The ARRC/Pawsey Geothermal Demonstration Project: An Example of How to Engage the Community

Abstract

The first deep well for CSIRO’s ARRC/Pawsey Geothermal Demonstration Project is scheduled to be drilled in the second quarter of 2012. In Australia, this is the largest planned demonstration of direct use geothermal energy and one of the most suburban. It is likely there will be regulatory requirements to engage stakeholders, including the surrounding community. Outlined in this paper is how we will engage the community, through workshops with small groups of influential locals, a larger community workshop, a survey of local residents and a community meeting close to commencement of drilling. In addition to demonstrating how to engage the community, the project is an unprecedented opportunity to facilitate greater understanding of geothermal technology with the community, and the outcomes will help to inform future demonstrations.