| Title | Low Enthalpy Geothermal Research – New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Authors | Brian Carey |
| Year | 2010 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | New Zealand, geothermal, low temperature, low enthalpy, thermal rock properties, policy, social understanding, ground sourced heat pumps, http://www.gns.cri.nz/research/geothermal/lowtemperature/ |
| Abstract | New Zealand is endowed with significant geothermal resources which are being further developed under a New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050 seeking to increase the nations use of renewable energy. As part of the strategy there is potential to increase the use of lower temperature, low enthalpy geothermal resources. Data and information on lower temperature resources is distributed and the nations potential is currently not documented adequately. A three year low enthalpy geothermal research programme has been funded by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology which seeks to better characterise New Zealand’s low enthalpy resources. It is the start of a stock take of these resources seeking to increase the quality of information available and ultimately to encourage an increase in use of these energy resources. The programme covers aspects of technologies, technology development, economics, social understanding and the national and regional policy framework. Some work is focused on geophysical techniques for locating low temperature systems and on rock thermal property characterisation. The programme will identify and report specific actions that will promote the increased use of this energy source. These are broader than technology and resource issues and include social understanding and policy interventions that might assist in increasing the use of these energy sources with time. The paper discusses details of the programme and progress to date. |