According to an article by REneweconomy, the biggest challenge for Ergon will be to integrate the new geothermal power station with the existing diesel power station. With the update to the plant, the company aims to increase power generation from renewables to 70 percent and displace about 80 perecent of the 500,000 litres of diesel used for power generation each year.
Birdsville geothermal plant in Queensland, Australia to receive AU$15 m government funding
The Birdsville geothermal plant in Queensland, Australia has secured up to US$11.4 million for upgrades from the government of Queensland under the new budget announced for the coming 12 months.
Australia’s only geothermal power plant will receive AU$15 million (around US$11.4 million) in government funding as part of the budget for 2017-2018 announced by the government of Queensland this morning.
Under the new budget for 2017-2018, the government of Queensland in Australia will provide up to AU$428 million for infrastructure projects and road works in Western Queensland.
The funding is for capital works on the plant. We reported in 2016 on planned upgrades for the plant, which we assume are now possible with the funding provided.
Additional notes (added June 22, 2017)
The local operator of the plant is Ergon Energy and the plant is the only operating geothermal power station in Australia. The plant uses relatively shallow geothermal resources. The plant uses an 85 kW net screw expander system, with the new plant expected to double the capacity to 150-200 kW, so rather small scale.
Source: Government of Queensland, Australia – Press release, REneweconomy