Geothermal Energy
Like many other countries with a significant landmass situated on the Pacific Rim, New Zealand has an easily accessible and large geothermal energy resource. The first use of geothermal energy in New Zealand was by central North Island Maori as a heat source for cooking and bathing.
Historically most use has been centred on the Taupo and Kawerau regions with large scale electricity and direct use applications existing since the late 1950’s.
Today New Zealand is home to the world’s oldest operating geothermal power station at Wairakei and nearly 600 MW of electricity is supplied by geothermal energy, with almost as much energy being used directly for industrial, commercial and residential process, water and space heating requirements.
Low Temperature Geothermal Resources in New Zealand © A G Reyes, GNS Science
Geothermal energy is taken to include a range of sub-surface technologies such as ground-source heat pumps, utilisation of low enthalpy energy sources and deep resources, all with potential deployment throughout New Zealand, not just in the traditional geothermal regions.
In recent years the international geothermal industry has seen developments which have led to an increased range of geothermal technologies becoming viable for commercial deployment globally. Australia, for example, has seen a rapid increase in companies developing enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and in Germany ground source heat pumps are becoming common place.
There is increasing interest in further development of New Zealand’s geothermal resources by new market entrants from within New Zealand and internationally. The Ministry of Economic Development is responsible for considering policy issues in relation to the use of geothermal energy. Access to and utilisation of geothermal energy is administered under the Resource Management Act (1991).
At present the Resource Management Act is under review. In addition to this a Ministerial Review of Electricity Market Performance (2009) is underway. Both reviews refer to policy issues in relation to geothermal energy.
For data on the use of geothermal energy in New Zealand visit the Renewable Energy Data page.
To contact the Ministry in relation to geothermal energy please direct enquiries to:
Geothermal Policy
Fuels and Crown Resources
Energy and Communications Branch
Ministry of Economic Development
PO Box 1473
Wellington, New Zealand
Or email geothermal@med.govt.nz with Geothermal Policy as the subject.
Links to further information
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