Geothermal Exploration in Taranaki and Waikato: Unlocking New Energy Opportunities in New Zealand New Zealand is expanding its geothermal ambitions beyond the country’s established development zones. Two Māori-led exploration projects in Taranaki and South Waikato have received a combined NZ$5.95 million in government grants to investigate previously underexplored geothermal resources and assess their potential to support regional growth, energy resilience, employment, and decarbonisation. The initiatives reflect a broader shift in geothermal development. While New Zealand’s geothermal industry has traditionally focused on high-temperature resources suitable for electricity generation, the new projects will also examine lower-temperature heat that could serve industrial, agricultural, commercial, and community applications. Government Funding for Two Exploration Projects The New Zealand Government has allocated NZ$3 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to the Taranaki Ge...
Corbetti Geothermal Project: Ethiopia’s Ambitious Plan to Harness Clean Energy for Growth Ethiopia’s Corbetti Geothermal project has taken a significant step forward after signing a contract with the United Kingdom’s Marriott Drilling Group to drill up to four exploration wells near Shashemene in Oromia. The agreement marks the beginning of a new phase for one of Africa’s most closely watched geothermal developments and could help Ethiopia diversify its electricity supply beyond hydropower. The project is being advanced by Taranis Operations Ltd, which recently acquired a majority interest, alongside the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), which retains an approximately 40% minority stake. PIDG has also committed an additional USD 7.2 million through its project-development arm, InfraCo Africa Business Development Limited. The drilling programme is expected to begin early next year after a rig arrives at the Corbetti site and final preparations are completed. The initial e...