The permits have been granted jointly to the company and BHP Billiton Worsley Alumina and cover three blocks within the Collie Basin. Green Rock Energy is operator for all three.

“A substantial proportion of Perth’s electricity supply is generated from power stations in the Collie Basin,” Green Rock Energy pointed out.

“Green Rock Energy is pleased to be involved with these permits.

“The objective is to prove the technical and commercial viability of recovering geothermal energy from the permits, contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint from existing local operations.

Green Rock Energy is an Australian company focused on developing commercially sound renewable geothermal energy projects. It has projects in Australia and Europe and is a member of the Australian Geothermal

Energy Association, the Australian Geothermal Energy Group and is a sponsor member of the International Energy Agency’s Geothermal Implementing Agreement.

A BHP Worsley spokesman said yesterday the company would not be making any statement because any development was a long way off. The statement only added to an August 21 Green Rocks announcement.

Then company secretary Nigel Hodder announced the raising of $1.43 million through the private placement of 26 million shares at 5.5 cents per share.