Geothermal authorities
An appropriate resource authority is required before you can conduct any exploration or production activity for geothermal energy in Queensland.
These are issued under Queensland's Geothermal Energy Act 2010.
This guide describes the types of resource authorities that are granted and administered under the Act, their main features and how to apply.
Exploration permit for geothermal energy
To explore for geothermal resources in Queensland, you must hold a current exploration permit for geothermal energy (EPG).
Permitted activities
An EPG allows you to explore for geothermal resources and evaluate the feasibility of geothermal production, including by production testing.
Environmental authorities
Before we grant a resource authority you will require the appropriate environmental authority.
Native title
Any native title requirements will need to be addressed before we grant an authority.
Main features of EPGs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite authority | NA |
| Duration | Maximum of 5 years |
| Size | 50 blocks |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Rent | {{ pass_35422 }} per sub-block |
| Application fee | {{ pass_35566 }} |
How to apply
Complete an application form and lodge it through MyMinesOnline or a mines lodgement office. You can also apply through a call for tenders.
Also consider...
- Read our guide to the application process for resource authorities for general information about lodging an application.
- Find out how to comply with your resource authority and the land access code.
Potential geothermal commercial area
If you discover commercial quantities of geothermal resources, you can apply to have an area of your exploration permit declared as a potential geothermal commercial area (PGA). This will allow you to evaluate the potential production and market opportunities for the resource.
When an area is declared as a potential commercial area, it remains part of the exploration permit.
The land must be brought into production through an application for a production lease within 5 years of the declaration or before the exploration permit expires. If you do not make an application for a lease within the accepted time frame, the potential commercial area lapses and the land ceases to be part of the exploration permit.
Main features of PGAs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite authority | Exploration permit for geothermal energy |
| Duration | Maximum of 5 years |
| Size | No restrictions |
| Renewable | No |
| Application fee | {{ pass_35567 }} |
How to apply
Complete an application form and lodge it through MyMinesOnline or a mines lodgement office.
Also consider...
- Read our guide to the application process for resource authorities for general information about lodging an application.
- Find out how to comply with your resource authority and the land access code.
Geothermal lease
Geothermal leases are long-term authorities to allow the commercial development of the resource.
Permitted activities
A geothermal lease allows you to carry out a range of activities related to exploration, testing and production of geothermal energy.
Environmental authorities
Before we grant a resource authority you will require the appropriate environmental authority.
Native title
Any native title requirements will need to be addressed before we grant an authority.
Main features of a geothermal lease
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite authority | Exploration permit for geothermal energy (not required for tenders) |
| Duration | 30 years |
| Size | 25 blocks |
| Renewable | Yes |
| Rent | {{ pass_35423 }} per km2 |
| Application fee | Direct application: {{ pass_35568 }} |
How to apply
Complete an application form and lodge it through MyMinesOnline or a mines lodgement office. You can also apply through a call for tenders.
Also consider...
- Read our guide to the application process for resource authorities for general information about lodging an application.
- Find out how to comply with your resource authority and the land access code.
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