Geothermal Resource in Victoria
Geothermal energy is derived from natural heat within the earth and can be classified into two categories:
- Hot Dry Rock (HDR), where the direct heat of the rock is used
- Hydrothermal which utilises hot water and steam generated in the ground
Both energy sources can be used for direct heat and power generation.
View an interactive map of geothermal resource in Victoria.
Victoria has limited Hot Dry Rock resources which are at depths that may currently preclude commercial energy generation. The hydrothermal property of geothermal bores in Victoria has potential for geothermal direct use applications.
Geothermal temperatures in Victoria increase on average between 3 and 4șC per 100 metres from the surface. Whilst Australia has great potential for developments in the use of Hot Dry Rocks for energy generation, Victoria has limited Hot Dry Rock resources.
The feature of the geothermal systems in Victoria of most interest is the highly productive aquifers in the unconsolidated basin sediments at depths of up to 1000 metres. These aquifers provide uniformly high productive geothermal bores.
Applications that take advantage of the geothermal resources in Victoria can be found in the form of geothermal heat pumps, space heating and district heating, bathing and swimming pool heating, aquaculture pond heating, greenhouse heating, industrial uses, cooling and air conditioning, and agricultural drying.
Sub-surface temperatures at 500m
Key: Sub-surface temperature at 500m below ground level (degrees Celcius)
The above map shows the temperature below the surface at 500m depth. This resource assessment was developed in partnership with Sinclair Knight Merz and Professor Jim Cull, Monash Geoscope
Sub-surface temperatures at 1000m
Key: Sub-surface temperature at 1000m below ground level (degrees Celcius)
The above map shows the temperature below the surface at 1000m depth. This resource assessment was developed in partnership with Sinclair Knight Merz and Professor Jim Cull, Monash Geoscope
Sub-surface temperatures at 1500m
Key: Sub-surface temperature at 1500m below ground level (degrees Celcius)
The above map shows the temperature below the surface at 1500m depth. This resource assessment was developed in partnership with Sinclair Knight Merz and Professor Jim Cull, Monash Geoscope
Top | Last updated 25/09/2006
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