New Zealand funds geothermal exploration in Taranaki and Waikato

New Zealand’s Regional Development and Resources Minister Shane Jones has announced funding for new geothermal exploration projects in Taranaki and South Waikato.

• The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will provide $3 million for the Taranaki Geoheat Demonstrator led by Parininihi ki Waitōtara Incorporation, including two shallow test wells in the Matemateāonga Formation.
• A further $2.95 million will support exploration of the South Mangakino geothermal resource led by Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani Incorporation; an additional $3 million from the RIF will also progress a national geothermal database under the From the Ground Up strategy.