Paralana back in the news

[Sparty]

Great to see renewed interest in Paralana's hot rocks for geothermal energy in https://stockhead.com.au/energy/eart...l-development/ article published today 6/11/2024.

In the past I have posted about Paralana in this forum and on www.HotRockEnergy.com ....

Below is a new summary.

Radiogenic Heat and Structural Geology: The Dual Engines of Paralana's Geothermal Potential

Introduction
The Paralana geothermal project, located 300km northeast of Port Augusta in South Australia, represents a unique convergence of geological phenomena that create exceptional conditions for geothermal energy production. Two distinct geological features—radiogenic heat production and complex fracture networks—combine to form what could be one of Australia's most promising geothermal resources.

Radiogenic Heat Generation: Nature's Nuclear Reactor
The Radioactive Engine
Deep beneath Paralana's surface lies a remarkable heat-generating system driven by naturally occurring radioactive elements. Unlike conventional geothermal systems that rely solely on heat from the Earth's core, Paralana's granite formations act as a self-sustaining heat generator through radioactive decay.

Key Radiogenic Elements
The granite formations contain three primary heat-producing elements:

Uranium-238: Generating approximately 51.7 × 10^-12 watts per gram
Thorium-232: Contributing 21.9 × 10^-12 watts per gram
Potassium-40: Adding 3.5 × 10^-12 watts per gram

These elements undergo constant decay, releasing energy through multiple particle emissions:

Alpha particles (helium nuclei)
Beta particles (electrons or positrons)
Gamma radiation

The interaction between these emissions and the surrounding rock matrix converts kinetic energy into thermal energy, creating a continuous heat production cycle.

Longevity and Stability
The extraordinary half-lives of these radioactive elements ensure the system's longevity:

Uranium-238: ~4.5 billion years
Thorium-232: ~14 billion years
Potassium-40: ~1.3 billion years

This translates to a virtually inexhaustible heat source on human timescales, providing stable, predictable heat generation for power production.

Structural Geology: Nature's Heat Exchanger

Formation and Development
The collision between the Australian continent and Southeast Asia created an intricate network of fractures within the granite formations. This tectonic event produced a sophisticated natural heat exchange system with multiple fracture sets:

Primary Horizontal Fractures

Direct result of continental collision
Create major fluid pathways
Enhance reservoir connectivity


Secondary Vertical Fractures

Formed through stress release
Intersect horizontal fractures
Improve vertical fluid movement


Tertiary Fracture Networks

Developed from local deformation
Create additional reservoir complexity
Enhance overall permeability



Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) Implications
The horizontal fracture orientation provides several critical advantages:

Natural fluid traps preventing vertical escape
Improved pressure maintenance
Enhanced heat extraction efficiency
Reduced pumping requirements
Better reservoir management potential

Synergistic Effects
The combination of radiogenic heat production and complex fracture networks creates a uniquely efficient geothermal system:
Heat Generation and Transfer

Continuous Heat Production

Radioactive decay provides steady heat input
Natural fractures enable efficient heat transfer
Minimal thermal depletion risk


Optimal Heat Extraction

Horizontal fractures maximize surface area
Cross-cutting fracture systems improve connectivity
Enhanced fluid circulation possibilities


Technical Advantages
The system offers multiple benefits for geothermal development:

Sustained temperature gradients (46°C per km)
Natural reservoir pressure maintenance
Improved heat exchange efficiency
Long-term resource stability

Conclusion
The Paralana geothermal project exemplifies how natural geological processes can create optimal conditions for geothermal energy production. The combination of radiogenic heat production and complex fracture networks provides a reliable, sustainable energy resource that could play a significant role in Australia's renewable energy future.

The site's measured bottom hole temperature of 171°C and exceptional temperature gradient of 1.84 times the Australian average demonstrate the practical implications of these geological features.
As Australia continues its transition to renewable energy, Paralana's unique geological characteristics position it as a potentially valuable contributor to the nation's baseload power requirements.

More info at www.hotrockenergy.com

No need to build powerlines? Use Geothermal Energy to make Hydrogen and use technology discussed here: Provaris' ASX: PV1 to transport it