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Vulcan Energie Ressourcen GmbH (Vulcan Energy) has recently made two announcements on their geothermal lithium operations in Germany – the first extraction of lithium chloride from the company’s Landau facility, and the topping-out ceremony of their facility in Frankfurt-Höchst. The Lithium Extraction Optimization Plant (LEOP) in Landau has officially entered the production phase, having produce Lithium Chloride (LiCl) for the first time. Early results using the Adsorption-type Direct Lithium Extraction (A-DLE) unit indicates lithium extraction efficiency that is consistently over 90%, in line with commercial plant expectations and Vulcan’s financing model. The LEOP was officially opened in 2023, and was recognized recently by the European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC) as the recipient of the 2024 Ruggero Bertani European Geothermal Innovation Award.

Ralf Oppermann of Optimal Resource Solutions presented this discussion on fault extraction from seismic data on 18 April as a part of the AGA webinar series. Members can access a copy of the presentation via the link below. Geothermal energy has the potential to play a very important role in the sustainable global energy mix. There are, however, several technical and economic challenges that need to be overcome to de-risk geothermal development and production and to help accelerate commercial uptake (Drumm et al. 2021). Two of the key technical challenges for most types of deeper geothermal development are ensuring that sufficient and continuous flow of fluid is encountered (flow assurance) and that geothermal operations don’t trigger earthquakes (induced seismicity risk mitigation). Both of these key challenges can actually be addressed with the latest game-changing advancements in the reliable recognition of smaller-scale fault networks in seismic data, which will be presented in this talk. Hi-Res Automated Fault Extraction (HR-AFE) allows to very reliably visualize fault networks in 2D or 3D seismic data and directly relate these to drilling and production issues, allowing to create opportunities to significantly reduce drilling and stimulation/fracking costs and also increase production from subsurface assets (oil & gas, minerals, water, heat; Oppermann 2012a+b). Fluid flow rates and reservoir temperatures determine the power output of a geothermal resource. Understanding the matrix and/or fracture permeability is key to modelling the reservoir response and production sustainability (Drumm et al. 2021). In both Hot Dry Rock (HDR) and Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS), where fluids are circulated through a stimulated fracture system, knowledge about pre-existing fault and fracture networks is key for the full understanding and meaningful modelling of flow and it is also key for project planning and placement/targeting of injector and producer wells. High-res Fault Extraction should be the standard addition to HDR and EGS workflows as it very reliably delineates interconnected fault networks in the subsurface and allows to target these for flow assurance (injector-producer pathways). It also allows to avoid faults if they could cause drilling problems or earthquakes (induced seismicity risk mitigation). Induced seismicity has been a key risk that has been established following earthquake links to previous geothermal developments. A magnitude 3.4 earthquake in Switzerland in 2006 damaged buildings and led to the geothermal plant’s closure, and a magnitude 5.5 earthquake in South Korea in 2017 injured 90 people and caused $52 million in damages. The Talk will show examples of the successful application of HR-AFE to Oil & Gas, Mining and Geothermal assets around the globe. Case Studies will include conventional & unconventional Oil & Gas reservoirs, a Geothermal project in Western Australia (Ballesteros et al. 2012), and Basement/hard rock studies where faults were delineated at high resolution in e.g. Granites (Yemen) and magmatic and metamorphic rocks (Vietnam, Finland). High-resolution fault visualization and evaluation can reduce the uncertainty in the success of Geothermal projects as it is instrumental in addressing the typical challenges for deep geothermal developments. It is proposed as a best-practise technique for Geothermal Companies to implement as it delivers -        reduced drilling & stimulation/fracking risks and costs -        increased reservoir performance/flow -        reduced induced seismicity risks References Ballesteros, M., Oppermann, R., Meyer, G., McDairimid, J. & Larking, A., 2012.  Targeting fracture permeability for geothermal developments in the North Perth Basin. Proceedings of the 2012 Australian Geothermal Energy Conference, 14-16 November 2012, Sydney/Australia. Drumm, E., Bolton, R., Hardman, J. & MacInnes, E., 2021. Technical challenges in geothermal development and production. 2nd Geoscience and Engineering in Energy Transition Conference, GET 2021. EAGE. Oppermann, R., 2012a. Finding sweet spots through Seismic Fracture Extraction – Unconventional Case Studies from around the world. Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference & Exhibition (APOGCE), 22-24 October 2012, SPE 158786. Oppermann, R., 2012b.  New method for seismic identification of fluid conduits or barriers challenges several industry paradigms.  AAPG/SPE/SEG Hedberg Research Conference, Fundamental Controls on Flow in Carbonates, 8-13 July 2012, France. Biography Ralf Oppermann is a Geoscientist and Technical Advisor with 34 years of experience, obtained working for Shell and Chevron and multiple other Oil & Gas, Mining and Geothermal companies. In 2008, Ralf founded OPPtimal Resource Solutions (‘OPPtimal’) as a technology service company, to provide new and leading-edge resource characterization solutions to companies active in Oil & Gas, Shale Gas, Coal Seam Gas, Mining, Geothermal, Groundwater, CO2 Sequestration and Underground Storage. OPPtimal has developed a Game-Changing and AAPG-awarded technology method to very reliably identify smaller-scale faults from 2D or 3D seismic data and directly relate these to drilling and production issues. The method not only allows to identify and address drilling and flow issues in existing wells but also allows to plan future wells to directly target (or avoid) flow-enhancing fault zones/sweet spots and realise significant drilling and completion/fracking cost reductions and increased production from subsurface assets (oil & gas, minerals, water, heat).  For this work, Ralf received the "Innovator in Geosciences Technology" Award from the Innovation and Emerging Science/Technology Group of AAPG. In 2015, Ralf co-founded the Resource Technology Network (RTN), a unique, independent and global Consulting Network providing technical, commercial and strategic Advice, performing Projects and delivering Training and innovative Technology Services as well as Manpower Services to Upstream and Midstream Clients worldwide. RTN’s currently over 275 highly-skilled and highly-experienced Specialists and Subject Matter Experts possess a diverse cumulative experience of over 7,750 years, having worked on over 5,000 projects worldwide. Ralf holds an MSc in Geology/Palaeontology and BSc in Business & Economics from the University of Göttingen in Germany. He has authored several papers and has given numerous presentations at various conferences. Ralf is a member of several professional associations, including AAPG, AGA, EAGE, FESAus, PESA and SPE.

Earths Energy and Baker Hughes have entered a strategic partnership to evaluate the deployment of closed-loop geothermal technologies in Australia.

Recent Publications . Recent Publications relating to Geothermal Energy authored or supplied by our members. Become a Member Recent Publications & Presentations . News Webinar Presentation: Finding flow and mitigating induced seismicity in Geothermal projects through Hi-res Seismic Fault Extraction News Webinar Presentation: Lemont GeoLithium: A combined geothermal power and lithium project in Tasmania Publications Webinar Presentation: Case Studies of Geothermal Exploration and Well Testing News Webinar Presentation: Applying Your Petroleum Knowledge to Geothermal Exploration and Decarbonisation Strategies News Webinar Presentation: Geothermal Lithium Publications Using Geothermal Energy to Harvest Carbon-Neutral Lithium United Nations Framework Classification for Resources. This document is a project and principles-based classification system for defining the viability of projects to develop resources. The complete document is available to download for AGA Professional Members. Become a Member Application of the UN Framework Classification for Resources to Geothermal Energy Resources. This document provides case studies to facilitate a better understanding of the specifications for applying UNFC to geothermal resources. The complete document is available to download for AGA Professional Members. Become a Member Geothermal Lexicon for Resources and Reserves Definition and Reporting. This document provides guidance on how Geothermal Resources and Reserves can be estimated for reporting purposes. The complete document is available to download for AGA Professional Members. Become a Member Become a Member and join the AGA community To explore each of our membership packages and sign up please visit our Members page. Become a Member

Projects & Research . Learn more about the latest geothermal projects and research activities that are underway. Become a Member Latest Geothermal Projects & Research . 1 min News Getting Warmer: The search for geothermal resources in Tasmania The Tasmanian government recently awarded new geothermal exploration permits in the state. Find out about the the ongoing search for... 1 min News AGA presentation to Sustainable Energy Now (SEN) AGA directors Mark Ballesteros and Martin Pujol recently gave a presentation on Geothermal Energy in Australia to the renewable energy... 1 min Projects Webinar: UNFC Geothermal Energy Resource Reporting Summary The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe approved the second (updated) edition of the ‘Specifications for the Application of... 1 min News Geothermal is a clear winner in Victoria A new study on the economic performance of the geothermal heating system for an aquatic centre in Victoria, Australia shows saving of... 3 min News Geothermal in Australia - 2023 Update This Country Update for the geothermal sector in Australia will be presented at the World Geothermal Congress 2023 in Beijing, China.... 2 min News University of Melbourne receives funding for geothermal heating loop design The University of Melbourne has received a grant from the Government of Victoria, Australia for the design of a geothermal heating loop... 1 min News Geothermal district heating & cooling systems Are district energy systems finally ready for prime time in Australia? 1 min News Geothermal Reuse of Mines Recycling mines into heat pumps could hold key to geothermal energy future. 1 min News Geothermal's role in Australia's transition to a green energy superpower The AGA has made a submission to the Parliamentary Committee inquiry into Australia's transition to a green energy superpower. 0 min Projects Hot Sedimentary Aquifer (HSA) Exploration and Development in Australia A webinar given by Dr. Trey Meckel that discusses HSA focusing on electricity generation. 1 min Projects Hydrogen Production from Geothermal Energy A presentation by Maryam Hamlehdar given 4 May 2022 on her research into how geothermal energy can be used to produce hydrogen. 1 min Projects IEA-GIA Case Studies of International Ground Source Heat Pump Projects The IEA GIA has been working on producing a series of “brochures” showcasing case studies of GSHP and other geothermal heating and... 1 min Projects Census of Australian Geothermal Projects The Australian Geothermal Association (AGA) has conducted a Census of Australian geothermal projects to more accurately and effectively... 1 min Projects Geothermal Hot Springs Special Interest Group Update These slides were presented at AGA's May 2020 AGM by Charles Davidson Chair of AGA Hot Springs Special Interest Group and principal of... 1 min Projects Pacific Geothermal Special Interest Group Formed - focus on Papua New Guinea AGA has recently initiated a Special Interest Group for geothermal energy in the Western Pacific with an initial focus on Papua New... 1 min Projects The Geothermal Opportunity for Winton Shire Council This presentation discusses the feasibility of utilising geothermal energy from the Great Artesian Basin water (86 degrees C, 79 litres/s... 1 min Projects AGA white paper on Geothermal Electricity Generation in Australia AGA white paper on Geothermal Electricity Generation in Australia: Recent Developments and Future Potential, December 2019. In December... Become a Member and join the AGA community To explore each of our membership packages and sign up please visit our Members page. Become a Member

AGA is the Peak Organisation for Geothermal Energy in Australia Incorporated in 2016, the Australian Geothermal Association (AGA) is a not-for-profit society whose members are individuals, professionals and corporations working in industry, academia and government representing the full range of geothermal applications. Become a Member Image: Sauron Eye by Fabio Sartori AGA is Australia's forum for individuals & organisations interested in geothermal energy, information, discussion, network, support and advocacy. Incorporated in 2016, the Australian Geothermal Association (AGA) is a professional society whose members are individuals working in industry, academia and government, representing the full range of geothermal applications from ground source heat pumps to direct industrial heat supply, recreational bathing and wellness, and electrical power generation. ​ Affiliated with the International Geothermal Association (IGA), AGA was born to promote and encourage the science, technology and development of geothermal energy in Australia. AGA is not-for-profit, non-party political and non-sectarian. ​ The views and opinions of individual AGA members are their own and not those of AGA or its membership. ​ AGA does not support or endorse any particular supplier or technology used or supplied by any member or organisation.​ ​ GA's Newsletter is accessible only to AGA members on this website at our Members page. Recordings of the Webinars put on by the Asia Western Pacific Regional Branch of the IGA can be accessed via our Members Page. ​ The Board & Officers of The Australian Geothermal Association. The Association's Constitution sets out the terms of its legal incorporation in November 2016 and the rules for its ongoing governance and administration. ​ The AGA Board of Directors is comprised of five directors who must be members of the organisation. Directors are elected to serve two-year terms with three positions becoming vacant one year and the other two the next. ​ The President and officers of AGA are appointed until a successor is elected by the Board of directors from their number at the first Board meeting held after the AGM. ​ The Board may appoint two additional members to act as Secretary and Treasurer. ​ The President presides as the Chairman of general meetings of members. ​ Mark Ballesteros and Martin Pujol were re-elected for two-year terms in 2023. Graeme Beardsmore, Betina Bendall and Adrian Larking were each re-elected for two-year terms in 2022. In May, 2022, Adrian Larking stood down as President and Mark Ballesteros was appointed in his place. Trey Meckel replaced the retiring Grant Bolton as Secretary with Betina Bendall continuing as Public Officer. Jorik Poesse was appointed Treasurer following the retirement of Ludovic Ricard. All of these appointments were renewed following the 2023 AGM. Meet Our Officers and Board of Directors . MARK BALLESTEROS PRESIDENT TREY MECKEL SECRETARY BETINA BENDALL DIRECTOR & PUBLIC OFFICER JORIK POESSE TREASURER MARTIN PUJOL DIRECTOR ADRIAN LARKING DIRECTOR GRAEME BEARDSMORE DIRECTOR Become a Member and join the AGA community To explore each of our membership packages and sign up please visit our Members page. Become a Member