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...
Baseload Power Taiwan Secures Tribal Consent: A Landmark Community Partnership in Hualien’s Clean Energy Future
In a groundbreaking move that intertwines clean energy development with cultural preservation, Baseload Power Taiwan has achieved a historic milestone — securing official consent from the Hongye Tribe in Hualien County for geothermal exploration and development. By: Robert Buluma This achievement makes Baseload Power Taiwan the first private developer in Taiwan to gain tribal approval under the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law , marking a pivotal step toward inclusive, community-driven energy projects. 🌋 Building Trust Through Respect and Transparency This accomplishment did not come overnight. Over the past five years , Baseload Power Taiwan has nurtured a relationship built on trust, transparency, and respect with the Hongye Tribe. The company’s commitment to open dialogue and mutual understanding has laid the foundation for this successful partnership — a model that could inspire future clean energy collaborations across Taiwan and beyond. “The consultation reflec...