Australia expects commercial geothermal power by 2012

Australia is expecting its first delivery of commercial geothermal power in Petratherm's Paralana project by the end of 2012.

In January, Petratherm successfully completed an initial test at its Paralana-2 well, where an injection of a small volume of water detected micro-seismic event as far as 300 metres out from the well hole.

A more major test is now scheduled for June, using higher volumes of water at higher pressure.

The test will be critical, and by achieving it will help determine the company's ability to get a commercial flow rate going between the injector and the eventual Paralana-3 production well.

According to the company's managing director Terry Kallis, the June test was achievable provided it continued to meet its targets.

It said this would allow the commercial commissioning of the power plant by the end of 2012.

If so, the company will commission a 3.75 megawatt power plant.

The full story is available at xinhuanet.com.