NZ Geothermal Week 2024

A resounding success!

NZ Geothermal Week 2024, held from 1st July to 6th July, brought together 476 industry leaders, professionals, students plus 350+ attendees from the community for an action-packed celebration of New Zealand's geothermal sector. With 18 diverse events spanning field trips, workshops, networking sessions, and seminars, the week showcased the immense potential and innovation within the geothermal industry.

Highlights of the Week

Our Pathways Student Field Trip kicked off the event week, introducing local secondary school students to exciting career opportunities in the geothermal sector. Taupō Nui-a-Tia College, Tongariro College, and home school students got firsthand experience visiting industry leaders like Contact Energy, Mercury, MB Century, and GNS Science.

MB Century's Reservoir Tools Workshop demonstrated cutting-edge technologies for geothermal wells, while their networking evening at Vine Eatery & Bar set the tone for a week of collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The Industry Leaders Breakfast, featuring Dr. Marcos Pelenur (CEO, EECA), challenged attendees to think differently about sustainability and collective action.

GNS Science and Mercury hosted insightful workshops exploring geothermal potential and safety enhancements, respectively. The Women in Geothermal (WING) workshop focused on activating leadership, culminating in their popular networking event and awards ceremony.

NZGA Winter Seminar: Geoheat for All

The New Zealand Geothermal Association (NZGA) Winter Seminar, centred on "Geoheat: Every Day, Everyone, Everywhere," examining the direct and cascade use of geothermal resources. Industry pioneers, policymakers, and current geoheat users shared valuable insights on how geothermal energy can contribute to New Zealand's decarbonisation journey. The day was finished with Pre-Dinner Drinks thanks to Pump & Machinery along with the NZGA Winter Seminar Dinner which was the perfect opportunity to relax and connect with fellow delegates.

Field Trips and Industry Insights

Attendees had the opportunity network and exchange ideas at the GNS Science Geothermal Stakeholder Breakfast, they visited He Ahi, Taupō's new clean energy industrial park, showcasing innovative sustainability practices. The trip to Phoenix Recycling Group's new plant, officially opened by Minister for Climate Change Simon Watts, highlighted the circular economy in action.

The Geothermal Industry CO2 Workshop celebrated Aotearoa's geothermal sector's collaborative emission reduction efforts. Industry leaders discussed the challenges and opportunities for New Zealand's carbon reduction ambitions.

Other field trips included visits to major geothermal users like Tenon Clearwood and to Contact Energy's new Tauhara Geothermal Power Station, as well as an exploration of geothermal applications in Kawerau.

Community Engagement

The week concluded with the sold out Contact Energy Public Open Day, where anyone in the community could attend the guided tours of the Wairakei Steam Field and Te Mihi Power Station to over 350 enthusiastic participants.

476

geothermal industry attendees

132

businesses represented

66%

of businesses were from the geothermal industry

7.3%

of attendees were international

350+

people attended the Contact Energy Public Open Day

Looking Ahead

NZ Geothermal Week 2024 not only celebrated the industry's achievements but also paved the way for future innovations and collaborations. The event's success underscores the vital role of geothermal energy in New Zealand's sustainable future and reinforces the industries position as a global leader in geothermal expertise.

Thank you to all attendees, sponsors, and our co hosts New Zealand Geothermal Association who made this week an unforgettable experience. As we reflect on the insights gained and connections made, we look forward to the continued growth and innovation in the geothermal sector.

Event Objectives

NZ Geothermal Week is an annual event that celebrates and promotes the country's geothermal industry by bringing together key stakeholders. The event aims to:

Increase awareness of New Zealand's geothermal resources.
Highlight the Taupō Volcanic Zone as a center of geothermal excellence.
Showcase the industry to local, national, and international audiences.
Generate interest and excitement about geothermal opportunities for investment, growth, and employment.
Provide a platform for industry forums.

The event supports long-term goals by encouraging industry engagement, promoting sustainable economic growth and fostering excitement about the world-class geothermal resource and expertises in the region.

If you are interested in getting involved with NZ Geothermal Week, including sponsorship, event ideas, hosting and speaking opportunities, or have a query about events, please contact Rick Keehan, CEO at Amplify or Kennie Tsui, CEO at NZGA.