Greenpower Energy receives funding for shallow drilling program in West Australia
Esperance, West Australia (source: flickr/ Don Pugh Perth Western Australia, creative commons)
Alexander Richter
4 Jul 2012
Australian listed Greenpower Energy receives government funding for a shallow drilling program for a planned Hot Dry Rocks project in West Australia.
Reported in Australia this morning, “ASX-listed company Greenpower Energy has signed a drilling grant of $120,000 to take its Esperance geothermal project forward.
The company is exploring a granite body with an area in excess of 600km2 with strong geothermal potential.
Analysis of basic geological information has revealed heat-generating granite rocks occur in the Esperance district.
Greenpower chief executive officer John Watts said developing and harnessing geothermal energy was a significant opportunity for electricity generation in the area.
The area to be drilled is a hot dry rocks (HDR) geothermal target in radiogenic granites near Mt Ridley (80km north of Esperance).
“We plan to use local drillers where possible and fully intend to engage with local stakeholders, the community and traditional owners,” Mr Watts said.
Any on-site activity that may have cultural significance will involve consultation with the traditional owners of the land.
The grant has been provided on a dollar-for-dollar basis under the WA Royalties for Regions funded Exploration Incentive Scheme and will be used for the completion of two drill holes to 400m.
The holes will be dug in tenements that extend from the coast at Esperance northward to Salmon Gums.
While Mr Watts said the company did not expect to conduct work until possibly summer 2012/13, Greenpower would first engage with the community and local stakeholders over the proposed project.”
Source: Farm Weekly
