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GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
In reply to Hon. SANDRA KANCK (11 March) The Hon. K.T. GRIFFIN: The Deputy Premier, Minister for Primary Industries, Natural Resources and Regional Development has provided the following information: Geothermal energy is a significant potential source of energy in South Australia. Its successful exploitation depends on success in research into conversion of geothermal energy into electricity as well as success in exploring for suitable deposits of `hot rock'.Currently in South Australia there is no legislation controlling the management of the allocation of rights to explore for or exploit geothermal energy. However, rights to explore for and develop geothermal energy are proposed in the Petroleum Bill 1998.
Currently the best known potential geothermal area in the state is the Nappamerri Trough in the Cooper Basin. This covers an enormous area approaching 4000 kmē. The Trough is potentially capable of supporting a number of competing geothermal exploitation facilities. It is important for the future competitiveness of geothermal energy that we do not award all of a potential geothermal province to only one or two companies.
Public discussion of the Petroleum Bill has focussed on proposals to couple geothermal rights with those for petroleum exploration and production. Public comment on the proposal has led me to require a public discussion paper specifically on geothermal rights to be issued. The results of the consultation process will be taken into account in finalising the Bill prior to its tabling in Parliament.
My objective is to ensure the management of the award of geothermal rights is the best possible for the future sustainable exploitation of this energy resource in the State.