Geothermal titles and activities

Geothermal energy is a low-emission alternative energy source to traditional fossil fuels.

Heat from the earth, carried by hot water, can be used to generate electricity. It can also be used in industry, agriculture and for heating and cooling buildings and homes.

Geothermal energy is extracted by drilling wells deep into areas of hot rock or underground aquifers that contain hot water.

It is estimated that 1% of the geothermal energy found at depths less than 5km could supply Australia's total energy needs for 26,000 years.

There is no commercial production of geothermal energy in the Northern Territory (NT) but there are areas where the underground temperature is hot enough.

The geothermal industry in Australia has grown over the past 10 years and is used for heating and cooling buildings and pools.

To find out more including current projects, go to the Geoscience Australia website.

If you want to explore for geothermal resources, you must apply for an exploration permit.