About
NZ Geothermal Week, held here in Taupo, the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal industry!
New Zealand’s geothermal industry is world-class and growing, with a key role to play in New Zealand achieving a Net Zero Carbon future.
Maori play a key part in realising this potential, as guardians, investors, operators and employees in the industry, and several iwi trusts own and operate significant geothermal assets, reflecting Mauri values as they develop, operate and sustain this taonga.
Geothermal generators collectively produce 1000MW of electricity, enough to power nearly half of all New Zealand homes. Geothermal energy is the only renewable source of electricity currently available in New Zealand that is able to consistently deliver electricity 24/7 year-round, being independent of rainfall, sunshine or wind. This is the fifth largest installed geothermal generation capacity in the world, behind the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines and Turkey. And the industry continues to grow, with a further 168MW currently being installed by Contact Energy at Tauhara, a $818 million investment due to be commissioned in 2023.
Besides electricity, geothermal energy is used to supply 8 PJ of “geoheat” for industrial processes and primary production systems, displacing fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas. The industry aims to nearly double this usage by 2030, providing a renewable, cost-effective, low-carbon heat source for others. Geothermal resources are also providing a sustainable source of valuable minerals, such as silicon and lithium.
Over 95% of NZ’s geothermal industry is located in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which extends from the Central Plateau through to Bay of Plenty and White Island / Whakaari. There are nine developed geothermal reservoirs in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, and a further one in Ngawha, Northland.
At Amplify, the economic development agency for the Taupo district, we are proud to be at the heart of this world-class industry. It builds on our district’s natural strengths, bringing investment and business into the region, creating employment opportunities and lifting the incomes and skill levels of local communities.
To share and celebrate this industry and its further potential, Amplify have created a platform to bring together people and companies keen to share, learn and collaborate to progress the New Zealand geothermal industry, NZ Geothermal Week.
In our inaugural event in 2021, the scale and breadth of the industry was showcased with a “Beyond Generation” theme. Over 2,700 people attended 16 events run over 6 days. This year, we have even more events in the line-up, and will be highlighting how the industry is delivering to quadruple bottom line goals, delivering not only economic, but also environmental, social and cultural benefits to our local communities and beyond.
We invite you to join us “Working together for a sustainable future”, where the geothermal industry, the environment and local communities thrive.
Staying in Taupo
Make the most of your time in Taupo and experience the Geothermal wonders throughout the region
As part of the Taupo volcanic zone that stretches from Tongariro National Park in the south to Whakaari (White Island) north of the Bay of Plenty, Taupo showcases an unusual range of geothermal activity.
Events
News
Contact Us
NZ Geothermal Week is proudly brought to you by Amplify and event week sponsors, partners and hosts.
If you are interested in getting involved, including sponsorship, hosting and speaking opportunities, or have a query about the events, please contact Fiona Miller, Geothermal Cluster Lead at Amplify.