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05/08/09Geothermal energy plan to provide clean energy future
The Bligh Government is creating a cleaner energy future with two significant steps forward today in the development of a geothermal energy industry.
Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Stephen Robertson today announced an additional 16,000 sq km of land for geothermal exploration and released a consultation paper on the proposed draft legislation for geothermal energy production.
"The new legislation being developed will enable explorers to progress to production when a suitable geothermal resource has been identified," Mr Robertson said.
"The Bligh Government is delivering on our commitment to provide a clean, greener future for Queensland and this legislation will ensure geothermal production can begin as soon as the industry is ready.
"Queensland has vast reserves of geothermal energy which means it could provide an alternative clean source of energy for hundreds of years.
"In Queensland's renewable energy mix, geothermal energy has the potential to reliably support large-scale uses in industrial and domestic applications and electricity generation."
Geothermal energy is heat energy contained within the earth's crust. Hot springs and hot steam emerging from the earth's crust are commonly referred to as 'wet' geothermal energy. 'Dry' geothermal energy is heat energy from hot rocks buried deep in the earth's crust.
The consultation paper for the draft Geothermal Energy Bill provides an overview of the 400-page draft Bill and includes questions to encourage public discussion and feedback on key aspects of the draft Bill.
"The government is particularly keen to hear from people whose rights or responsibilities may be affected by the draft legislation, especially geothermal industry participants, representatives from other resource industries, local governments and private landholders," Mr Robertson said.
"The draft Bill will replace the Geothermal Exploration Act 2004 and provide certainty to industry and a regulatory framework for both geothermal exploration and production in Queensland."
Submissions on the exposure draft of the Geothermal Energy Bill will close on Friday 4 September 2009. Copies of the consultation paper and draft Bill are available at www.dme.qld.gov.au
Today, Mr Robertson also invited competitive tenders for exploration permits covering 29 areas of the state under the Geothermal Exploration Permit Round 5 tender process.
"These 29 areas are located west of Cairns and Townsville in North Queensland and around Gayndah in the south-east of the state," he said.
"They total over 16,000 sq km and each contain significant geothermal potential.
"Since 2005, the Queensland Government has previously released 38 areas covering more than 42,190 sq km for geothermal exploration.
"Round 5 is the latest land allocation and tenders for exploration permits close at 4.30pm on 28 September 2009."
Mr Robertson said geothermal energy is important to the people of Queensland.
"Unlike wind and solar, the availability of geothermal energy does not depend on climatic factors.
"Most significantly, geothermal energy is virtually emissions-free. The heat energy already exists within the earth and may be used directly, or converted to another form of energy, for use.
"Queensland has the only geothermal power station in Australia at Birdsville and that station provides about 30 per cent of the town's electricity supply using 'wet' geothermal energy," Mr Robertson said.
ENDS
Media Contact: 07 3224 7332
Last Updated 03 November 2009
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