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NZ researchers receive funding to join groundbreaking geothermal research

NZ researchers receive funding to join groundbreaking geothermal research Flow test of the IDDP-1 well at Krafla, Iceland (source: Kristján Einarsson)
Alexander Richter 19 Feb 2016

Researchers of the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand receive funding to join international research group looking at the viability of tapping magma energy for power generation.

As part of a larger investment into research, NZ$1 million  (about US$700k) was awarded to research projects at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand.

One of the research projects involving University of Canterbury researchers is a joint international project involving France, the United Kingdom, Iceland and now New Zealand.

Project description

Currently, New Zealand and Iceland extract fluids from hot rocks (~300 ºC) above volcanic magma chambers to generate electricity. However, a recent chance discovery in Iceland shows that drilling to the magma itself, at up to 900 ºC, could generate cheaper and more efficient energy.

To assess the viability of tapping magma energy, the engineering, safety and geological context must be closely scrutinised. New Zealand is at the cutting-edge of geothermal energy research. The University of Canterbury is a key partner in the Krafla Magma Drilling Project (KMDP), the first deliberate attempt to drill into a magma chamber, in Iceland.

This follows accidental interception of magma in a 2009 borehole, which briefly became the world’s most powerful geothermal production well. Similarities in geology and technology mean New Zealand is ideally poised to profit from magma geothermal drilling. To exploit this new opportunity, we have assembled an international, multidisciplinary research team, centred around New Zealand researchers.

Further details in this article by the NZ Herald.

Source: University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand