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Queensland identifies 11 new sites available for geothermal exploration

Queensland identifies 11 new sites available for geothermal exploration Double Island Point, Queensland, Australia (source: flickr/ Michael Dawes, creative commons)
Alexander Richter 9 Nov 2010

The state of Queensland in Australia, identifies 11 new sites that are available for geothermal exploration covering more than 3,000 square kilometres.

News from Queensland, Australia report that “the search for new renewable energy resources received a significant boost when the Bligh (Queensland) Government identified new sites for possible geothermal energy exploration.

Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson said 11 sites covering more than 3000 square kilometres were now available for possible geothermal exploration.

Mr Robertson made the announcement while opening the Mining 2010 Resources convention in Brisbane in October.

“The Bligh Government strongly supports exploration for geothermal energy and recognises the potential for geothermal energy to provide clean energy for Queensland’s future,” Mr Robertson said.

Areas identified include near Ben Lomond west of Townsville, in the Birdsville area, and sites near Jundah and Windorah. Four sites are located in central Queensland near Blair Athol, Mount Salmon west of Rockhampton and one each near Callide and Lorray west of Bundaberg.

“These sites have been identified as having great geothermal potential. Of course consultation with all stakeholders will take place before any exploration permits are granted.”

Geothermal energy is generated from hot sedimentary aquifers or enhanced geothermal systems.

Hot sedimentary aquifers use naturally occurring porous sandstones to complete the circulation path in which water is injected back into the ground to be reheated as it travels through the sandstone before being brought back to the surface.

Queensland has granted 40 exploration permits for geothermal since the first calls for tenders for geothermal were gazetted in 2005.

More information on the geothermal land release is available on the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation–Mines and Energy website at www.dme.qld.gov.au.

Source: Media Newswire