Finlaysons ticks the box for geothermal capability

Prepared by commercial law firm, Finlaysons, the checklist will be delivered to the market by industry bodies, the Australian Geothermal Energy Association (AGEA) and the Australian Geothermal Energy Group (AGEG).
Finlaysons, a provider of specialist advice to the resources and energy sectors, has been working in the geothermal energy industry since its inception.
The firm’s checklist covers a broad range of subject matter – including geothermal energy regulation, water access, environmental, planning and development, and tenure. Native title and Aboriginal heritage, electricity regulation, dangerous goods and radioactive materials are also covered.
“The concept for the checklist grew out of the fact that geothermal energy has created a relatively new market sector, which means there is an abundance of new laws to understand, as well as existing laws which may be currently being applied in ways that were not originally intended," said Finlaysons resources partner, George McKenzie.
“This checklist – developed in consultation with the Petroleum & Geothermal Group within Primary Industries & Resources South Australia (PIRSA) and key industry bodies – offers a simple ‘how to’ guide for operators and aims to demystify working under the governing law.”
The user-friendly checklist identifies the relevant regulatory licenses, permits, consents, approvals and authorisations that geothermal explorers and operators require in order to undertake exploration and production of electricity from geothermal power in SA.
Susan Jeanes, CEO of AGEA said the checklist is an important part of the overall service for those working in the geothermal industry.
“The development of the checklist is an important service to members in the industry. The legal approvals checklist is a significant step in the development of a series of codes aimed at developing a credible framework for those working in the geothermal industry,” Jeanes said.
As a service to the sector, the document will be provided free-of-charge to all members of the AGEA and AGEG. Preparation of similar checklists for Victoria and Western Australia is currently underway within Finlaysons.
For more information visit www.finlaysons.com.au