Geothermal: The Next Generation

Aotearoa’s Central North Island hosts more than 20 world-class geothermal systems, making it one of the rare places where geothermal development is accessible and technically feasible. Supercritical geothermal fluids (>5km, >4000C) offer ten times more energy than geothermal fluids found at current depths (~3.5km) and reservoir temperatures (<3000C). To utilise these in a sustainable way, a greatly enhanced scientific understanding is needed to realise the potential of supercritical resources, and offer industry-ready solutions. ‘Geothermal: the next generation‘ will address geological, geochemical and technological challenges unknown in conventional geothermal use. The team, combining expert geophysicists, geologists, experimental geochemists, modellers and strategic advisors, will investigate New Zealand’s supercritical conditions and learn from international experiences.