GEMOC ARC National Key CentreD. Swenson1, P. Chopra2 and D. Wyborn2
1. Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department, Kansas State University,
2. GEMOC ANU
Australia has the potential for a large Hot Dry Rock (HDR) geothermal
resource. The large scale of the resource stems from the thermal blanketing
of sedimentary basins and high heat-producing basement rocks. The crustal-shortening
stress regime should result in favourable reservoir orientations (horizontal
or sub-horizontal), at the expense of requiring high stimulation pressures.
The ease of drilling through sedimentary basins and the anticipated reservoir
orientation should reduce drilling costs. If favourable stimulation is
achieved, the useful production life of repeating well cells should exceed
20 years.