Australia: Northern Territories exploration permits open to application
Alexander Richter
1 Dec 2009
Applications for geothermal energy exploration permits in the Northern Territories of Australia open as the Geothermal Energy Act comes into effect.
Reported from Australia, Graeme Beardsmore of Hot Dry Rocks “expects the Northern Territory’s hot rocks will attract a lot of interest from resources companies.
Applications for geothermal energy exploration permits open today when the Geothermal Energy Act comes into effect.
Research suggests at least two thirds of the Territory has higher than average heat flow below the surface.
Greame Beardsmore says that means there is potential for renewable power production from hot rocks.
“I know certainly of two companies and I’ve heard rumours of several more that do intend to lodge applications,” Mr Beardsmore said.
He says the McArthur River area has higher temperatures than normal and will attract most of the initial attention.
But he says the market for geothermal electricity production in the Territory is limited because companies cannot sell power to the national grid.”
Source: ABC
