Geothermal Industries is proud to have delivered Australia’s largest closed-loop underground geothermal heating and cooling system at the Australian War Memorial, as part of its landmark development and expansion program.
This pioneering project represents a national first and sets a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure. Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, welcomed the initiative: “This is a great example of how the nation can reach net zero through smart, green technology. It’s also a major step toward a net zero Australian Government.”
The project is fully funded within the Memorial’s existing development package and will harness the earth’s energy to provide highly efficient heating and cooling.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh, noted the symbolic significance: “The Australian War Memorial is an iconic national institution, commemorating those who secured our future.
It is fitting that this institution now leads the way in securing our energy future.”
The Geothermal system is one of the largest of its type in the world, with the opportunity to install up to 128kms of pipe to decrease the Memorial’s energy usage.
Further, it is the largest ‘vertical closed loop’ GHX system in the Southern Hemisphere.
Carbon Reduction
The installation will eliminate the production of up to 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent per year, a contribution equal to offsetting 87,500 return trips by students travelling from Sydney to Canberra.
The carbon savings are the equivalent of transporting about 87,500 students a year from Sydney to Canberra return to visit the Australian War Memorial carbon free.
Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings
By leveraging the earth’s stable underground temperatures, the system will deliver more than 40% greater efficiency than conventional geothermal technologies, saving the Memorial approximately $1.3 million annually in heating and cooling costs.
Scale & Innovation
With up to 128km of underground pipe and 320 vertical closed-loop boreholes drilled up to 150 metres deep, this will be one of the largest geothermal installations of its kind in the world. Matt Anderson, Director of the Australian War Memorial, emphasised the project’s importance: “By harnessing natural geothermal energy onsite, this project dramatically reduces energy costs and emissions while protecting the national collection. It firmly places the Memorial as a world-class building of the future.”
Technical Delivery
The system has been designed in partnership with Sydney-based GeoExchange Australia and incorporates cutting-edge geothermal heat exchange technology. The installation spans across the Memorial’s Eastern Precinct, including beneath the Bean Building, bus park, and landscaped grounds.
A Legacy for the Future
In a place that commemorates the past, this project ensures the Memorial also leads into the future – demonstrating how sustainable energy solutions can honour history while safeguarding the environment for generations to come.
The Australian War Memorial’s geothermal installation represents a landmark achievement in sustainable engineering and national leadership. By combining innovation, efficiency, and respect for heritage, this project demonstrates how world-class design and technology can deliver tangible environmental benefits. It stands as a testament to Australia’s capability to integrate renewable energy solutions into culturally significant sites, setting a powerful precedent for future public infrastructure projects.