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Geothermal energy policy in New Zealand
We are responsible for considering policy issues in relation to the use of geothermal resources for energy.
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is the primary legislation regarding geothermal energy. Our work is also being informed by a recent report on emerging technologies and barriers to geothermal development.
Resource Management Act as principle legislation for geothermal energy use
The Resource Management Act (RMA) is the main legislation about the use of geothermal resources in New Zealand. The RMA regulates access to natural and physical resources such as land, air and water. Sustainable use of these resources is the main goal.
Geothermal energy, emerging technologies and barriers to geothermal development
We have prepared a report on:
- emerging technologies relating to geothermal energy
- barriers to greater use of geothermal energy.
It was recommended by the Ministerial Review of Electricity Market Performances Report and incorporated the views of the following stakeholders.
Person who supplied feedback | Organisations with views represented in the feedback |
| Jim Lawless | Jim Lawless (private feedback) |
| Dan Hikuroa and Eylon Shalev | Institute of Earth Science and Engineering |
| Faust Bovenlander | Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority |
| Ross Parry | Genesis Power Ltd, trading as Genesis Energy |
| Rosemary Dixon | Contact Energy Ltd |
| Jim McLeod | Policy and science staff of Environment Waikato (private feedback) |
| Brian White | New Zealand Geothermal Association |
| Steve Morrison, Douglas Watson and Anthony Oosten | Fonterra Cooperative Group Limited (cover letter) |
| Bridget Robson | Environment Bay of Plenty |
| Bridget Robson | Bay of Plenty Regional Governance Group |
| Patricia Hatton | Mighty River Power |
Find out more
Ministerial Review of Electricity Market Performance
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