Unlocking the Next Generation of Renewable Earth Energy

superHOT geothermal

New Zealand is at the frontier of exploring superhot geothermal energy potential. This global collaborative effort is backed by government funded exploration andworld-leading research programmes.

This groundbreaking work could be a game changer for securing New Zealand’s future energy needs,

Hon Shane Jones
Minister of Resources

The opportunity

Frontier of energy innovation and discovery

New Zealand’s Central North Island hosts more than 20 world-class geothermal systems and world-leading capability, making it one of the best places for geothermal development and innovation.

In a world facing energy security risks from geopolitical instability and climate extremes, superhot geothermal energy can be a resilient, clean, and scalable solution for many countries.

Developing next-generation of geothermal technology to harness this energy is the key to unlocking this potential for the world.

As global investment in next-generation and high-temperature geothermal surges, New Zealand is stepping forward as the place to test, trial, and prove what’s possible. Our two key activities at the “Deepheat” research programme and the New Zealand Government’s “Geoshot NZ” drilling exploration programme.

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photo credit: ally mcfarlane
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Conceptual Diagram showing the  two key activities, the “Deepheat” research programme and the “Geoshot NZ” drilling exploration programme.
photo credit: Alena Yakusheva
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photo credit: Chris Sisarich
photo credit: ally Mcfarlane
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The progress

New Zealand has made great progress so far, we have,

This research programme (2019-2024) will:

  • Validated the potential of New Zealand superhot resources through scientific research and economic analysis
  • Developed globally unique superhot simulation capabilities that allow for experiments and technology testing above ground.
  • Supported exploration through a government funded drilling programme
  • Selected Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir as the preferred site for New Zealand’s first superhot exploration
  • Funded scientific research that will support the exploration
  • Appointed an international review panel to review the well design and project details and provide advice on latest international products and technologies.

the benefits

Unlocking an energy source for a sustainable and secure future

Renewable geothermal resources are instrumental to achieving New Zealand’s low-carbon aspirations. The critical challenge is going beyond conventional geothermal systems to tap into deeper superhot heat resources.

There is currently a keen focus on geothermal fluids that exist in a “supercritical” state. These resources offer significantly more energy, approximately 3x the amount per the same volume of fluid, than conventional geothermal.

Supercritical resources offer a near-limitless baseload energy supply that will fundamentally transform New Zealand’s energy sector. This future includes a decarbonised electricity system with improved environmental performance.

Supercritical also opens new investment opportunities. Economic development will be supported through commercial applications of supercritical geothermal resources for material processing, industrial scale forestry, dairy and other industrial uses.

photo credit: Dmitry Pichugin
photo credit: Chris SisarIch
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photo credit: Paul Sutherland
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photo credit: Greame Murray
photo credit: Chris Sisarich
photo credit: Matt Crawford
photo credit: Chris williams
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The collaboration

Combining global movement with local partnerships

New Zealand is part of a global superhot geothermal movement with Iceland, Japan, Italy, and the United States, but is uniquely positioned to lead due to shallower drill depths, laboratory and research capabilities and extensive existing geothermal infrastructure.

We’re working with international experts, sharing data, and committed to building on global efforts. This collaboration is also committed to enabling Māori, as kaitiaki (guardians of the environment and people), to actively shape the future, catalyse innovation across the industry, and set the standard for creating robust indigenous practices.

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