Clean energy technology rocks

Geodynamics has been hailed as the first company to successfully produce power in Australia using geothermal ‘hot rocks’ technology.

Clean Energy Council Policy Director Russell Marsh said the company’s 1 MW Habanero Pilot Plant in South Australia is a demonstration of world-beating innovation developed here in Australia.

“New clean energy sources such as geothermal will transform the way we produce our electricity in the future,” Marsh said.

Geodynamics’ Habanero Pilot Plant.

“This type of geothermal energy produces power by superheating water using hot rocks deep beneath the ground. If developed further, it could potentially produce large amounts of electricity around the clock.”

Located in South Australia’s Cooper Basin, the Habanero Pilot Plant will be evaluated after running for 100 days.

Geothermal energy is still in its infancy, Marsh said, but Geodynamics’ work demonstrates that the clean energy industry is attracting innovators who are interested in making breakthroughs that could change the energy landscape - both locally and globally.

“This milestone by Geodynamics also shows the importance of organisations such as the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, which provide targeted support to develop cutting-edge technologies to their full potential,” Marsh said.