MB Century sells Rig 32 to Webster Energy Services: what the move means for New Zealand geothermal drilling MB Century and Webster Energy Services have agreed the sale of MB Century’s Drillmec HH350 drilling rig, Rig 32, with completion slated for December 2026 after the rig finishes its current campaign for Tūaropaki Power Company. The transaction signals a strategic shift for MB Century,moving away from direct drilling ownership toward concentrating on engineering, reservoir and technical services,while Webster Energy uses the acquisition to deepen its footprint in the New Zealand geothermal market. This article summarises the deal, then drills into the operational, market and workforce implications for New Zealand’s geothermal sector, the strategic logic for both companies, and what the transaction suggests about capacity, competition and future drilling trends. Deal overview and timeline Parties: MB Century (seller) and Webster Energy Services (buyer). - Asset: Drillmec HH350 rig k...
Understanding Fluid Rheology in Geothermal Systems Introduction: Geothermal energy has emerged as a sustainable and renewable source of power, harnessing the Earth's natural heat to generate electricity. One crucial aspect of geothermal systems that often goes unnoticed is fluid rheology—the study of how fluids flow and deform. In this article, we delve into the significance of fluid rheology in the context of geothermal energy. 1. **Nature of Geothermal Fluids:** Geothermal fluids are a unique blend of water, dissolved minerals, and gases sourced from the Earth's interior. Understanding the rheological properties of these fluids is paramount to optimizing the efficiency of geothermal power plants. 2. **Temperature and Pressure Effects:** Fluid rheology is highly influenced by temperature and pressure conditions, both of which fluctuate significantly in geothermal reservoirs. As fluids traverse the subsurface, encountering varying thermal and pressure gradients, their rheologic...