Geothermal energy now generates around 13 percent of New Zealand’s electricity, but scientists gathering this week in Taupo will explore options for vastly expanding the resource’s potential.
A two-day workshop (25 – 26 May) “HADES: Hotter and Deeper Exploration Science” will bring together engineers and geothermal specialists from 10 countries to discuss the international context and technical challenges posed by “enhanced geothermal systems” and deeper drilling projects — up to 5 km underground.
For more information, see GNS Science’s press release on their website.
The Science Media Centre hosted an online media briefing ahead of the event featuring local and visiting speakers:
- Dr Greg Bignall (GNS Science) – Geothermal resources and exploration in New Zealand
- Dr Wilfred Elders (University of California, Riverside) – International context for deep geothermal
LISTEN TO AUDIO
Registered journalists can download presenters’ slides from the SMC Resource Library