The first supercritical geothermal exploration well in New Zealand will be drilled at a site within the Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir in the Taupo Volcanic Zone.<\/p>\n
A site within the Rotokawa Geothermal Reservoir in the Taupo Volcanic Zone has been selected for New Zealand\u2019s first supercritical geothermal exploration well. A series of studies and preparatory work will be done, and drilling is expected to begin in 18-24 months.<\/p>\n
The site in Rotokawa was selected following extensive geological and geophysical studies done by Earth Sciences New Zealand<\/a>, and risk assessment to confirm its sustainability. An important stakeholder for this initiative is Tauhara North No.2 Trust<\/a>, which is the guardian of the Rotokawa geothermal resources and have deep cultural and historical connection to the area. The locals have used the geothermal resources in the region for cooking, bathing, and healing for generations.<\/p>\n Thus, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Tauhara North No.2 Trust, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and Mercury NZ which operates the Rotokawa geothermal power station, to explore the potential of supercritical geothermal energy at the site. Earth Sciences NZ is contributing technical and scientific expertise.<\/p>\n The first phases of the project include pre-feasibility work studies, well design, development of a business case and validation of the preferred site. As part of the work, a multi-disciplinary design team comprising local and international experts, is also being assembled to lead work across regulatory approvals, design, risk assessment, geoscientific modelling, engineering, procurement, drilling and asset management.<\/p>\n The Coalition Government has committed up to $60 million<\/a> from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the development of the first well, with plans for two additional wells as part of a broader programme. Very recently, the research initiative secured a further $10 million<\/a> from the New Zealand Endeavor Fund.<\/p>\n \u201cThis early-stage exploration could help prove the viability of supercritical geothermal energy, which has the potential to deliver several times the power output of conventional geothermal wells. This groundbreaking work could be a game changer for securing New Zealand\u2019s future energy needs,\u201d said Regional Development Minister Shane Jones.<\/p>\n \u201cDrilling into supercritical zones means going 1km-3km deeper into the Earth and managing higher pressures and temperatures than current conventional generation. This is one of the most technically demanding frontiers in geothermal technologies and science,\u201d the Minister further added.<\/p>\n