Temperature and Heat Flow Information for Geothermal Energy Exploration in Western Australia

Abstract

The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) is continuing its studies in subsurface temperatures and heat-flow modelling to assess prospective areas and encourage geothermal energy exploration in Western Australia. Estimated temperatures and heat-flow modelling identified high temperatures on the Broome Platform and in areas north of Onslow within the Canning and Carnarvon basins, respectively. In the Perth Basin, 3D modelling calculated temperatures above 150°C at 4 km below sea level within the Bookara Shelf, Coomallo and Beermullah troughs. These areas have temperatures up to 100°C within a depth of 3 km for hot sedimentary aquifer (HSA) resources, and up to 200°C within a depth of 5 km for hot rock (HR) resources. The northern Perth Basin is the most attractive target for geothermal energy development, with its favourable temperatures, geology, well-developed infrastructure and commercial markets.