Geothermal Energy Resources Regulations 2026

For the purposes of section 51(2) of the Act, a geothermal energy extraction development plan must contain—

a description of each stage of the geothermal energy operation, including equipment or facilities to be used; and

a description of the relevant existing geological and geothermal energy resource data that relates to the authority area and of the interpretations of that data; and

details of proposed further data acquisition and studies to enhance geological and geothermal energy resource understanding; and

a geothermal energy resource management plan that—

describes how the geothermal energy is to be extracted; and

provides the reasons for adopting the proposed approach; and

estimates the future performance of the geothermal energy resource; and

specifies the proposed rate of recovery of geothermal energy.

The holder of an authority must ensure that the geothermal energy extraction development plan is reviewed within one year after the initial geothermal energy extraction (unless the Minister agrees to a longer period) and then at intervals not exceeding one year.