WA geothermal powers ahead

A new chapter for Western Australian energy has begun with 64 valid bids submitted to the Department of Industry and Resources for the State's first release of acreage for geothermal exploration.

The WA release was one of the most successful geothermal releases in Australia, with bids submitted by nine explorers for 38 blocks. Multiple bids were submitted in the Dongara, Eneabba, Kwinana and Pinjarra regions.

The acreage release covered 495 blocks of 320 km² each, stretching from south of Kalbarri to Dunsborough and 250 km inland.

WA Premier Alan Carpenter released the results last week and said the response exceeded expectations.

“It is the beginning of new chapter in the State’s energy history and the potential benefits are huge,” he said.

“The end result could be a clean energy industry that provides for the future needs of Western Australians, while minimising environmental impact.

“Geothermal energy is emission free and one of the cleanest methods of power generation available.”

Department of Industry and Resources General Manager of Petroleum Tenure, Beverley Bower said Western Australia was well suited to the production of geothermal energy.

“The advantage that Western Australia has over other Australian states is that sources of geothermal energy have been identified close to population centres, so this could eliminate much of the cost of energy transmission,” she said.

The 64 bids will now be assessed and acreage will be offered to the successful bidders later this year.

Legislation facilitating geothermal exploration was enacted in January this year and the bidding process began shortly afterwards.

A second acreage area, to be situated in the Carnarvon basin, will be opened to bidding later this year.

Australian Geothermal Energy Association spokesman John Libby acknowledged the State Government’s commitment to developing a major geothermal industry in WA.

“The release of areas of geothermal exploration, combined with the recent establishment of the WA Geothermal Centre of Excellence, will assist WA in becoming a leader in the development and application of sustainable and emissions-free energy technology,” Mr Libby said.

The State Government has made a strong commitment to renewable energy, with $50 million funding made available in the recent budget.