In the Media

Direct Energy often features in various news media. Read the latest news and views about geothermal heating and cooling projects, research and benefits.

$1.6M Research Grant Awarded

In April 2012, Direct Energy in partnership with Melbourne University and Geotechnical Engineering, are awarded a $1.6m grant to support research and monitoring for geothermal heating and cooling installations.

Source: Sustainable Engineering

Victorian Geothermal Pilot Study Launches April 2012

University of Melbourne announces the launch of the Victorian Geothermal Pilot Study, in partnership with Direct Energy and Geotechnical Engineering.

Source: University of Melbourne

Direct Energy partners with Geothermal experts to demonstrate GSHP efficiencies

Geothermal experts from the University of Melbourne, Direct Energy and Geotechnical Engineering are working with the Department of Primary Industries to demonstrate the efficiency of a form of renewable energy that will play an important role in the energy mix of Victoria’s Future.

Source: Sustainability Matters

Coalition Government supports direct geothermal project for heating and cooling

The Victorian Coalition Government announces a $1.6 million grant to support the University of Melbourne and its partners, Direct Energy and Geotechnical Engineering, to demonstrate the efficiency of direct use geothermal for heating and cooling buildings.

Source: Victorian Government

Earth Power: All the energy we need is just below the surface

STAYING warm during the cooler months doesn’t have to mean soaring utility bills and forsaking the environment. Australia’s heating market is rapidly embracing sophisticated technologies to keep houses warm while minimising greenhouse gas emissions. Geothermal heating, which has long been an effective sustainable heating method in the northern hemisphere, is gaining in popularity here.

Source: The Age newspaper

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP’s) for energy efficient heating & cooling

Harnessing the warmth of the earth, ground source heat pumps are a popular choice to heat homes in North America and Europe. Australian home owners are now also embracing the technology as an extremely efficient form of space heating and cooling.

Source: Sanctuary Magazine

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP’s) using the energy down under

The Energy Down-Under seminar considered different forms of power, heating and cooling from ‘under our feet’. Short extracts from three of the presentations are included in the article in Energy News.

Source: Energy News

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP’s) delivering savings from the ground up

Geothermal pumps keep heating and cooling costs low and are efficient all year round, writes Anne Thompson. Melbourne-based company Direct Energy installs geothermal heat pumps in residences and businesses throughout Victoria. These are “direct geo-exchange systems”, where refrigerant is run through underground copper pipes.

Source: The Age newspaper

Heating your house from the ground up

Listen to the podcast on ABC Radio National about Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP’s) and how they are delivering energy savings for heating and cooling.

Listen to the podcast

Source: ABC Radio National, Bush Telegraph

Four Seasons Pilot Program, GSHP research

Listen to the podcast on ABC Radio about geoexchange energy efficiencies and the Four Seasons Energy Pilot Program: and how they are delivering energy savings for heating and cooling.
Listen to the podcast

Source: ABC Radio

Dr Donald Payne installing the first Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP’s) in Australia

A geothermal heat pump in every of the eight million households in Australia could single-handedly meet the 2020 [emissions] targets,” says Donald. “You know it’s not going to happen overnight but its testament to the fact that geothermal has a great contribution to make.”

Largest residential Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP’s) installation in Australia

A BRIGHTON house has become the largest private home in Australia using geothermal power. The five-bedroom, 180 square Dendy St property will harness the earth’s natural heat through 52 copper rods sunk 30m underground from the basement.

Source: Bayside Leader

GSHP, the Hole truth about new age power

Dr Payne says: “No matter where you live, the underground temperature remains relatively constant all year, even though outdoor temperatures may vary widely. Geothermal systems utilise this stable resource as a renewable energy source for the home.

Source: Frankston Independent

"Using the constant temperature of the ground as a heat source and sink saves 30 -70% of our energy requirements. We thoroughly recommend that others consider Direct Energy’s direct geoexchange technology for their space and water heating and cooling. Certainly, anyone building a new home or office must consider this technology. And, as we have demonstrated, it’s not hard to use it in retrofitting an 80+ year old historic home."

Joyce Marks B.Arch Mt Eliza, VIC

"Complex and very thorough testing has proved that the direct exchange ground coupled heat pump system is the best available solution for providing continuous, reliable, maintenance free and cheap cooling of sensitive scientific equipment in a remote desert environment."

Dezso Kiraly, ASKAP, ATNF, CSIRO, VIC

“The temperature is constantly stabilised and people immediately notice there is no noise, there’s no heat blowing on your face – the temperature is just comfortable.”

Mr Weinman, North Caulfield, VIC

"Direct Energy’s technology has cut our energy consumption by 75 % and our fossil fuel usage by more than 80%. The payback period of 6 years is considered by the club to be completely acceptable given the expected 30 to 50 year life of our building. Since commissioning, forecasted savings have been exceeded with several spin-off benefits."

Murray Neilson, B’Rush Ski Club, VIC

“The technology is good for the environment and it not only adds intrinsic value to my home, but provides immediate savings in my energy bills. My electricity bill is now around $100 when it was $500.”

Dean Weinman, North Caulfield, VIC

Installation of GSHP cooling system for CSIRO's ASKAP for which the Prime Minister has awarded funding on 9 Jun 2010.

GSHP Installation for CSIRO’s ASKAP

2012 Australian Geothermal Energy Conference

ANNOUNCING THE 5X4 HAYES LANE PROJECT

Government rebates for the installation of Geothermal Heating & Cooling are available in regional Victoria through the Four Seasons Energy Pilot Program. Feasibility studies: Funding will be provided for community groups, councils and businesses for feasibility studies into using these new energy technologies in comparison to other combined heating and cooling options.

Government Rebates

Read the latest Report to the Council of Australian Governments’ Select Council on Climate Change. Chapter 2.4, p.22 demonstrates that GSHP is moving in the right direction !   Seventeen of the submissions to this paper supported the inclusion of GSHP in the RET scheme. Various submissions refer to the technology as ground source heat pumps, direct use geothermal heating and cooling systems. One of the primary reasons given for inclusion of this technology is that it is a form of heat pump, similar to air-sourced heat pumps that are already eligible under the RET, and utilises geothermal energy which is recognised as a renewable energy source under the RET scheme.

Critical Policy update - GSHP inclusion in RET

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