The state government of Western Australia is looking forward to develop the geothermal exploration sector. It has granted permits for ten new exploration sites to companies which are trying to tap this sector.

The permits were given by Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) and were released through competitive bidding.

Out of the ten, eight permits were given to companies which are targeting the Carnarvon Basin. The rest two were granted for the area situated near Esperance in the south-east region.

New World Energy is the company which won most of the bids followed by Geothermal Energy. New World won seven out of the above mentioned eight.

Talking about this, the minister for mines and petroleum Norman Moore said that the step has been taken since the government is trying to increase the supplies in the renewable energy segment.

The permits will help in brining a "robust" growth in this area, he added. He was happy that the sector is growing and so is the area that is covered under it.

The permits include a work area of 34,556 kms and the companies will have to spend at least A$62.3 million. The lifespan of the permits is six years.