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New Carbon Economy: Geothermal Emissions Management and Utilization in Aotearoa New Zealand, with Te Ao Māori Perspectives
Rebecca LAWSON, Andrew MARSH, Andrea BLAIR, Aroha CAMPBELL, Melissa CLIMO, Loretta LOVELL
[Upflow, New Zealand]
The introduction of New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2008, and its extension to geothermal operations in 2010, has driven significant innovation in emissions management, with annual costs to operators around NZ$50M. Historically, non-condensable gases (NCGs) were often released to the atmosphere during power generation. However decarbonisation pressures, including ETS costs, have prompted geothermal operators to adopt new strategies for greenhouse gas abatement. Reinjection of NCGs is now standard practice at many sites to close the emissions loop, but full reinjection is not feasible for all fields due to geological limitations and uncertain long-term impacts on production. Industries such as packaging, food and beverage, agriculture, and manufacturing rely on carbon dioxide—the most abundant NCG—create opportunities for commercial utilisation alongside mitigation. Māori are central to New Zealand’s geothermal sector, holding significant ownership of high-temperature resources, especially in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Māori trusts and organisations are equity partners in major geothermal projects and actively shape development, investment, and operational strategies, guided by tikanga (customs) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). As New Zealand advances CO₂ management and decarbonisation, Māori will be key decision makers, with constitutional rights under the Treaty of Waitangi ensuring their consultation and recognition in resource management policy. This paper examines current and future approaches to geothermal emissions utilisation, with a focus on commercial, environmental, mātauranga Māori (Indigenous knowledge), and Te Ao Māori (Māori world views) considerations.
Topic: General