What is Geothermal Exploration?
The Geothermal Act defines geothermal exploration to mean (a) exploring for, and quantifying, geothermal material; and (b) carrying out investigations and other activities associated with exploring for, or quantifying, geothermal material. Geothermal material means geological strata and associated material in which elevated levels of geothermal energy exist. Geothermal Exploration Permits Prior to the Geothermal Act, applications for geothermal tenure had been made under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 (Qld) (“MRA”), but such applications were not able to be granted as the energy created was not considered to be a “mineral” for the purposes of the MRA. The Geothermal Act now provides for a form of tenure, the geothermal exploration permit, to allow exploration to commence. This is an interim measure to provide access to the resources, and provides a platform for the development of the legislative framework so that the energy created can be used in the future. Tenures will be made availa
Geothermal exploration is a subset of the field of geology which is focused on finding potential sources of geothermal energy. The goal of geothermal exploration is to locate sites which can be used consistently into the future for the purpose of energy generation, and to evaluate the suitability of such sites for geothermal development. Many nations have invested in geothermal power as a source of renewable, zero-emissions energy which could help replace more polluting and nonsustainable sources of energy like petroleum and coal. Geothermal energy harnesses the natural power of the Earth by tapping into the tremendous heat beneath the Earth’s crust. It is one of the oldest forms of energy in use; geothermal power has been used in China, North America, and parts of Europe for centuries to heat buildings, cook, and prepare baths. For modern researchers, the primary advantage to this energy source is that it is renewable, because the Earth’s core constantly generates more heat, and it pr
