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Welcome to GEASA
Geothermal energy is a mature technology in some parts of the world, but is relatively new in the Southern African region. For this reason GEASSA has been created as a platform from which this set of technologies can be introduced to the SADC region.
The word "Geothermal" is made up of two concepts - "geo" meaning "earth" and "thermal" meaning "heat". Geothermal energy is heat that is associated with the Earth, which is harvested in a variety of ways. Active geothermal technologies use Earth as the source of energy, whereas passive geothermal technologies use the Earth as a storage sink for energy. Both sets of technology have distinct applications and limitations. Active geothermal energy needs a tectonically active geology, often associated with faulting or volcanic activities. In the SADC region this is found in the Great Rift Valley that extends into Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique. In South Africa the Bushveld Igneous Complex is a potential source of this energy. Passive geothermal energy simply needs a suitable set of rocks in which heat can be stored. The business case for passive geothermal systems using heat pumps is that electricity savings of more than 75% can be achieved.
To understand how geothermal energy works click here and here and here and here and here and here.
Australia has similar water constraints to Southern Africa, but that country is leading the way in terms of geothermal energy development. Significantly this is being driven by the water sector. To read about latest development click here. This recent article by Creamers Engineering News gives an insight in to the potential for desalination technology, some of which might be from low grade geothermal energy sources.
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