New areas opened up for hot rocks exploration

Thirteen new areas have been opened up for tender for geothermal exploration across Queensland, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson announced today.

Mr Wilson said the Government was helping to pave the way for new explorers to kick start the search for more geothermal energy.

Geothermal, or ‘hot rocks’ energy is produced from heat generated and captured from deep inside the earth.

“The geothermal industry is a sunrise industry for Queensland and the Bligh Government is backing it all the way,” Mr Wilson said.

“It faces a bright future because it has the potential to produce more base load energy than any other renewable energy source.

“It is also a much greener source of energy for power generation in Queensland.”

Mr Wilson said thirteen new areas had been opened up for tender for Geothermal Exploration Permits across the state.

“These new areas total more than 7,000 square kilometres and contain significant geothermal potential,” he said.

“Six of these areas are located in north Queensland. They include Skardon River north of Weipa on Cape York, three areas south-east of Karumba in the Carpentaria Gulf country, one near Chillagoe and another near Innot Hot Springs.

“Of the remaining areas, one is located south-west of Longreach, three are north-east of Birdsville and three are south-west of Eromanga.”

The release of the 13 areas follows previous calls for geothermal tenders in 2005 and 2006 in Queensland.

Mr Wilson said geothermal energy had the potential to generate one fifth of Australia’s total electricity needs over the next 25 years without producing any carbon dioxide emissions.

“Geothermal energy has no greenhouse gas emissions. It’s an ideal energy source to combat climate change.

“It comes from heat deep within the earth’s crust and unlike coal, it generates no waste.

“And it’s in keeping with the Government’s Smart Energy policy to source more electricity generation from renewable energy sources.”

Mr Wilson said the prospects of new geothermal discoveries were exciting.

“Queensland is best placed to capitalise on geothermal energy – we are home to most of Australia’s hot rocks.

“Indeed, initial estimates indicate that the hot dry rocks beneath the Eromanga and Cooper basins could meet all of Australia’s energy needs for many years into the future.”

In September, Premier Anna Bligh announced the State Government would provide $15 million over the next five years to establish a Queensland Geothermal Energy Centre of Excellence.

Mr Wilson encouraged geothermal explorers to take advantage of the opportunity to invest in the emerging industry.

Tenders close at 4.30pm on 18 February 2008. Tenders can be lodged at the Service Centre, Podium 2, Landcentre, cnr Main and Vulture Streets, Woolloongabba, Queensland.

A pdf map of Queensland indicating the 13 geothermal areas for this call for tenders is available.

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila 3224 7332.