Utah and New Zealand Join Forces to Supercharge Geothermal Energy Innovation under “Operation Gigawatt”
A New Chapter in Geothermal Diplomacy: Utah & New Zealand Seal Geothermal Pact By: Robert Buluma In October 2025, a significant milestone was achieved when Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah, and Simon Watts, New Zealand’s Minister for Energy, signed a Letter of Intent in Auckland. The agreement formalises cooperation between Utah and New Zealand, with a special focus on developing geothermal energy as part of their shared goal to expand and diversify clean energy generation. Key Elements of the Agreement The newly signed agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in energy generation, diversification, and innovation — with geothermal energy taking center stage. The partnership also aligns with Utah’s broader mission, Operation Gigawatt , which seeks to create energy abundance through the development of renewable and advanced energy technologies. This signing was part of a wider trade and innovation mission involving cooperation in sectors such as critical minerals, clean energy, ...