10 Sep 2026
1 month ago
415 views
New Zealand’s Government reports record renewable electricity generation and a 66% drop in wholesale prices for the June quarter, attributing success to policies like LNG import facility procurement and fast-tracking renewable projects. Despite strong renewable output, the electricity system remains vulnerable to dry years due to reliance on hydro storage and backup thermal generation, highlighting risks from past bans on oil and gas exploration. The Government emphasizes ongoing investment in renewables supported by LNG imports to ensure energy security and affordability in challenging conditions.
13 Jul 2026
3 months ago
715 views
The Government is investing $12.5 million through the Regional Infrastructure Fund to develop Ōpōtiki Marina, supporting aquaculture growth and creating up to 87 construction jobs. Additionally, a $3 million grant will fund the Gas to Geoheat – Tauranga Geothermal System Project, exploring geothermal energy potential to support future renewable energy initiatives and create 15-20 jobs. These investments aim to unlock the Bay of Plenty’s natural resource potential, boost regional economic growth, job creation, and energy security.
09 Jun 2026
4 months ago
1093 views
The GeoShot NZ project aims to drill New Zealand’s first superhot geothermal well at the Rotokawa Geothermal Field, with government funding of $55 million approved for pre-drilling and exploratory activities. The initiative involves expert partners and advanced technology to harness superhot fluids at depths of 4–5 km, offering significantly more energy than conventional wells and enhancing national energy resilience. This pioneering effort, supported by international collaboration, seeks to establish New Zealand as a leader in clean, high-capacity geothermal energy for long-term regional and national benefits.
17 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1191 views
The New Zealand Government has ringfenced $50 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support early-stage geothermal projects, aiming to de-risk exploration and boost regional productivity and resilience. So far, three projects have received funding, including two $10 million loans for the Taumanu and Kopura geothermal projects and a $3 million grant for the Whakatāne Geothermal Temperature Gradient Well Programme. These initiatives are expected to create jobs, promote Māori economic development, and enhance renewable energy capacity through exploration and potential new geothermal power stations.
17 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1248 views
The Government has launched the "From the Ground Up" strategy to double geothermal energy use by 2040, aiming to boost investment, modernize regulations, and support both traditional and next-generation geothermal technologies. The plan emphasizes regional economic growth, Māori partnerships, and unlocking the cultural and economic value of geothermal resources. By improving development conditions and fostering innovation, the strategy seeks to enhance New Zealand's energy resilience and position it as a global leader in geothermal power.
20 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1073 views
New Zealand and Iceland signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in geothermal energy development through joint research, industry workshops, and academic exchanges, focusing on superhot and supercritical geothermal systems. This partnership builds on decades of shared expertise and recent collaborations, aiming to advance renewable energy innovation and support New Zealand's goals to double renewable generation by 2050 and boost geothermal production by 2040. The agreement was formalized at COP 30 and includes financial commitments, such as New Zealand allocating up to $60 million for geothermal exploration in the Taupō Volcanic Zone.
26 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1268 views
Professor Roland N Horne, an earth science and engineering expert from Stanford University, will lead the international review panel for New Zealand's supercritical geothermal exploration project. The panel also includes experts from Iceland and the US, aiming to access supercritical geothermal fluids at extreme depths. New Zealand's government has allocated up to $60 million for the project's exploration phase, with a technical team assembled from various organizations to drive the initiative forward.
26 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1224 views
The New Zealand Minister for Resources and Regional Development delivered a keynote address at the 2025 Indigenous Geothermal Symposium in Reno, Nevada, highlighting the cultural significance and future potential of geothermal energy. New Zealand, known for its geothermal electricity production, has a deep connection to geothermal resources rooted in Māori heritage. The country is investing in supercritical geothermal technology, aiming to lead in sustainable innovation and global energy transformation.
23 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1163 views
New Zealand and Iceland are strengthening cooperation in areas such as working holidays, taxation, and geothermal energy, as announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters during his visit to Iceland. Initiatives like a reciprocal Working Holiday Scheme aim to enhance collaboration between the two island nations, fostering opportunities for young people to engage, learn, and contribute internationally. The Double Tax Agreement and exploration of geothermal energy aim to bolster economic ties and address future energy needs, with Mr Peters highlighting the importance of learning from Iceland's expertise in this field during his broader visit to the Nordic region.
19 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1180 views
Resources Minister Shane Jones is prioritizing investment and collaboration in New Zealand's natural resources at upcoming international mining and geothermal conferences. He will address the growing interest in the country's mineral sector and highlight the policy framework supporting its growth. Mr Jones aims to rebuild international investor confidence, promote geothermal energy exploration, and seek global collaboration to maximize New Zealand's geothermal potential.
10 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1471 views
The Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir in New Zealand's Taupō Volcanic Zone has been chosen for the country's first supercritical geothermal exploration, with plans to develop multiple wells for enhanced power output. The site selection followed thorough geological studies and risk assessments, with a focus on involving the local community and cultural considerations. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between stakeholders to explore the potential of supercritical geothermal energy, with a multi-disciplinary team working on regulatory approvals, design, and drilling for the project's success.
04 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1322 views
The Government is supporting 19 ambitious science programs, including the DeepHeat project by the New Zealand Institute for Earth Science Limited, which aims to explore the energy potential of the Central Taupo Volcanic Zone using supercritical geothermal energy. This project, funded with $10 million from the Endeavour Fund, is seen as groundbreaking and essential for New Zealand's future prosperity, as geothermal energy offers a reliable alternative to weather-dependent renewable sources like hydro, solar, and wind. The Government's investment of over $183 million in various projects, from climate technology to healthcare and clean energy, demonstrates the power of science to drive innovation, economic growth, and a more resilient future.
30 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2921 views
The Minister for Resources and Regional Development welcomes attendees to the launch of a draft strategy to unlock New Zealand's geothermal potential, highlighting the historical significance and current opportunities of geothermal resources. Geothermal energy plays a vital role in New Zealand's electricity generation and various industries, contributing to economic growth and innovation, with plans to double geothermal energy use by 2040 and explore supercritical geothermal technology for increased energy production. The government aims to establish New Zealand as a global leader in sustainable geothermal development through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, including iwi, to drive regional economies and achieve energy resilience.
30 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3297 views
New Zealand aims to double geothermal energy production by 2040 to tap into its rich resources, positioning the country as a global leader in sustainable geothermal development. The draft strategy, "From the Ground Up," seeks to drive innovation, resilience, and economic growth through geothermal utilization. The plan includes expanding geothermal applications beyond electricity generation, fostering innovation, and strengthening regional economies and the Māori economy.