New Zealand Gears Up for Supercritical Geothermal Breakthrough
By: Robert Buluma
New Zealand is taking a bold step into the future of renewable energy with its pioneering supercritical geothermal exploration project. The Government has announced an international review panel of leading geothermal experts to guide this groundbreaking initiative, signaling a major leap toward cleaner, more resilient energy.
Global Expertise Joins Forces
The panel will be chaired by Professor Roland N. Horne of , a globally recognized leader in earth science and engineering. Joining him are Dr. Omar Friðleifsson and well engineer Kristinn Ingason from the Iceland Deep Drilling Project, along with U.S. geochemist Dr. Darrell Gallup. Their combined expertise covers the full spectrum of geothermal science and engineering, ensuring that New Zealand’s supercritical geothermal ambitions are in capable hands.
In addition to the international experts, a top-tier New Zealand technical team has been appointed. The team includes professionals from Mercury NZ Contact Energy , Upflow NZ, Georde Well Engineering NZ, and Earth Sciences NZ, tasked with designing the wells, identifying equipment needs, and tackling the challenges of drilling to extreme depths.
In addition to the international experts, a top-tier New Zealand technical team has been appointed. The team includes professionals from Mercury NZ Contact Energy , Upflow NZ, Georde Well Engineering NZ, and Earth Sciences NZ, tasked with designing the wells, identifying equipment needs, and tackling the challenges of drilling to extreme depths.
The Promise of Supercritical Geothermal Energy
Supercritical geothermal drilling involves accessing fluid zones 1–3 km deeper than conventional wells, at higher temperatures and pressures. This technology promises to unlock far greater energy efficiency and capacity, representing one of the most technically demanding and globally significant advances in geothermal energy today.
Minister for Resources and Regional Development Shane Jones emphasizes the project’s strategic importance:
“This initiative is a bold step forward in clean, resilient, and reliable renewable energy, and demonstrates how science, innovation, and partnership with Māori can shape a sustainable energy future.”
The Government has already allocated up to $60 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for the exploration phase and selected the Rotokawa Geothermal Field in the Taupō Volcanic Zone as the preferred site for the first well. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the landowners, Tauhara North No.2 Trust, and field operators Mercury NZ, ensuring strong local collaboration.
Minister for Resources and Regional Development Shane Jones emphasizes the project’s strategic importance:
“This initiative is a bold step forward in clean, resilient, and reliable renewable energy, and demonstrates how science, innovation, and partnership with Māori can shape a sustainable energy future.”
The Government has already allocated up to $60 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for the exploration phase and selected the Rotokawa Geothermal Field in the Taupō Volcanic Zone as the preferred site for the first well. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with the landowners, Tauhara North No.2 Trust, and field operators Mercury NZ, ensuring strong local collaboration.
New Zealand at the Forefront
Professor Horne, a New Zealander based in the United States, believes the country is uniquely positioned for this geothermal leap:
“New Zealand was at the forefront of the first geothermal revolution in the 1950s and is now well placed to lead the move forward to superhot, supercritical geothermal resources, which are bigger and more efficient.”
With a world-class team of international and domestic experts, a supportive government, and the right geology, New Zealand is poised to write the next chapter in the story of geothermal energy.
“New Zealand was at the forefront of the first geothermal revolution in the 1950s and is now well placed to lead the move forward to superhot, supercritical geothermal resources, which are bigger and more efficient.”
With a world-class team of international and domestic experts, a supportive government, and the right geology, New Zealand is poised to write the next chapter in the story of geothermal energy.
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