Geothermal Energy in Australia

In the fortnight since the last update, drilling has progressed well in the current section with the rate of penetration (ROP) exceeding expectations. As depth increases it is expected that the ROP will decrease in the harder formations.

For further information, please check our website (www.geodynamics.com.au) or contact Mr Geoff Ward on + 61 7 3721 7500. Media and investor inquiries may also be directed to Meredith Bird, Corporate Affairs Manager on +61 7 3721 7581.

Participants in the Innamincka ‘Deeps’ Joint Venture, which focuses on higher temperature Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) greater than 3,500 m depth are: Geodynamics Limited (Operator) – 70%, Origin Energy Geothermal Pty Ltd* – 30%.

Geodynamics is the leading Australian geothermal exploration and development company. Geodynamics possesses some of the best geothermal resources in the world and is rapidly developing technology to exploit the resource. Geothermal energy has the potential to be a critical element of Australia’s future power generation and Geodynamics is at the forefront of development.

Geothermal energy offers the prospect of zero carbon, base-load energy generation. "Zero carbon" means that no carbon dioxide (CO2) will be emitted when generating energy. This is different from some other forms of ‘renewable’ energy, which still result in significant CO2 emissions. "Base-load" means that power is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round, and therefore can be used to meet energy needs at any time. This is a significant advantage compared to a number of other zero-carbon technologies that are more intermittent (such as wind energy, wave energy and solar power).

Geothermal energy produced from hot fractured rocks, also known as Engineered or Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), is generated by special high heat producing granites located 3km or more below the Earth’s surface. The heat inside these granites is trapped by overlying rocks which act as an insulating blanket. The heat is extracted from these granites by pumping water through fractures in the granite and bringing the hot water to surface. Geodynamics believes that energy produced using EGS technology is capable of generating base-load power at a cost that will be very competitive with other energy sources (both low carbon and otherwise).

www.geodynamics.com.au