Direct Use: Opportunities and Development Initiatives in New Zealand

Abstract

The technological, economic and environmental benefits of direct geothermal use are well demonstrated internationally. In New Zealand, direct geothermal use includes applications in industrial timber and food processing, agriculture, aquaculture, geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps, tourism, balneology, and commercial and domestic heating. There is growing interest from the geothermal industry, economic development agencies, the New Zealand government and others to promote and further develop direct geothermal heat use. This paper presents an update on the direct use opportunities in New Zealand, and the initiatives that are underway to promote growth and increased uptake. Opportunities for new increased direct-use development include: supplying new businesses with geothermal heat; substitution for fossil fuel based energy; development of industrial / commercial geothermal heat parks; and attracting industries to take advantage of New Zealand's geothermal assets. Initiatives include: consultation with architects, engineers and energy managers to understand their energy perceptions and decision-making practices; developing promotional and educational material; improving the regulatory regime; economic modelling; developing an online interactive geothermal use database and web map; and improving communication between industry, government and research sectors. These initiatives are assisting in meeting New Zealand’s energy needs, contributing to economic and social development, strategic energy targets, and further promoting New Zealand’s commitment to efficient and clean energy use.