New Zealand narrowing down on drilling site for supercritical geothermal research
Craters of the Moon, Taupo, NZ (source: flickr/ wouter!, creative commons)
Carlo Cariaga
29 May 2025
New Zealand is progressing with supercritical geothermal research, with the site of the first exploratory well expected to be finalized later this year.
The Government of New Zealand is on the process of identify potential drilling sites as part of their research efforts on supercritical geothermal energy, according to an update given by Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Shane Reti. The location of the first well is expected to be finalized later this year.
“We need to drill an exploratory deep well to prove the commercial viability of supercritical geothermal energy. We are about a year from starting to drill but we are getting closer to locating potential geothermal fields in the Taupo Volcanic Zone,” said Mr Jones.
“With the search for potential exploratory well sites being narrowed down, we need to develop and prove the drilling and engineering systems for extracting the energy. Supercritical geothermal wells require casing materials that can withstand both high temperatures and potentially corrosive supercritical fluids,” added Dr Reti.
“I’m issuing a challenge to the New Zealand science and research community – academics, scientists and industry – help us find the solution. A lot of innovative research is happening across the country in pockets that could lead to the solution we need. It will be through these experts and sectors coming together and working collaboratively that we will crack this.”
Last year, the New Zealand Government announced that it will be allocating up to $60 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to explore the potential of supercritical geothermal technology (SCGT). From this fund, $5 million will be drawn down for the work on the detailed designs and costs of drilling of the first exploratory well.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and GNS Science are leading the initiative. The MBIE has thus far set up a Supercritical Geothermal Governance Group to oversee, advise, and support the successful delivery of the project. The project partners had previously engaged with iwi on the project, ensuring a holistic and inclusive strategy that incorporates Maori expertise and economic development.
Moreover, Mr Jones will be launching the New Zealand Geothermal Strategy as part of this year’s New Zealand Geothermal Week, taking place on 28 July to 2 August 2025. Registration for this event is ongoing.
For more information on the supercritical geothermal research being done in New Zealand, check out this recording of a webinar that we hosted earlier this year with Isabelle Chambefort of GNS Science, as part of our Focus on Geothermal series.
