Minister’s foreword
New Zealand has long relied on the strength of the resources beneath our feet. Geothermal energy is one of those rare national advantages — dependable, innovative and capable of powering real economic momentum.
New Zealand has long relied on the strength of the resources beneath our feet. Geothermal energy is one of those rare national advantages — dependable, innovative and capable of powering real economic momentum.
Despite its vast potential, New Zealand’s geothermal sector faces several barriers. Exploration has stagnated since the Crown’s initial drilling efforts, with high upfront costs and fragmented access to geothermal data.
The action plan is divided into 5 goals with actions across 3 time horizons. Horizon 0 notes actions that have already been completed.
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.
Examples of geothermal and geoheat development and innovation across the motu.
Our unique geology provides New Zealand with an extraordinary opportunity to harness a powerful and versatile natural resource with diverse applications. Stunning vistas showcasing precious geothermal surface features, combined with early innovation in energy development, laid the foundation for New Zealand’s energy profile and propelled us forward as a global leader.
New Zealand firm Todd Energy has been selected as the preferred lead contractor to drill New Zealand’s first exploratory superdeep, superhot geothermal well, which – if successful – could bring about a step change in New Zealand’s energy supply.
The New Zealand Energy Quarterly provides quarterly data and analysis on energy supply, demand and pricing across various commodities. This edition was released on 10 June 2020.
The New Zealand Energy Quarterly provides quarterly data and analysis on energy supply, demand, prices and associated greenhouse gas emissions. This edition was released in December 2022.
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