The region's extensive hot rock resources and the proposed power station at Koroit are expected to be a major focus for the delegates at the World Geothermal Congress.

Energy and Resources Minister Peter Bachelor today announced that Melbourne had won the rights to the event and that the state's potential to generate electricity from deep underground would showcased to the delegates from 65 countries.

"A clean environment is crucial to our future, so to be hosting the world's leading experts on geothermal energy is a great result for Victoria and underscores our commitment to ensuring Victoria is a leader in renewable and clean energy development," Mr Batchelor said.

News of the congress coup comes as Queensland company Hot Rock Limited prepares to start test drilling in the Koroit-Willatook area to confirm temperature and flow rates.

Data taken from existing petroleum wells have allowed Hot Rock to estimate temperatures as high as 185 degrees at a depth of 4000 metres.

The company has projected that the south-west geothermal resource could produce 1100 megawatts of power each year for 30 years.

Organised by the International Geothermal Association, the five-day World Geothermal Congress is held every five years.

It brings together geothermal resource specialists and researchers to look at geothermal energy use, technology, innovation, sustainability, environmental benefits, risk mitigation and market development, Mr Bachelor said.

The congress, which was Australian Geothermal Energy Group and the Australian Geothermal Energy Association, will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Mr Batchelor said the congress was expected to provide a $9 million injection to the Victorian economy.

"As well as benefiting Melbourne's business events industry, this event will also benefit regional Victoria, as delegates will undertake field trips throughout the state," he said.

"This conference is the perfect platform to showcase our existing work around geothermal energy and our resource prospects, while at the same time highlighting to industry delegates why Victoria is a great place to live and work."

Mr Batchelor said more than 20 permits covering most of Victoria had been issued to companies exploring for commercial geothermal resources.

Read more in tomorrow's Standard.

For more information on the Koroit project, visit Hot Rock's website below.