Geothermal: The Next generation, Advancing the Understanding of New Zealand’s supercritical resources – Programme update

Abstract

New Zealand is endowed with generous geothermal resources. NZ’s deeper, currently untapped, supercritical geothermal resources have the potential to provide a source of renewable energy. New Zealand’s unique tectonic setting, with its active rifting arc, producing voluminous magma and outstanding heat flow, delivers exceptional opportunities for geothermal development.
Started in October 2019, the Geothermal: the Next Generation MBIE research programme aims to resolve the critical geological, geophysical and geochemical questions on supercritical reservoir formation, and identify the technological challenges of establishing supercritical geothermal as part of the solution for Aotearoa’s carbon neutral energy future.
The research team is composed of New Zealand and overseas geophysicists, geologists, experimental geochemists, reservoir and geodynamic modellers, as well as, economic and Ma?ori strategic investment advisors. Here we present an update on the main objectives, relevance, future linkages, and the initial results three years into this challenging and strategic scientific endeavour. Aotearoa New Zealand’s
supercritical journey is underway and on display through www.geothermalnextgeneration.com and associated social media connections.