Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels that produces low carbon emissions.

Last updated: 25 March 2025

In Western Australia, geothermal energy is managed under the Petroleum and Geothermal Resources Act 1967. So far, all geothermal exploration areas are on land, not offshore.

Geothermal energy is heat from inside the Earth. It is a renewable energy source that can run day and night with low emissions. Many countries already use geothermal energy.

The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) is studying the state’s sedimentary basins to find potential energy sources. In Western Australia, geothermal energy resources include:

Direct use of warm water from shallow aquifers.
Deeper natural reservoirs that can provide heat for direct use or generate electricity.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), which improve or create pathways for heat extraction and can be used for heating and electricity.

Currently, geothermal wells are drilled to about 5 km, but the temperature at that depth varies across Australia. Some areas have hotter rocks due to geological factors, such as high heat-generating granite covered by layers of insulating sediment. In Western Australia geothermal resources in the Canning, Carnarvon, and Perth Basins are particularly promising, with temperatures of 200 °C found at depths of less than 5 km. In WA, geothermal energy from shallow sources is already used to heat swimming pools, but deeper levels could help power Australia's energy future. GSWA studies of geothermal potential in several basins are available through the DEMIRS eBookshop.

Geothermal energy exploration from deep hot rocks commenced in WA in 2008, with several companies searching mainly in the Perth Basin.