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Latrobe Valley A Favourite For Geothermal PowerLatrobe City Council’s Climate Change Consultative Committee met with Professor Rachel Webster of Melbourne University recently, By Latrobe City - 14th April 2011 - Back to News and had the opportunity to talk with her regarding her pending report to government on geothermal opportunities in Victoria.
Committee Chair, Latrobe City ward councillor, Lisa Price, said that developments in geothermal power had great potential in our region.
"Professor Webster explained that Latrobe Valley is a ‘hot-spot’ and a favourite for a potential geothermal power station due to the blanket of brown coal which provides excellent insulation and because of the existing infrastructure and energy distribution network.
"We know that the technology and skills for the power plants already exist in Latrobe Valley, but further work needs to be done on deep drilling and the underground fluid circulation. Current designs use water in a closed system, which would minimise pollution risks and use much less water than current power stations, increasing the amount of water available for other uses," Cr Price explained.
"According to Professor Webster’s presentation, geothermal is able to produce a reliable base load, can track loads within minutes, produces no carbon dioxide and is available 24 hours a day," Cr Price explained.
"There are a range of geothermal pilot projects running elsewhere in the world. Government investment is needed to get commercial generation from geothermal in Australia. The main challenges are ‘ground-truthing’ suitable locations, the challenges and costs of deep drilling (perhaps 4 kilometres down), finding suitable local geology, and the regulatory environment.
"Previously cost estimates of developing geothermal energy have been a major constraint however with the introduction of a carbon price this could tip the balance to be almost as competitive as coal. Listening to Professor Webster’s presentation was informative and thought-provoking and definitely a subject worth pursuing with some interest," Cr Price said.
"Latrobe City Council has developed Positioning Latrobe City for a Low Carbon Emissions Future to provide Council with an overarching framework to overcome challenges and maximise opportunities that may be presented by a carbon constrained economy.
"Council is actively seeking ways to promote the capacity of the region to accommodate alternative energy solutions and to promote the development of its economy based on sustainable use of natural resources, including geothermal energy and encourage sustainable business growth, diversification and private industry investment in Latrobe City," Cr Price concluded.
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Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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