Craters of the Moon, Taupo, New Zealand (source: Thajsko, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
The “DeepHeat” project which aims to characterize superhot geothermal resources in New Zealand has received further $10.69 million from the Endeavor Fund.
The “DeepHeat” research programme, which seeks to investigate superhot geothermal resources in New Zealand, will receive $10.69 million from the 2025 Endeavor Fund. The project is one of 19 programmes that were selected for the funding, which seeks to support science-based projects to strengthen the economy and deliver benefits to New Zealanders.
The “DeepHeat” programme is led by Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly GNS Science & National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) with a team that brings together experts from Victoria University Wellington and the University of Auckland. The programme will work alongside a wider network of scientists, engineers, AI experts, and M?ori advisors, as well as international partners from the USA, Switzerland, Japan, and Iceland.
The research seeks to investigate how superhot fluids move at depth, specifically within the Central Taupo Volcanic Zone. Tapping into these superhot reservoirs can potentially unlock around 30,000 GWh of continuous renewable power each year. Realising this potential requires new knowledge at the frontier of science and engineering. Thus, part of the objectives of the programme are developing AI-driven reservoir models, conducting fracture network experiments, and assessing wellbore performance.
The programme also aims to advance stimulation and well-integration technologies, evaluate energy and economic scenarios, establish environmental monitoring frameworks, and co-design Maori-led business models to ensure long-term sustainable benefits.
“As New Zealand’s electricity demand continues to grow, so will our dependence on new energy sources. Geothermal fields aren’t impacted by the weather like other renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, and wind, representing an important opportunity for our energy security,” said Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti.
“This programme is part of more than $183 million in funding we’re investing in projects that have the potential to shape New Zealand’s future – from space technologies to healthcare, artificial intelligence, and clean energy.”
“These outputs are parallel to the government’s $60 million drilling programme and the renaissance of geothermal exploration in New Zealand. They strengthen our chance to achieve a fast global development of superhot geothermal, setting New Zealand as the ideal international test bed location,” added Co-Lead Scientist Isabelle Chambefort.
Source: Earth Sciences NZ and Beehive.govt.nz