A proposal to give geothermal energy in Australia a big injection of funds has been welcomed by the sustainable energy industry.
A test well giving off steam produced by water from hot rocks
But experts say there are a number of challenges ahead for this renewable energy resource.
"Geothermal energy holds the promise of being a renewable energy source with zero greenhouse gas emissions that can operate 24 hours a day providing critical baseload power for Australian homes and industries," an ALP statement says.
Geothermal technology known as 'hot rock technology' involves constantly cycling water through naturally hot rocks 3 kilometres or more underground.
The water is heated to around 300ºC, generating steam that is used to drive an electricity turbine.
Most agree that it's technically very simple to extract energy from hot rocks.
But those exploring its use have been hamstrung by the high cost of drilling the deep wells that are required, including exploratory wells.
clipped from: www.abc.net.au 