New Zealand funds low temperature geothermal

Low temperature geothermal is getting a boost from New Zealand, which has awarded NZ$2.6 million for a research program to be led by government-owned GNS Science.

The research and consultancy organization said it plans to use the cash over the next three years to study the technology, which uses heat sources that are generally less than 150 degrees Celsius, with some below 80 degrees.

"Low temperature geothermal resources are widespread throughout New Zealand and there is significant potential to increase their use," said Brian Carey, GNS Science's project leader for the research program.

"They are capable of providing long-term energy and heat supply with low carbon emissions."

GNS said natural heat energy sources in New Zealand include springs and borehole fluid discharges, shallow aquifers, water and steam discharges from thermal power plants, warm water associated with oil and gas wells, and flooded underground mines.

The group also said ground-source heat pumps could be used to harness the heat contained in dry rock.

Carey said the main uses of low heat resources are space heating for homes and offices, bathing, domestic heat pumps, greenhouse heating, and aquaculture.

New Zealand is aiming to increase the direct use of low heat resources by at least 20 percent by 2025.

GNS said the government also recently allocated NZ$4 million to investigate the potential of geothermal resources that are deeper and hotter than those currently tapped.

Geothermal wells that are up to 5 kilometers deep have the potential to produce significantly more energy than shallower wells, according to the group.

Cleantech developments making news in the past 24 hours

• Nexamp closes Series A round, brings on new CEO
• Water innovation beyond desal: the new opportunities?
• Areva to launch solar business with Ausra takeover

View the last week of cleantech developments here | Subscribe to full feed