International collaboration involving New Zealand through the IEA Geothermal Technology Collaboration Programme

Abstract

New Zealand was a founding participant in the International Energy Agency Geothermal Technology Collaboration Programme (IEA Geothermal TCP) when it was established back in 1997. The 16 participants in IEA Geothermal meet regularly to share and discuss technology and policy advances, and to facilitate information dissemination fostering the uptake of geothermal energy across the globe. Since 1997, GNS Science has represented New Zealand on the Executive Committee (ExCo). New Zealand members and alternates have been active in many leading roles within Tasks and Working Groups. In a separate contracted role GNS Science also operates the Secretariat for IEA Geothermal, with the current contract expiring at the end of June 2028.
The Geothermal TCP puts in significant effort to advance technologies and appropriate policy that will enable greater utilisation of geothermal energy in nations across the globe. This is particularly relevant as nations transition to low carbon energy as part of their net zero 2050 energy transitions. The paper will summarise pertinent aspects of the work undertaken.
Three Tasks currently underway that are particularly relevant for New Zealand are a:
• Geothermal Carbon Management Task
• Wider System Benefits of Geothermal Energy Task, and
• Superhot Rock Geothermal Task.
The paper canvasses aspects of these Tasks and identifies the Task leaders. This provides a connection point should there be an interest in actively becoming involved in any of them.