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...
"Harnessing the Power Beneath: TU Freiberg's New Master's Program in Geothermal Energy" By: Robert Buluma The earth beneath our feet is more than just solid ground—it's a reservoir of untapped potential. With the global push towards sustainable energy solutions, geothermal energy has emerged as a promising frontier. Recognizing this, the Technische Universität (TU) Bergakademie Freiberg is launching an exciting new Master's program in Geothermal Energy, beginning in the summer semester of 2025. "Geothermal energy is a growth market," says Professor Traugott Scheytt, the program's director. This assertion is not just rhetoric; it's a vision that TU Freiberg is turning into reality. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to forge successful careers in this burgeoning field. But this isn't your average graduate program. Students will have the opportunity to craft a highly individualized specializatio...