Todd Energy to drill New Zealand’s first superhot geothermal well

Todd Energy has been selected as the preferred contractor to drill New Zealand’s first exploratory superhot geothermal well near the Rotokawa geothermal field in Taupō. The project, announced by Energy Resources Aotearoa, is expected to begin drilling around mid-2027.

The pioneering well aims to reach depths of 5 to 6 kilometers, nearly double the depth of conventional geothermal wells. This depth presents significant technical challenges due to extreme heat, high pressure, and corrosive conditions.

Energy Resources Aotearoa stated that the project utilizes existing domestic energy sector expertise and infrastructure to develop transformative renewable resources. Todd Energy will utilize its own rig and a New Zealand-based workforce for the operation.