Webinars

February 2010 - Solar power will help California's utility companies to meet a state mandate to produce 20 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2010 and 33 percent by 2020. However, the challenges of designing, siting, and operating a solar plant require a rigorous approval process which can take 2 to 3 years. Matt will share his perspective on the solar power permitting process, gained through the preparation and review of seven proposals, and will speak about the challenges in meeting the California renewable energy mandates.

Matt Hagemann is a California Professional Geologist and former EPA Region 9 Senior Science Policy Advisor. He is currently a Principal at Soil/Water/Air Protection Enterprise (SWAPE), an environmental consulting firm in Santa Monica, CA.

January 2010 - Dr. Eastman will discuss a novel method of geothermal energy using carbon dioxide as a working fluid. Traditional geothermal systems use water pumped deep into the earth to generate electricity in areas with subsurface plumes close to the earth's crust. A more novel method called Enhanced Geothermal Systems, or Hot Dry Rock geothermal, uses high pressure water to open cavities in less quality sources. Dr. Eastman will discuss an extension of this system which uses carbon dioxide instead of water.

Events