With the official start of the Geothermal Energy Act in Australia, developers have been invited to bid for exploration permits for geothermal projects in the Northern Territory. The region is believed to have significant geothermal energy potential, with more than two thirds of the territory having a higher than average heat flow below the surface.

According to analyists, there is potential for generating renewable power from hot rocks. The McArthur River area has been emphasized as the area with higher temperatures than normal, and it is expected this area will attract the most interest from geothermal developers. One of the obstacles for geothermal development is the inability for geothermal power producers to export generated power to the national grid.

[source: ABC.net.au, via: Think Geoenergy, image: Geothermal Resources]