The Geology and Mines Unit is working with two companies to start looking for geothermal energy (hot water from underground) that can be used to make electricity on Efate and Tanna.

After waiting for many years and trying with other companies that didn’t meet government expectations, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has now given a prospecting license to an Australian company called Groundlink Energy Pty Limited. This company will do research in the Takara area on Efate.

Mines Commissioner Camillia Garae said, “The first company to come and do a visibility study will send their environmental scientists. They should arrive in the next few months. After the assessment, the drill team will come. If they see a good resource and confirm it, they will respond to the government and say yes, energy can be generated in the next three years.”

Mrs Garae also confirmed that another company is interested in doing similar work on Tanna.

“Another application that we received is from a company in the U.S. called XFUEL. The application is still in progress, but once the minister gives the license, they will be able to start their work,” she said.

Geothermal energy is part of the government’s 100-day plan to support clean and renewable energy. Giving these licenses is a big step in that direction.