Esperance, West Australia (source: flickr/ Don Pugh Perth Western Australia, creative commons)Six geothermal permits have been awarded by the West Australian Department of Minerals, Industry, Resources, and Safety (DMIRS). This follows a bid round for 21 geothermal exploration areas that was announced by the Government of Western Australia in early 2022.
These are the first licenses to be awarded based on the geothermal bid round and the first geothermal exploration permits issued in Western Australia since 2011.
The Geothermal Exploration Permits (GEPs) and the companies they were awarded to are as follows:
GEP 48 – Good Earth Energy Corporation Pty Ltd
GEP 47 – Theia Energy No 2 Pty Ltd
GEP 49 – Good Earth Energy Corporation Pty Ltd
GEP 46 – Groundbreaking Energy Pty Ltd
GEP 45 – Energy Resources Limited
GEP 44 – VRX Silica Limited
The awarded GEPs have a term of six years. The locations and boundaries of the GEPs are indicated in the map below:
Awarded geothermal exploration permits in Western Australia as of 27 July 2023 (source: Australian Geothermal Association)
Bids received on a number of additional areas are still being processed and it is likely that additional permits will be awarded in the coming weeks. One of the issues identified is completing the consultation process with existing petroleum permit holders and establishing a clear mechanism for resolving potential resource tenure conflicts.
DMIRS recently released a draft “Guide note on the management of subsisting petroleum and geothermal titles” for public consultation. Submissions are due by 1 September. The Australian Geothermal Association (AGA) has scheduled a workshop for members to discuss the subject on 14 August. More information on this workshop can be found here.
