Geothermal power in New Zealand

New geothermal drilling north of Taupō (2007)

Geothermal power in New Zealand plays a significant part of the energy generation capacity of the country, constituting 25% of the total energy supply and 19% of electricity production in 2021. This positions New Zealand as the top user of geothermal energy among International Energy Agency (IEA) countries in both total energy supply and electricity generation.[1][2]

Geothermal energy constitutes New Zealand's second-largest renewable electricity source, with the North Island estimated to have a potential of 1,000 MW for power generation. However, full exploitation may be constrained by economic, environmental, and social considerations. Exploration in the South Island has revealed geothermal prospects beneath the Alpine Fault, yet the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science (GNS) suggests these resources are likely minor, suited more for small-scale direct use than for extensive electricity generation.[1][2]

Geothermal energy has been described as New Zealand's most reliable renewable energy source, above wind, solar and even hydroelectricity, due to its lack of dependence on the weather.[3] It has also been described as the currently (2000s and 2010s) most attractive new source of energy for New Zealand, as petrochemical fuel prices rise and easy hydro power sites have been tapped - it has been estimated that another 1000MW of geothermal resource can be used for generating electricity.[4]

  1. ^ a b "New Zealand 2023 – Analysis". IEA. Retrieved 2024-03-27.
  2. ^ a b "New Zealand 2023 Energy Policy Review" (PDF). International Energy Agency (IEA). 2023.
  3. ^ "Steam Clean", e.nz magazine, IPENZ, pp. 13–16, May–June 2008
  4. ^ Geothermal Energy and Electricity Generation (from the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority website. Accessed 2019-17-06.)