Search for hot rocks heats up

The search is on for new geothermal energy in Queensland with vast tracts of land now opened up for ‘hot rocks’ exploration, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Minister Wilson said more than 15,000 square kilometres, spread right across the state, would pave the way for explorers keen to capitalise on this cleaner, greener energy source.

“This is about kick starting the search for more geothermal energy and the Bligh Government is backing it all the way,” Mr Wilson said.

“Queensland is best placed to capitalise on geothermal energy. We’re home to most of Australia’s hot rocks.

“Geothermal energy has no dangerous greenhouse gas emissions. It’s an ideal energy source to help us tackle climate change,” he said.

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

“It’s in keeping with our Smart Energy policy to source more electricity generation from renewable energy sources,” he said.

“I’m excited about the prospects of new geothermal discoveries. Initial estimates show 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.

“The geothermal industry has a bright future in Queensland because it has the potential to produce more base load energy than any other renewable energy source,” he said.

“10 companies have been notified that their applications over 27 of the areas released for exploration can progress towards grant.

“In May, we granted the first ever Exploration Permit for geothermal energy exploration in Queensland to Granite Power Ltd.

“Two other companies have begun the native title process, the final step before the granting of their exploration permits,” he said.

The latest successful tenderers for 13 new areas of geothermal exploration have also been announced.

35 applications were received, covering more than 7,000 square kilometres.

Mr Wilson said more than $188 million had been invested in geothermal research in Queensland.

“We’re injecting $15 million over 5 years in our Geothermal Centre of Excellence. In comparison, Western Australia is spending $2.3 million and South Australia $250,000.”

The State Government is also working on a framework for the exploration and production of geothermal energy by developing a Geothermal Energy Production Bill.

“We want to create a strong and dynamic hot rocks industry in Queensland, one that explorers can invest in with certainty and confidence,” he said.

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