The $3.1 million boost in funding across four years until 2011-2012 will allow the group to retain and recruit additional expert staff to handle the surge in applications for geothermal projects in South Australia.
South Australia is a haven for hot rocks that have the potential to provide a source of renewable, emissions free power.
Ongoing exploration in South Australia is expected to lead to investments of $685 million within five years to tap the potential of the naturally occurring hot rocks, the Government said.
Overall, 23 companies have so far applied for 236 geothermal exploration licences covering about 110,000 square kilometres in South Australia.
The $3.1 million boost is part of the $14.1 million funding to PIRSA under the state's 2008-09 budget handed down yesterday.
