TOPIC 'Geothermal Energy' on Oct 02, 2008 (CEST)
Australia Investigating Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy, also known as “hot rocks” technology, is soon to be explored in nine areas of Australia. Steam collected from the hot underground rocks is captured and transformed into a renewable energy source with low emissions. The government of Australia has given permits to New World Energy to drill in parts of Australia where a huge amount of hot rocks are expected to be found. As soon as the permits are confirmed, the company can begin testing temperatures in the suspected areas of interest and collecting geological specimens. It is expected to be a slow process in the beginning as it will take a few years to get the drilling needed completed to actually benefit from the possible geothermal energy hidden under ground.
The geothermal energy conversion process, somewhat simplified, follows. A researcher must locate an area where hot rocks are believed to be. They then must test to see if their assumptions were accurate. Water is delivered below the surface to the hot rock areas. The water is then converted to steam, through the natural heat of the rocks, and the steam is transported back to the surface to power a turbo generator.
While New Zealand has had some experience using geothermal energy, its neighbor to the west has not explored the option in any detail. In August 2006, legislation was passed creating the Australian Government’s Onshore Energy Security Initiative. This initiative was the beginning of Australia’s drive to learn more about possible geothermal energy in the country. The goal of the plan was also to encourage discovery and innovation, and explore possible methods for understanding and utilizing this alternative energy source.
There are some distinct advantages to using geothermal energy. First, it is renewable, thus resources won’t run out. Second, it’s free once the infrastructure to harvest it is put in place. Third, it does not take much land to put the method into production and it does not blemish the landscape. Disadvantages include the fact that while the resources won’t run out, a particular site may be depleted of its steam. Also, through the production process, some minerals which could be considered hazardous may be created. Another problem could be locating the geothermal sites as they can be difficult to identify. However, with more development and research, this could prove to be a valid source of renewable energy for Australia.
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
Technologie Park 13
33100 Paderborn
Germany
