Torrens Energy has secured a GEL in the Port Augusta area which covers two coal fired power stations, Northern and Playford. This could allow for Hybrid Power Production.

“Technical studies completed overseas show that geothermal energy can conceptually be harnessed and applied directly to existing fossil fuel-powered power production,” Torrens Energy chief executive Chris Matthews said.

“This process has been termed `hybrid geothermal pre-heating’ and involves elevating the water temperature prior to being injected into the steam turbine process common to coal power generation.”

The company has also mentioned it’s plans to desalinate water from the northern end of the Spencer Gulf.

“Using geothermal heat to effectively what we call flash desalinate sea water which means effectively boiling it and distilling off the water in that way,” he explained.

“We believe that there is good potential for geothermal energy and therefore direct geothermal desalination of sea water.”

» Geothermal company looks at desalination - ABC, 25th June 2007.
» Exploration licence may bring hot rock powered desal plant -ABC, 26th June 2007.
» ‘Hybrid’ geothermal process - Adelaide Advertiser, 26th June 2007.

Geodynamic’s $32 million dollar drill rig has arrived in Australia. It is now being loaded on 40 trucks to be transported to Innamincka in the Cooper Basin.

» Hot rocks rig from US arrives in Qld - 4th July 2007.