From the Ground Up: A strategy to unlock New Zealand’s geothermal potential – March 2026

Published: 17 March 2026

The Government has released a new national strategy to support the future development of geothermal energy.

‘From the Ground Up – A strategy to unlock New Zealand’s geothermal potential’ sets out how geothermal energy can play a larger role in New Zealand’s energy system, regional economies and industrial growth. The strategy includes an ambition to double geothermal energy use by 2040.

Geothermal already provides around one-fifth of New Zealand’s electricity and is used across the country for activities such as manufacturing, food processing, tourism and heating. The strategy recognises opportunities to expand both geothermal electricity generation and the direct use of geothermal heat, often referred to as geoheat.

The strategy focuses on practical actions to support development, including:

• updating regulatory settings so they are clearer and fit for purpose
• improving access to geothermal data
• reducing early stage risk for new projects
• supporting greater uptake of geoheat by businesses and communities

Following public consultation on a draft version, the final strategy places stronger emphasis on working in partnership with Māori. It recognises geothermal resources as taonga and acknowledges their cultural, environmental and economic importance to tāngata whenua.

The strategy also looks ahead to emerging geothermal technologies that could increase energy output and support long term energy resilience.

Read the full strategy:

Geothermal strategy