confirmed booths on the Exhibition Floor with additional companies being confirmed every week and more than 100 associations and media companies are signed on as supporters.

Geo Week takes place February 6-8, 2022, with conference programming and exhibits Sunday, February 6 through Tuesday, February 8. Additional features of the programming are vendor-delivered Product Previews, Exhibition Theaters, workshops, and programming hosted by ASPRS, MAPPS, and USIBD.

Epiroc launches a new tube drilling system – ET51. It replaces the previous T51 tube drilling system. This new system greatly outperforms traditional speed-rod systems and allows for straighter and deeper drilling. Unlike its predecessor, ET51 comes with only one tube type which simplifies procurement and management.

Straighter and deeper drilling

The ET51 tube drilling system allows for straighter and deeper drilling while vastly improving service life. The system’s capability of extremely straight drilling is the result of a new tube design, a stiffer drill string thanks to the shoulder drive, a new coupling geometry and greatly improved bending endurance resulting in up to twice the strength of our previous model T51.

The new system also means that the operator can drill deeper than before. Lighter tube ends, which also have an improved geometry, allow more energy to be transferred into the rock. The advantage increases with each tube in the drill string, reducing the rate of penetration loss per tube, adding up to considerably deeper holes.

"Our new tube drilling system really provides a significant advantage for the operator. Straighter and

Longer service life and improved safety

Besides improving straightness, shoulder drive reduces tube wear. The new optimized coupling geometry, including patented threads, means less mechanical wear. Field tests have shown that ET51 provides up to 45% longer service life. This greatly improves personal safety for the operator through fewer shifts. Another aspect of longer service life is that there will be fewer tubes manufactured in total over time, which in turn reduces the outtake of raw material and less transportation.

"Sustainability and safety are important factors for us when developing new products and longer service life means less shifts which increases safety and improves our carbon footprint. It is a win-win for both us and our customers," emphasizes Veselin Donchev, Global Product Manager, Epiroc Tools & Attachment Division.

Pix4D Launches viDoc RTK Rover

Pix4D, the market leader in photogrammetry solutions, has just made the viDoc RTK rover available for purchase in the USA and Canada. Already available in Europe, the German-designed rover attaches to the latest iOS devices to bring RTK accuracy to terrestrial scanning on iPhones and iPads.

The viDoc rover and PIX4Dcatch solution can replace the need for cumbersome and expensive survey tools such as RTK GNSS rovers and terrestrial scanners for a fraction of the price.

“The viDoc RTK is a very easy-to-use handheld device used to 3D model just about any small area or structure. Combined with processing in PIX4Dmatic with both LiDAR and photogrammetry data, it’s an exciting new and accurate product.” – Mark Paulson of VerticalAspect, a professional surveyor with 30 years experience and 10 years of experience working with drones and photogrammetry in surveying.

When paired with the PIX4Dcatch mobile app, the two products create a workflow that turns iPhones or iPads into an accurate terrestrial scanning device, with centimeter-accurate RTK positioning from your existing NTRIP network. PIX4Dcatch also takes advantage of LiDAR scanners in the latest devices, which are also leveraged during data capture and processing to improve scale and completeness. The result is a survey-grade tool in the pockets of professionals, replacing heavy LiDAR scanners and rovers. deeper drilling means improved productivity. This is further enhanced by fact that it comes with only one tube type making management and procurement a lot easier. It really is somewhat of a game changer," says Veselin Donchev, Global Product Manager, Epiroc Tools & Attachment Division

The viDoc RTK rover for PIX4Dcatch is designed to be seamlessly integrated with all of Pix4D’s photogrammetry solutions. The easy workflow means users can go from scanning a site in minutes with the viDoc rover and PIX4Dcatch to processing on the cloud with PIX4Dcloud for 3D-models and volume measurements. Alternatively, they could process the data from PIX4Dcatch in the desktop software PIX4Dmatic and use both LiDAR and photogrammetry data to get the desired outputs, which can be added to PIX4Dsurvey for vectorization and be made ready for CAD. The ease of use, affordability, and quality of the outputs of the viDoc RTK rover have the ability to disrupt the AEC industry and bring new workflows to fields including public works, accident reconstruction, and stockpile management.

The viDoc RTK rover is available for sale from Pix4D or licensed resellers across the United States and Canada.

Trimble Civil Construction Field Software Now Available Via Subscription Service Worldwide

Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) has announced that its Trimble® Earthworks Grade Control Platform software and Trimble Siteworks software are now available globally as a subscription service. Contractors now have the ability to implement and scale Trimble's machine control and construction surveying solutions more easily and with no large up-front costs.

Trimble Earthworks Subscription Service and Trimble Siteworks Subscription Service provide the software solutions at a contracted, fixed monthly price with flexible 12-, 36- and 60-month terms, giving customers the ability to modernize large fleets and to survey equipment inventories without a large capital investment. Trimble's subscription services are a costeffective, predictable way for users new to technology to get started, and are also ideal for contractors looking to switch technology providers.

Plans include Trimble WorksManager Software, the cloud-based application that allows users to wirelessly transfer data from the office to the field, ensuring that field teams are always working with the latest 3D constructible models. Hardware and software upgrades are also included for the full term, and accidental damage protection for hardware is part of the contract in some regions. Local technical support, training and customer service packages from SITECH® construction technology dealers can be included in the subscription service.

"Providing customers around the world access to Trimble field software as a subscription service means contractors no longer have to spend time or resources tracking technology assets, training or troubleshooting users on multiple software versions, or worrying about technology upgrades," said Scott Crozier, general manager of Civil Construction at Trimble. "The rate of change for technology continues to increase. With a subscription service, contractors can rest assured that they will always have the latest and greatest from Trimble."

Availability

Trimble Earthworks Subscription Service and Trimble Siteworks Subscription Service are now available globally through the worldwide SITECH distribution channel.

“I am excited that we now also have this newest generation of USVs available for European clients,” said Erik-Jan Bijvank, group director Europe and Africa at Fugro. “Over the coming years, Fugro will further expand its fleet of USVs for safer, more sustainable solutions for marine operations.”

Fugro launches uncrewed surface vessels

Fugro’s Blue Essence, an offshore certified uncrewed surface vessel (USV) with an electric remotely operated vehicle (eROV), will begin its first project in the Netherlands.

The vessel is controlled from an onshore remote operations center (ROC) via a satellite connection. It will be used for the inspection of offshore assets, construction support services, and hydrographic and geophysical surveys.

USVs play an important role in the future of the maritime sector by improving safety, reducing carbon emissions, and delivering data more efficiently. USV operations remove personnel from high-risk offshore environments to an onshore ROC and reduce carbon footprint by 95 % when compared to traditional survey methods. Cloud-based data processing allows near real-time data delivery, leading to faster and more informed decision making.

“We welcome this special vessel in our port. It’s the first time a remotely controlled uncrewed vessel will go to the North Sea from the port of Rotterdam to carry out a project without any personnel on board,” said René de Vries, Harbour Master of the Rotterdam Port Authority. “We are proud that this project will be executed safely due to the careful preparation of all parties involved. We expect the development of digitalization in the shipping sector will improve the safety and accessibility of the Rotterdam port.” Since 2020, Fugro has been deploying its Blue Shadow USV fleet for medium- to large-scale hydrographic survey applications. Fugro’s first Blue Essence has completed its first remote inspection, in Asia Pacific.

Re-using depleted mines for energy storage: thyssenkrupp Uhde South Africa wins study and signs an agreement with Pumped Hydro Storage Sweden AB

Thyssenkrupp Uhde Africa together with Wismut GmbH has been appointed to execute a pre-feasibility for study for a “Renewable Underground Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage” (RUPHES) project on a specific site with a South African mining company. thyssenkrupp Uhde South Africa is collaborating with international specialist companies to facilitate mine repurposing. Already last year thyssenkrupp Uhde had signed a cooperation agreement with mining rehabilitation specialist Wismut GmbH in Germany. The international cooperation was now recently expanded by an agreement with Pumped Hydro Storage Sweden AB.

With the increase in renewable energy generation there is an increased need for energy storage. Renewable Underground Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (RUPHES) in repurposed mines – coupled with solar and wind power – can reliably provide green energy when it is needed. Repurposing of depleted gold mines for RUPHES enables short construction schedules and significantly reduced costs. The main reason: Gold mining has already created the underground water storage reservoirs that commonly are the mostly costly components of pumped hydro plants. They just have to be adapted to their new purpose. This is exactly what Pumped Hydro Storage Sweden does. It is part of the company Sustainable Energy Solutions and is currently developing a 2 MW / 8 MWh underground pumped energy storage project in an abandoned iron mine in Aland, Finland. The project has the support of both the European Commission and Swedish Energy Agency, and they are looking to commission the project in December 2023. This project demonstrates the reduced construction schedules and costs associated with utilizing mine tunnels for pumped energy storage as did a similar project at the Kidston gold mine in Australia.

Well-proven, cost-competitive solution serving a major trend in Africa. As probably the most mature energy storage technology currently available, pumped hydro accounts for 97% of the global storage capacity. Exceptionally high hydraulic heads and stable hard rock geology render ultra-deep gold mines ideal for implementing the concept, and for producing internationally cost-competitive, reliable green electricity as well as green hydrogen and green ammonia. Just for comparison: In June 2021, a South African gold mining company announced that they are able to produce electricity from solar power at USD 1.1c/kWh. This pricing is nearly on par with the best international solar pricing USD 1.04c/kWh, achieved in competitive bidding in Saudi Arabia. The fact that South Africa has world-class solar and wind resources is gaining traction in both government and industry, and the fact that it is cheaper to provide electricity from South African renewables than it is to provide power by importing foreign gas.

Getech Releases Heat Seeker – a New Paradigm for Geothermal Energy Exploration

Getech, a provider of geoscience data, knowledge, and software to the energy and strategic minerals industries, has released its unique HeatSeeker™ solution in response to the fast-developing geothermal energy market.

Geothermal, which is increasingly recognised for its future role in the transition to a net-zero world, offers a massive resource of sustainable low-carbon baseload energy. Countries around the world have set their targets for a net-zero future and creating energy from geothermal sources will make vital contributions to meeting them.

But how will those in charge of low-carbon strategies be able to assess geothermal potential and then develop this important source of carbon-free clean energy? Getech developed Heat Seeker™ to meet that challenge.

By providing an integrated solution for geothermal energy favourability analysis and site selection, Heat Seeker™ enables companies and governments to appraise the technical potential for geothermal energy on a regional scale and gain a deeper understanding of the localised market economics that drive the viability of the resources.

Chief Operating Officer for Getech, Chris Jepps, explains how his company’s new solution will benefit organisations working within this emerging marketplace: “Heat Seeker is built on the solid foundations of Getech’s market-leading gravity and magnetic data holdings, and our understanding of sub-surface heat conditions and geological structure. Heat Seeker integrates geological factors, heat flow, temperature, tectonism, structure, geothermal system type with commercial analysis of market dynamics; including power grid and power plant distributions, heat demand maps, and the location of customers. Competition from other clean energy sources is also taken into account.

“When these key components are enhanced with machine learning and combined with advanced geospatial analytics of the market for any produced resource, the results are a solution that enables organisations to rapidly identify sweet spots for geothermal energy across a region – be it international, regional or local. Gaining such early project focus saves time, increases profit-margins, and ultimately reduces payback times in geothermal projects.”

Executive Director of The International Geothermal Association (IGA), Marit Brommer, commented: “Heat Seeker is a unique product in the geothermal sector. I’m convinced it will help organisations across the globe with the sweet-spotting of new geothermal energy sites based on subsurface and above-ground information.