New Zealand MP expresses support for supercritical geothermal research

Pohutu geyser in Te Whakarewarewa, New Zealand (source: denisbin / flickr, Creative Commons)

New Zealand Parliament Member and Resources and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones expressed strong support for the expansion of geothermal energy utilization in the country during the recently held New Zealand First conference. During his speech, Jones declared that funding would be sought to develop “a new frontier of development and use the geothermal energy in our country to ensure that the cost of energy sinks to a low level.”

Of particular focus for the expression of support was the research being done for supercritical geothermal resources in New Zealand. “Wouldn’t it be great if we were the first nation in the world to draw from a new energy source — supercritical, deep-seated, infinite source of geothermal energy?” said Jones.

GNS Science, a Crown Research Institute, had just recently published a report highlighting the potential for supercritical geothermal development in New Zealand. The report states that supercritical geothermal can provide up to 2000 MW of electricity generation capacity by 2050, which can contribute approximately 35% of New Zealand’s energy needs.

Furthermore, the report indicates that New Zealand can benefit from the massive electricity generation potential of supercritical geothermal can be achieved economically by 2037, and conservatively by 2049.

Government support sought for initial drilling

“We know we have those resources, we know we’ve been modelling them, but we need to prove it by drilling,” said Isabelle Chambefort of GNS Science and programme leader for Geothermal: The Next Generation, also pointing out that funding the drilling of a well will be necessary to de-risk private investment for the drilling of subsequent wells.

In his speech, Jones indicated plans to provide the funding for this drilling. “I don’t think that it’s reasonable to expect the [energy companies] to spend $60 million, $80m, $100m, whatever it might be, for the initial well drilling, they don’t seem to be motivated to do that.” Although no details on this planned funding was announced by Jones, he stated that these details would be confirmed in the future.

Kennie Tsui, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Geothermal Association (NZGA), echoed the call for government support, asking the Government to “continue the effort to explore further geothermal resources like what we did in the 50’s and 80’s.”

Source: 1NEWS and NZHerald