The company plans to use temperature data from exploration drilling to develop 3D temperature field model (3D-TFM) across its geothermal exploration licences in South Australia.

“The 3D-TFM methodology will effectively remove several critical uncertainties, reduce risk and maximise our understanding of the deeper heat and geology at a fraction of the cost of conventional deeper exploration drilling,” Torrens’ chief executive Chris Matthews said.

“3D-TFM will aim to effectively map temperature and reservoir variation on a prospect scale across our licence areas.”

Matthews said the REDI grant would be backed by the company’s existing $5.8 million cash reserves.

Industry and Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane said the modelling process would identify where optimal geological conditions coincide with high temperatures to in specified areas close to markets and infrastructure.

“The software technology will result in more efficient exploration of our vast geothermal resources,” he said.

“The technology could also be applied across other geological settings and exploration areas to identify deep geothermal targets. It will minimise the need for costly, deep speculative drilling.”