Geothermal technology advances in New Zealand and the United States

Advancements in geothermal technology are being explored in both New Zealand and the United States to enhance energy security and meet climate targets.

In New Zealand, the government-commissioned GeoShot NZ project is investigating supercritical geothermal energy in the Taupō volcanic zone. By drilling approximately 5km deep into the brittle-ductile transition zone, researchers aim to tap into water in a supercritical state at temperatures exceeding 374C. If successful at the Rotokawa site, this technology could provide a massive, potentially inexhaustible resource for the country's energy structure.

In the United States, next-generation geothermal technologies are expanding beyond traditional western reservoirs. While geothermal currently provides less than 1% of US generation, new methods such as artificial reservoir creation and closed-loop systems are gaining traction. In New York City, developers are increasingly using closed-loop geothermal systems for residential and commercial buildings, including large-scale projects by Lendlease, to manage heating and cooling through deep boreholes.