The legislation amends the Petroleum Act (1967) to provide for the exploration and production of geothermal energy resources across WA.

The acreage release opens up a swathe of land that stretches from south of Kalbarri about halfway along the state’s coast down to Dunsborough in the Margaret River region south of Perth. It extends inland about 250km, finishing at a straight line slightly east of Cunderdin, Narrogin and Wagin and west of Mount Magnet.

The geothermal acreage has been divided in 495 lots, each with an area of 320 square kilometres. Explorers can bid for any lot within the acreage.

WA Resources and Energy Minister Francis Logan said opening geothermal acreage would accelerate focused on-ground exploration drilling for geothermal energy resources in WA and signalled the beginning of a new energy industry in the state

“We need to diversify our energy supply to keep up with the demand for domestic power, as well as to make a positive contribution to the environment,” he said.

“Geothermal power systems are basically closed systems without emissions. It is one of the cleanest forms of energy possible.”

Bids for the exploration permits will close at 4pm on April 24, with many of the lots being industrial project sites, particularly in the southern part of the release area.

“It is a great opportunity for geothermal explorers to secure prime exploration acreage in populated regions of WA,” Logan said.

“The location close to already populated regions means explorers will have access to a nearby workforce, as well the power grid and transmission lines.”

A second acreage area, in the Carnarvon Basin region, will be released later this year.

University of Western Australia and CSIRO geothermal expert Professor Klaus Regenauer-Lieb said the state is well placed to benefit from the international geothermal energy boom.

“Perth is built on sedimentary basins which provide exploitable heat right where it can be used, providing an ideal source of clean power for WA,” he said.

Full details on how to apply for acreage are available from the Department of Industry and Resources website: www.doir.wa.gov.au/mineralsandpetroleum/acreage_releases.asp