First geothermal permit issued in Queensland

The first exploration permit for geothermal energy exploration in Queensland was issued earlier this month to New South Wales-based company Granite Power Ltd.

Two other companies, Kuth Exploration Pty Ltd. and Clean Energy Australasia Pty Ltd., have commenced the native title process, the final step before the granting of their exploration permits. Queensland Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said there were nine tenement areas located across Queensland. "Queensland has the potential to be a world leader in geothermal energy and the Bligh Government is backing this clean, green energy industry to the hilt," Wilson said. "The granting of this Exploration Permit is a significant milestone in the development of a geothermal energy industry in Queensland." Preferred tenderers for the third round of geothermal permit tenders will be announced shortly. Wilson said there had been an amount of uncertainty with some explorers in the application of the Commonwealth Native Title Act to geothermal exploration. "There has been some question as to whether the definition of 'mining' in the Commonwealth Act includes geothermal exploration," he said. "Queensland was the first state to pass a Geothermal Exploration Act and we're working on a new Geothermal Act to provide for world's best practice in geothermal energy production, he stated. Planning is underway for coastal geothermal exploration near major population and industry centres and we've also invested A$15 million in the Geothermal Centre of Excellence."

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