Geothermal Industries Australia (GIA) was engaged by Dawson Heating and Cooling to deliver the geothermal drilling scope for a significant residential project in Redhill, Australian Capital Territory. The project required drilling 20 geothermal probes to a depth of 129 metres each on a site characterised by the notoriously tough geology of the Canberra region. The ACT is well known among drilling contractors for its challenging subsurface conditions, including highly weathered and fractured shale, interbedded siltstone, and hard quartzite bands that can cause significant wear on drilling equipment and slow penetration rates. Compounding these difficulties, water containment operations were a critical consideration throughout the project, as managing drilling fluid and groundwater inflows on a constrained residential site demanded careful planning and environmental diligence. Despite these formidable challenges, GIA’s experienced team successfully completed all 20 boreholes to the full 129‑metre specification while maintaining strict water containment protocols and minimising disruption to the surrounding neighbourhood.
For this installation, GIA utilised our 40DN Muovitech Turbo pipe as the geothermal probe material. The 40DN diameter was selected for its optimal balance of thermal transfer efficiency and hydraulic performance over the 129‑metre depth, while its slightly smaller profile proved advantageous for navigating the variable and often unstable ground conditions encountered in Redhill. Muovitech Turbo pipe’s robust construction, high burst pressure ratings, and resistance to deformation during installation were invaluable given the hard rock formations and potential for ground movement. Each of the 20 probes was carefully installed, thermally grouted to maximise ground contact, and pressure‑tested to verify system integrity. The combination of GIA’s drilling precision, rigorous water containment practices, and the high‑performance 40DN Muovitech Turbo pipe delivered a reliable, energy‑efficient geothermal loop field suited to Canberra’s extreme seasonal temperature variations.
Finally, GIA extends its sincere thanks to Dawson Heating and Cooling for engaging us as their trusted drilling partner on this demanding Redhill project. Their reputation for delivering premium HVAC solutions across the ACT is built on collaboration with proven specialists, and we are proud to have contributed our expertise in navigating Canberra’s tough geology and complex water containment requirements. We look forward to future opportunities to work alongside Dawson Heating and Cooling on ambitious geothermal installations across the Canberra region.