FAQs
What is geothermal heating/cooling?
Geothermal energy is defined as heat occurring naturally underground, which can be brought to the Earth’s surface (usually) with water and used to generate power. Geothermal heat is directly used in applications requiring low-grade heat of less than 100°C. Examples include bathing, swimming, space heating and a range of industrial processes
Potential benefits
Natural gas is currently used to heat facilities in the West Bairnsdale area, which comes at an ever-increasing cost to the precinct’s schools, hospital and Council. An ability to generate geothermal energy could potentially provide a massive reduction in on-going utility costs to such facilities. The specific economic benefit of geothermal energy depends on the characteristics of the proposed project and site location, including the depth, temperature, and productivity of the target underground aquifer (which can determine the cost of drilling and well completion); the heat demand of the specific project; and operation and maintenance costs. These factors will be addressed during this feasibility stage.
Geothermal energy generation also produces less greenhouse gas emissions than natural gas. Currently the BARC generates 451 tonnes of CO2-e per year alone from natural gas, this would reduce significantly with a transfer to geothermal energy.
These benefits will potentially also be shared with other neighbouring public service providers.
When will the project commence?
The project commenced in September 2023, with the identification of possible locations for production and injection bores.
Will the project disrupt residents or services?
No, there should not be any disruption to local services at these facilities at any time or any disruption to local residents.
The feasibility stage does not involve any on-site drilling or operations, the testing is all done through research.
Who are the participating services in this project?
Council has engaged University of Melbourne to conduct the feasibility study, while Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Bairnsdale Secondary College, West Bairnsdale Primary School and GippsTAFE have all agreed to participate.
Will geothermal energy be made available to local residents?
During the initial stage of the project the focus of the project will be on public facilities. There is potential to consider offering the energy to residential properties later in the project, although this may not be possible.
Is geothermal energy being used in a similar facility?
Yes, the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) in Traralgon installed a geothermal energy heating system in 2021. The GRAC is the first facility of its kind in Victoria to use geothermal energy to heat its swimming pools and buildings.
Analysis of the project predicts that Latrobe City Council’s payback period for the project is currently less than five years and the project avoided over 900 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in its first year.