A large underground basin of “hot rocks” has been discovered by geologists who believe it could provide clean energy to a quarter of Queensland.
The Millungera Basin, located about 100 kilometres east off Cloncurry in North-West Queensland, covers a 15,000 square kilometre area and could hold geothermal energy potentially to rival that of the Copper Basin in South Australia, reported Premier Anna Bligh.
“The discovery of a new, untapped basin of this size is rare anywhere in the world,” Bligh said.
“For one to be found here, in the heart of north-west Queensland, is truly amazing.
“It is possible that this basin could hold clean energy sources that could provide low emissions power for the entire north-west region.”
QLD Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said work would be carried out to establish the exact depth and size of the basin.
“There are also plans to drill a number of relatively shallow holes to measure the geothermal potential,” he said.
“We will shortly consider which blocks of land could be released for tender for geothermal and gas exploration.”