Geothermal Energy in Australia

Geothermal Energy

Date posted: 05/29/10

Geothermal energy is a major resource and potential source of low emissions renewable energy suitable for base-load electricity generation and direct-use applications. Australia has significant potential geothermal resources associated with buried high heat-producing granites and lower temperature geothermal resources associated with naturally-circulating waters in aquifers deep in sedimentary basins. Most current geothermal projects in Australia are still at proof-of-concept or early commercial demonstration stage. Demonstration of the commercial viability of geothermal energy in Australia will assist in attracting the capital investment required for geothermal energy development. The development of some remote geothermal resources will require additional transmission infrastructure. Geothermal energy is projected to produce around 6 TWh in 2029–30.