South Australian Geothermal Research Centre

Abstract

The emergence of the Australian Geothermal Sector has focussed attention on the potential of the Australia’s non volcanic thermal systems to provide both direct and indirect energy. However the challenges are significant, and require a coordinated effort between the private, government and R&D sectors to focus expertise and bring projects to demonstration. The Development Framework and Technology Roadmap (DRET, 2008) outlines a clear plan for project development. A key aspect of this roadmap is consultation between the private sector and research organisations that prioritises research gaols that directly aid the sector. In this context there are now a number of research centres within Australia that are seeking to form a cohesive national R&D effort to assist the sector. This paper provides an overview of the South Australian Geothermal Research Centre (SACGER), which is hosted at the University of Adelaide, and provides a compliment to the national overview presented by Long et al (this volume).