Industry Research & Whitepapers

Direct Energy will keep you informed of technology and industry developments. Read the latest industry research and whitepapers here…

Defining Australia’s Geothermal Heat Pump Industry

Dr Donald Payne presented at the Australian Institute of Energy.

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Four Seasons Energy Pilot Program

Dr. Mirek Piechowski discusses geothermal GSHP technology (with respect to the Four Seasons Pilot Program) on ABC Central Victoria.

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Prime Minister’s Energy Efficiency Task Force: Direct Geo-Exchange Heat Pump (DGHP) Industry Submission:

Dr Donald Payne has been involved in consultation within the Prime Minister’s Energy Efficiency Task Force – a submission is available to read.

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COAG Review Discussion Paper – Eligibility of new small-scale technologies and heat pumps

On 30th April 2009, COAG agreed to review the eligibility of GHPs in the extended MRET – a step towards equitable incentives.

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Position Paper: Direct Use Geothermal Applications

GHPs missed inclusion in most government programs (Renewable Energy Certificates, Victorian Energy Efficiency Target, and other rebates like Solar Hot Water) because in 1997 when the first Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) was developed; there was insufficient awareness & industry.

The present political, social & economic drivers are changing this (e.g. extended MRET) and the industry is maturing. AGEA’s position paper on direct use geothermal was presented to Martin Ferguson, Peter Batchelor, David Davis, Greg Hunt and others from across parliament with positive feedback.

One of AGEG’s charters for geoexchange is to increase awareness, delivery and research in Australia. A GeoExchange Centre of Excellence in Victoria (Funded in part by Vic. DIIRD) is being established and key outcomes include:

development of a course/certificate on Geothermal Heat Pumps for accreditation of installers (below)
establishment of Australian/NZ Standards for GHPs (ISO standards ideally)
education of engineers, architects, energy consultants, HVAC personnel, plumbers and clients
policy settings aligned with other renewable technologies such as solar PV, solar hot water, wind & small generation devices (in the USA bailout package a 30% residential tax credit specifically for GHPs was passed & Canada increased its rebates to $8,500 for GHPs).

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CSIRO’s ASKAP is a high-profile application of the GHP technology

CSIRO’s ASKAP is a high-profile application of the GHP technology for which the Prime Minister has awarded funding on 9 Jun 2010. Direct Energy was involved in the design and installation of GSHP to support this project.

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Geothermal Heating at Brush Ski Lodge Mt Hotham “Slashing our Energy Footprint”

An overview of the Geothermal Heating System installation at Mt Hotham from the Alpine Resorts Forum

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"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

"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

"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

“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

“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

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

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

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