How we will get there – from vision to action
To deliver on the strategy’s vision and outcomes an action plan has been developed with five central goals. But the actions in this strategy are more than a checklist – they represent the practical steps that will turn vision into reality. This section unpacks the action plan and shows how it will deliver our vision.
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Goal 1: Improve access to geothermal data and funding to enable development
Expanding access to data and modern mapping technologies will deepen our understanding of the full spectrum of New Zealand’s geothermal resources and unlock new development opportunities, particularly for Māori landowners and smaller players. Establishing a baseline of publicly available data is the first step towards a centralised repository of geothermal resource data to support informed decision-making, attract investment and accelerate responsible development across New Zealand.
Reducing early-stage risk is key to unlocking investment and accelerating development. The Government will explore options for early-stage risk-sharing mechanisms to give developers confidence to move projects forward and secure additional sources of funding.
Goal 2: Ensure regulatory and system settings are fit-for-purpose
Modern, adaptive regulatory and system settings are essential to enable innovation and support next-generation technologies (for example EGS, AGS and supercritical/superhot), while protecting New Zealand’s unique geothermal resources and providing certainty for investors. The current resource management reforms present an opportunity to advance the ambition of this strategy. This includes applying evidence-based approaches to certain system classifications (e.g. research systems), so development opportunities can be realised responsibly.
Strengthening wider system settings will help attract new talent and maintain a durable pipeline of skills. Building clear career pathways and fostering international partnerships will help to secure a skilled workforce and keep New Zealand at the forefront of geothermal innovation. Reviewing outdated geothermal regulations will enable them to be updated to fit both current and next-generation technologies and approaches.
Goal 3: Advance knowledge and uptake of existing geothermal technologies and geoheat opportunities
Expanding the use of lower enthalpy geothermal technologies, such as heating and horticultural applications, offers significant economic and environmental benefits. Accelerating uptake will help businesses reduce energy costs, cut emissions and unlock new opportunities for growth.
The Government will support this transition through targeted education and feasibility assessments and exploring demonstration projects to ensure businesses have the tools and confidence to adopt geoheat solutions. Working with industry partners and public-private collaborations, we will showcase the value of geoheat to encourage wider adoption across New Zealand.
Goal 4: Enable place-based geothermal clusters
Aligning the supply of proven geothermal resources with local demand creates opportunities for regional growth and energy resilience. Regional geothermal clusters can foster this synergy, driving innovation, investment and shared benefits for communities.
The Government will enable coordination and collaboration among landowners, tāngata whenua, local authorities, industry, investors and developers. We will explore practical tools such as place-based planning and tailored incentives to encourage collaborative development and maximise regional value. Innovative cluster models, including cascade use[1] developments, can further enhance geothermal efficiency and spread development costs across multiple parties.
Goal 5: Drive geothermal science, research and innovation, including next-generation technologies
Advancing geothermal science and innovation will keep New Zealand at the forefront of global developments. The Government’s reform of the science, innovation and technology system creates an opportunity to explore how it can support geothermal research and understanding of next-generation technologies, ensuring we remain well-positioned for future opportunities.
The Government has made a significant commitment to New Zealand’s first supercritical/superhot geothermal exploration project, with design work underway and drilling targeted for 2027 at land within the Rotokawa geothermal field. This project will lay the foundation for future breakthroughs in supercritical/superhot technologies. Beyond this, there are opportunities to learn from international approaches to EGS and AGS and adapt them for New Zealand where appropriate.
Footnote
[1] Cascade use refers to using a geothermal resource for multiple sequential applications to maximise its efficiency (for example using the same geothermal fluid for electricity generation, then for district heating, and finally for greenhouses or aquaculture).