The State Government has opened a second geothermal acreage release for 2009 following the earlier high level of bidding for exploration rights in the Perth and Carnarvon basins.

The new acreage release covers the onshore south-eastern region of Western Australia, including Albany, Esperance and some Eastern Goldfields mining areas.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore said geothermal energy showed promising potential for additional energy sources for the State and industry.

“Judging by the strong response to the first geothermal acreage release for the Perth basin, there is clearly significant interest in tapping into the State’s geothermal energy,” Mr Moore said.

The initial geothermal acreage package was first released last year and re-released in March.

“The Perth Basin acreage release received more than 60 valid bids covering a total land area of 12,160 sq km, making it one of Australia’s most successful geothermal releases,” the Minister said.

“It is expected that $560million will be spent on exploration in the Perth Basin in the next six years.

“Geothermal energy is a clean and renewable energy source that can also play a big role in increasing WA’s domestic energy security.”

Mr Moore said that companies bidding for the new acreage release in the south-east region were allowed to bid for multiple areas and would be expected to drill at least one well to a depth of 400m during the first two years of obtaining a geothermal title.

The State Government has also provided $2.3million for a Geothermal Centre of Excellence to build WA’s capacity and knowledge about exploration and development of geothermal resources.