Geothermal Activity Reports

Geo-Hazards

Induced seismicity is one of the most important geothermal issues currently being investigated, especially in association with the development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). In 2005 Primary Industries and Resources of South Australia (PIRSA) commissioned the Australian School of Petroleum at the University of Adelaide to undertake a research study of potential induced siesmicity associated with the fracture stimulation of EGS wells in the Cooper Basin. The results of this study are detailed in the following report by Dr Suzanne Hunt and Mr Cameron Morelli.

Final Report: Cooper Basin HDR Hazard Evaluation: Predictive Modelling of Local Stress Changes due to HFR Geothermal Energy Operations in South Australia.

This report has been peer reviewed and reviewers comments are also provided.

Following from the 2006 report by Hunt and Morelli, a report on the 'Analysis and Management of Induced Seismic Risks Associated with Engineered Geothermal System Operations in South Australia' has been completed and is now available. The objective of the study was to develop the necessary protocols for the analysis and management of seismic risks associated with EGS operations in SA by building on the findings of the previous Hunt and Morelli (2006) report that focused on evaluating the hazard associated with inducing seismicity at a single EGS site in the Cooper Basin. As well as the final report, the author created Google earth tools to view spatial and temporal distributions of natural seismic events recorded in the South Australian and Australian catalogues. These are available below.

Final report: Analysis and Management of Induced Seismic Risks Associated with Engineered Geothermal System Operations in South Australia

PIRSA has subsequently published a Regulator’s View at the 2010 Stanford Geothermal Workshop. Risk assessments are ongoing.

Stanford 2010 paper: The Regulator's Perspective - Best Practice Activity Approval Processes For EGS Projects (Including Induced Seismicity)

**Each geothermal project will need to be assessed on a case by case basis and should consider the findings of these reports.

Eden Energy Ltd - Geothermal Exploration Drilling

EIR: WWD1 Re-entry Programme, GEL 167   (.PDF)  1013KB
Dated November 2005.

SEO: Geothermal Exploration Drilling   (.PDF)  640KB
Approved and gazetted 16 February 2006.

Significance Assessment: WWD1 Re-entry Programme   (.PDF)  15KB

EIR: Chowilla 1 Geothermal Exploration Drilling, GEL 175  (.PDF) 877KB
Dated November 2007.

SEO: Chowilla 1 Geothermal Exploration Drilling, GEL 175  (.PDF) 147KB
Approved and gazetted 15 November 2007.

Significance Assessment: Chowilla 1 Geothermal Exploration Drilling, GEL 175  (.PDF) 102KB

Geodynamics Ltd

Reservoir Stimulation and Evaluation, Cooper Basin – EIR , Dated August 2010 (PDF) 2.47MB

Reservoir Stimulation and Evaluation, Cooper Basin – SEO,  Dated August 2010 (PDF) 812KB

Significance Assessment for Reservoir Stimulation and Evaluation in the Cooper Basin
Reservoir stimulation and evaluation activities were classified as LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. Assessment is provided here. (PDF) 52KB

Geodynamics Ltd - 1MW Geothermal Power Plant

EIR: 1MW Geothermal Power Plant at Innamincka
Appendices A-B
Appendices C-E
Dated August 2008.

SEO: 1MW Geothermal Power Plant at Innamincka
Approved and gazetted 28 August 2008.

Significance Assessment for 1MW Geothermal Power Plant at Innamincka.
Construction and operation of the geothermal power plant were classified as LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. Assessment is provided here.

Geodynamics Ltd - Cooper Creek Water Extraction

EIR: Cooper Creek Water Extraction
Dated June 2011.

SEO: Cooper Creek Water Extraction
Approved and gazetted 9 June 2011.

Significance Assessment for Cooper Creek Water Extraction by Geodynamics
Water extraction activities undertake by Geodynamics were classified as LOW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. Assessment is provided here.

Paralana Joint Venture - Paralana 2 Hydraulic Fracturing Stimulation, Arrowie Basin (Petratherm Limited, Beach Energy Limited and TRUenergy Geothermal Limited)

EIR: Paralana 2 Hydraulic Fracturing Stimulation     (.PDF - 777 KB)
Dated March 2011.

SEO: Paralana 2 Hydraulic Fracturing Stimulation and Induced Seismicity    (.PDF - 426 KB)

Approved and gazetted on 31 March 2011.

 

Risk Assessment: Paralana 2 Hydraulic Fracturing Stimulation: Induced Seismicity, GEL 156    (.PDF - 4.5 MB)

Dated December 2010.

 

Significance Assessment: Paralana 2 Hydraulic Fracturing Stimulation    (.PDF - 360 KB)

Classified as LOW environmental impact.