Geothermal energy licences
In Victoria you need a licence for geothermal exploration and extraction.
Geothermal exploration permits are only offered through a Victorian Government tender process.
There are 3 types of geothermal licences:
- geothermal exploration permit
- geothermal retention lease
- geothermal extraction licence.
Before any work can begin, operators must have an approved operation plan. For more information, please email workplan.approvals@deeca.vic.gov.au.
If you already hold a geothermal permit or lease, you can apply to vary your licence online using the Resources Rights Allocation and Management (RRAM) portal.
If you are unsure of your RRAM login details, please email rram.support@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Geothermal Energy Resources Act 2005 (Vic)
The Geothermal Energy Resources Act 2005 (Vic) provides a framework for geothermal exploration and extraction.
Under the Act, the heat energy below the surface belongs to the Crown on behalf of all Victorians. This is similar to other earth resources.
The Act supports the development of geothermal energy by:
- enabling the sustainable, large-scale commercial exploration and extraction of geothermal energy
- giving industry secure title to explore and extract geothermal energy
- setting clear processes for allocating geothermal titles
- supporting fair and transparent land access processes
- making sure environmental, social and land use issues are considered from planning through to decommissioning
- setting rules to enforce licence conditions, including health, safety and environmental requirements.
More information
Geothermal Energy Resources Act 2005
Page last updated: 09 Jul 2026