Project Overview
The Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) at Narre Warren was designed as a state-of-the-art training facility and demonstration centre for clean energy technologies. From the outset, it was identified that a geothermal system would provide not only substantial sustainability benefits, but also serve as an invaluable teaching tool for thousands of apprentices, students, and industry professionals.
Geothermal Industries Australia (GIA) was engaged from the earliest stages to deliver this vision, beginning with the drilling of a 100m test bore to carry out a Thermal Conductivity Test.
Challenges and Solutions
During the drilling of the test well, GIA encountered swelling clays extending to a greater depth than expected. This presented a significant challenge to conventional equipment.
Recognising the need for a different approach, GIA invested in a new specialised Commachio drill from Italy, expanding its fleet to ensure the project could move forward.
GIA delivered 28 geothermal bores to 100m depth each. Despite difficult ground conditions, including swelling clays and variable formations, GIA successfully drove casing past the troublesome zones and delivered every borehole on schedule.
Geothermal Industries achieved a 100% success rate, with all 28 ground heat exchangers installed to full depth on the first attempt. In total, the team delivered 2,800m of vertical bores and 2,500m of energy pile piping, demonstrating both precision and scale. To ensure enhanced long-term performance, the systems were grouted with a thermally conductive grout optimised for efficiency. The completed geothermal installation integrates seamlessly with other clean energy systems — including solar PV, solar hot water, and water heat recovery.
Client Impact
GIA’s contribution not only provided PICAC with a cutting-edge geothermal system that supports net zero energy objectives, but also delivered an educational platform. Multiple demonstration displays were installed throughout the centre, enabling students and visitors to see firsthand how geothermal energy is harnessed, stored, and reused.
“There is a genuine business case supporting geothermal energy as a source of heating and cooling. Interest in this proven technology in Australia will only increase as traditional energy costs rise and the shift to clean energy accelerates”– Clint Patzack, Managing Partner and General Manager, GIA.