Geothermal energy has the potential to provide baseload electricity to Australian homes and industry, without producing emissions of greenhouse gases.
In April 2007, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) requested development of a technology roadmap for geothermal energy in Australia. Following initial consultations with companies, the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism developed a more comprehensive approach which resulted in the concept of an industry development framework that would incorporate the technology roadmap.
The Geothermal Industry Development Framework aims to support the growth of Australia's geothermal industry through strategies agreed by stakeholders from government, industry and the research community.
The Minister for Resources and Energy released the draft Framework for public comment on 20 August 2008. The draft Framework incorporates recommendations to accelerate the commercialisation of geothermal energy in Australia.
Comments on the draft Framework (attached below) can be provided to the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism by email to Energy.Profiles@ret.gov.au. Comments are due by Friday 12 September 2008.
The proposed Australian Geothermal Industry Technology Roadmap will be considered by COAG at its meeting in Perth on 2 October 2008.
Attachment: Draft Geothermal Industry Development Framework
[PDF, 1.0 MB]