Current Directions for Geothermal Energy Development in Australia

Abstract

The geothermal sector in Australia fundamentally changed focus over the 2010s from electricity generation to direct-use, hot spring spas, and ground source heat pumps, driven by global energy market forces and trends in recreation and wellness. The Australian Geothermal Association (AGA) was incorporated in 2016 as a professional society and forum for the geothermal sector to present and exchange information about geothermal energy. One of the first activities of the AGA was to conduct a national census of geothermal projects, which revealed that ground source heat pumps and direct-use of geothermal heat are already providing significant benefits to Australia in terms of energy cost savings and offsets to greenhouse gas emissions. Natural hot springs occur in every state and territory of Australia, and a growing industry is providing significant boosts to local economies by commercializing the springs for tourism, recreation, relaxation and wellness. There appear to be abundant opportunities to grow the geothermal sector in Australia through direct-use, ground source heat pumps, and hot spring resorts.