World Environment Day - Greens MP Calls on Parliament to go Geothermal - 5 June 2006

Greens MLC Ian Cohen today called on the government to switch to geothermal power for Parliament’s energy supply.

“The answer is simple! Instead of the diversionary debate about nuclear power, which is the most cost intensive and centralised form of power generation, it is up to the NSW government to take an innovative step into the future with geothermal power. Premier Iemma’s promise that no nuclear power plant will be sited in NSW is hollow, as he knows full well there is ample Commonwealth land within the boundaries of NSW. We do not have to look further than Lucas Heights on the outskirts of Sydney and Jervis Bay.” Mr Cohen said

“In Canada, Switzerland and New Zealand geothermal, or hot rock technologies, are successfully pumping water into the earth’s sub-surface, heating it naturally and the having it gush back to the surface to drive steam turbines like a manufactured geyser. A pilot scheme is under way in the Hunter region of NSW. Birdsville in Queensland has a power station running off geothermal energy. In Rejkjavik, Iceland, geothermal power is so cheap and effective that they heat footpaths in winter months. In Kosciuszko geothermal power heats the Jindabyne visitor’s centre.

“This process does not just provide peak electricity generation but can also serve as a base load power source and could feasibly replace coal fired power stations. It also allows for decentralisation, which is far safer in the case of terrorist attack or environmental catastrophe. Individual buildings can run their own scheme.

“The Parliament has a massive power plant in its basement that could run on geothermal power but it is sitting idle. Much of the expensive infrastructure is already in place. Parliament could be lit up in a sustainable manner - a huge contrast to the dim lights currently inhabiting the place.” Mr Cohen said.