sec.66Deciding potential geothermal commercial area application

### sec.66 Deciding potential geothermal commercial area application The Minister may declare an area the subject of the application to be a potential geothermal commercial area only if satisfied— the area is no more than is needed to cover the maximum extent of geothermal resources identified in the report; and geothermal production in the area is not, and will not soon be, commercially viable, but is likely to become viable within 5 years. The area declared must form a single contiguous parcel of land. In deciding the application, regard must be had to— whether the relevant geothermal permit’s conditions have been substantially complied with; and any other matter prescribed under a regulation. To remove any doubt, it is declared that the declaration may be made even if the geothermal permit is being continued in force under section 79 or 293 . If the Minister decides to refuse the application, the Minister must give the applicant an information notice about the decision. (sec.66-ssec.1) The Minister may declare an area the subject of the application to be a potential geothermal commercial area only if satisfied— the area is no more than is needed to cover the maximum extent of geothermal resources identified in the report; and geothermal production in the area is not, and will not soon be, commercially viable, but is likely to become viable within 5 years. (sec.66-ssec.2) The area declared must form a single contiguous parcel of land. (sec.66-ssec.3) In deciding the application, regard must be had to— whether the relevant geothermal permit’s conditions have been substantially complied with; and any other matter prescribed under a regulation. (sec.66-ssec.4) To remove any doubt, it is declared that the declaration may be made even if the geothermal permit is being continued in force under section 79 or 293 . (sec.66-ssec.5) If the Minister decides to refuse the application, the Minister must give the applicant an information notice about the decision. - (a) the area is no more than is needed to cover the maximum extent of geothermal resources identified in the report; and - (b) geothermal production in the area is not, and will not soon be, commercially viable, but is likely to become viable within 5 years. - (a) whether the relevant geothermal permit’s conditions have been substantially complied with; and - (b) any other matter prescribed under a regulation.