25 August 2008
Geothermal energy
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According to new research just 1 per cent of Australia's 'hot rocks' could provide 26,000 times the amount of energy that we use each year. These rocks are located around 5 kilometres deep in the ground. The government has just launched a 50 million dollar drilling program to explore the viability of large-scale production of 'hot rocks' geothermal energy, and the industry is about to build the first demonstration plant. While the industry hails this form of geothermal energy as Australia's solution for our future energy needs, some scientists sound a note of caution because of uncertainties with costs and environmental impacts.
Should Australia bet its energy supply on hot rocks? Or if we're going to invest in renewable energy, should we stick to more proven forms such as solar or wind?
Guests
Susan Jeanes, CEO of the Australian Geothermal Energy Association
Professor David Harries, Director of the Research Institute for Sustainable Energy, Murdoch University
Professor Klaus Regenauer-Lieb, founder of the Geothermal Centre of Exellence Western Australia
Bernard Keane, Canberra correspondent for Crikey
Dr. Doone Wyborn, Executive Director of Geodynamics
Further Information
Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
Queensland Geothermal Energy Centre of Excellence, UQ
Australian Geothermal Energy Group
McLennan Magasanik Associates' report to the Australian Geothermal Energy Association
Research Institute for Sustainable Energy, Murdoch University
International Geothermal Association
Australian Geothermal Energy Association
Presenter
Paul Barclay
Story Researcher and Producer
Karin Zsivanovits
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