| Abstract |
Since the year 2000 when the first Geothermal licence applications were lodged in Australia, there has been continual and progressive growth in the Australian Geothermal sector with company expenditure to date amounting to AU$325 million over the current 383 geothermal licences. Most of the investment is focused on Hot Rock (HR) plays, but a significant number of companies also seek to commercialise Hot Sedimentary Aquifer (HSA) plays. Significant research studies have been completed relating mostly to Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). Australia’s geological environment lends itself to the development of different forms of EGS plays, and as such the technical advances needed for widespread international deployment of EGS are key to the advancement of geothermal energy use in Australia. The Australian Geothermal Energy Group (AGEG), with members from geothermal companies, research institutions and governments, was formed in 2006 with the vision that geothermal resources will provide the lowest cost emissions free renewable base load and direct-use energy for centuries to come. The AGEG is working towards this vision through its Technical Interest Groups which have determined the research of the highest priority to the industry, closely aligned with the priorities of the IEA Geothermal Implementing Agreement (GIA), the International Partnership for Geothermal Technologies (IPGT) and the ENhanced Geothermal Innovative Network for Europe (ENGINE). The AGEG provides support for Australia’s membership in the IEA GIA and contributes to IEA annual reports relating to geothermal energy. This paper provides an update on the current status of geothermal development activity in Australia including the number of geothermal licences and licence areas, project milestones that have been reached and future developments expected. The significant research findings of projects completed for the AGEG by members such as the University of Adelaide and Newcastle University will also be reported. Of note are two projects completed to identify and evaluate the potential of risks due to EGS activity, in particular the risk management of induced seismicity due to fracture stimulation and a study on the potential for radiological hazards associated with EGS. These and other studies aim to reduce the uncertainties surrounding EGS and rather than deter development, provide knowledge to allow appropriate, safe and efficient management. |