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...
Unveiling the Power Beneath: The Ngozi Geothermal Project By: Robert Buluma Image: Lake Ngozi In a world where energy demand is skyrocketing, the quest for sustainable solutions has become paramount. Enter the Ngozi Geothermal Project – a beacon of hope in the realm of renewable energy. Gathered on the shores of Lake Ngozi in Mbeya, a diverse coalition of scientists from the United States, New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, and geothermally rich nations such as Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia convened for three days of groundbreaking discussions. At the heart of their deliberations lies a shared vision: to harness the earth's natural heat trapped beneath the surface of Lake Ngozi and transform it into a staggering 30 megawatts of clean, renewable power by the year 2025. It's not just about meeting energy needs; it's about pioneering a sustainable future for generations to come. The significance of this ambitious endeavor cannot be overstated. Geothermal energy represents a game-chang...