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...
Borobotics Revolutionizes Geothermal Energy: The Rise of Autonomous Drilling Technology By: Robert Buluma In the quest to curb global emissions and accelerate the clean energy revolution, geothermal energy is finally having its moment in the spotlight. With groundbreaking technologies emerging, one company stands out Borobotics . This Swiss startup is poised to redefine geothermal energy accessibility with its autonomous mini drilling machine, coined the “world’s most powerful worm.” Why Borobotics is a Game-Changer Traditional geothermal drilling has long been limited by high costs and cumbersome diesel-powered rigs. Enter Borobotics: a 13.5 cm-wide, 2.8-meter-long robotic drill requiring just 8 square meters of workspace. Compact, efficient, and operating on household current, this robot can dig as deep as 500 meters autonomously, bringing ground source heat pumps within reach for homeowners and businesses alike. What makes Borobotics e...