| Abstract |
Geothermal energy provides the renewable energy sector with an opportunity to produce base load power, whilst meeting current government objectives in relation to greenhouse gas emission and renewable energy portfolio standards. Whilst the technology is not currently at an advanced stage of commercialisation when compared to other generation technologies utilising renewable sources such as wind or solar, the fact remains that it can provide continuous, rather than intermittent generation. Industry and renewable energy associations, together with government agencies are now including geothermal energy within their calculations of available generation capacity by 2020. However, conflicting policy initiatives between State and Federal Governments, together with delays in proving commercial viability of the technology may see the sector miss out on many funding opportunities. This research looks at whether the current proposed Federal policies will provide the incentives needed to drive the deployment of geothermal energy within the 2020 timeframe or whether the current barriers will see deployment occur much later. This paper will also consider whether the delays may actually be advantageous given the conflicting policy objectives. Finally the paper will consider the current development sites and whether policy could see deployment closer to the point of end use. Whilst the need to develop pilot plants is crucial, the need to develop sites closer to existing networks is also important given the costs associated with establishing grid connection, a cost that must be borne by the generator. This may see the need for additional State based policy measures to drive both additional development and deployment of those identified resources close to existing infrastructure. |