| Title | Unlocking our potential: a superhot geothermal future for Aotearoa New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Authors | D. Kissick, S. Bendall, A. Campbell |
| Year | 2024 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | Geothermal, superhot, supercritical, regulatory planning, resource management, interconnectivity, system boundaries, consenting, freshwater, investment risk, political support, engagement, mana whenua, cultural values |
| Abstract | GNS Science, as part of the MBIE Endeavour Research Programme Geothermal: the Next Generation (GNG), has been considering the opportunity for superhot geothermal (> 400oC)1 resources in New Zealand. Superhot geothermal, with potentially zero CO2 emissions, presents an opportunity to more than double current geothermal electricity generation from 2037. With geoscience now “looking” deeper underground and with advances in geothermal utilisation and effects management in conventional geothermal systems, Is the existing regulatory planning framework fit for purpose for superhot geothermal? As part of exploring this question, the authors have identified a range of questions focussed on unlocking Aotearoa New Zealand’s geothermal potential. While not an exhaustive analysis, these questions and challenges need to be considered to address potential barriers to a superhot geothermalpowered future as we transition to Net Zero energy. This paper identifies a range of regulatory and broader challenges and suggests initiativesto be explored to overcome them. |