The Victoria government has just issued its first round of Geothermal Exploration Permits (GEPs).

Hot Rock Ltd, Karoon Gas Australia, Geogen Victoria, Torrens Energy Ltd, Proactive Energy Developments Ltd and Greenearth Energy Ltd each picked up a licence in the first round covering 80,000 square kilometres.

» Six companies begin energy search in Vic - Sydney Morning Herald, April 26 2007.

The Australian reports Geodynamic’s state-of-the-art $32 million dollar Lightning Rig is also generating interest in conventional petroleum exploration drilling sector.

The rig manufactured by Le Tourneau in Houston and due to arrive in Australia in June to start drilling Habanero 3, is the largest capacity rig seen in Australia.

“The rig has a huge drilling capacity and is capable of reaching depths up to 6000m,” Adrian Williams, CEO of Geodynamics says. “Not only that, but it can operate on full torque down to zero revs — which means it can drill through some very tough rocks that would defeat lesser rigs.”

David Farrar, Managing Director of Le Tourneau Australian Operations goes on to say, “It far exceeds anything seen in Australia before and is one of only seven or eight we’ve built so far. Most of those are in the US, but judging by the high level of interest we’ve already had from petroleum explorers when news of the impending arrival got around, it might not be alone here for long.”

» Thermal rock demands a mega rig - The Australian, 14th April 2007.