For the First Time: Geothermal to Power Air Conditioning in Australia
Green Rock Energy has secured a deal to power the University of Western Australia's (UWA) air conditioning system with geothermal energy.
Air conditioning is one of Australia's largest energy demands; yet, this is the first project of its type in Australia. It is estimated the project will replace 5 megawatts of grid-based energy demand.
To generate the power, Green Rock Energy (ASX:GRK) will drill two three kilometer-deep wells on campus. The wells will draw up super-heated water; the water will be fed through heat exchangers, and, after its use, the water will then be returned to its source.
If this project is successful, it could lead to a large increase in business for Green Rock: its partnership with the University of Western Australia would expand, and it would also have a better chance of securing a deal to provide the energy for heating and cooling the houses in the new 40,000 home Alkimos development.
Green Rock estimates the UWA project will cost A$12 million.
Read the full story at The Australian: Uni Chills Out with Geothermal
Nathanael Baker is the Managing Editor of EnergyBoom. He has researched and reported on the issues of renewable energy, sustainability, and climate change for over two years. He has provided research to the New York Times and The Economist, as well as being published on different media outlets including, The Energy Collective.
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