Great minds have wrestled with the problem of how to generate electricity without burning coal - and releasing planet polluting Co2. Many answers have been forthcoming - solar - wind - wave action - but none have had the certainty to provide a reliable base load on a continuing basis.
It seems that problem may have now been solved. In the South Australian desert a drilling rig has thrust a pipe deep into the earth to the point that the base structure is super heated rock.
Water has been pumped down this pipe. When it reaches the heated rock it is transformed into steam - under great pressure.
A second pipe provides an escape valve for this super heated steam - and that in turn is harnessed to the generating equipment that produces electricity.
The huge advantage is that no carbon dioxide is released, and as the interior of the planet has a molten core it is a simple matter of pumping in a little water to create steam - and then providing an escape route for that steam to where it can be harvested to provide the thrust to generate electricity.
The disadvantage is that it will cost a lot of money to erect the cable line that will transfer that power from the desert to the nation's industrial base - and transporting power over a long distance results in a strength reduction.
The important thing is the principle involved. The states would be wise to have geologists investigate the earth's crust in their areas to see just where this method could be used.
It is possible that just such a system could be placed beside our existing coal fired plants, removing the need to burn coal and providing a new - and clean - source of power.
Perhaps the " impossible dream " is about to become reality !
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