KEY POINTS:
In our never-ending search for new forms of alternative sustainable energy sources, the answer may be right beneath our feet.
New Zealand has a great opportunity to use heat energy drawn directly from the ground, according to Crown research agency GNS Science.
GNS Science has been awarded funding of $2.6 million over the next three years to lead a research programme aimed at increasing the use of so-called "low temperature" geothermal energy in New Zealand.
Low temperature refers to geothermal heat sources that are generally less than 150 degrees C, with some below 80 degrees.
The programme has emerged out of the Government's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy - to increase the direct use of low heat resources by at least 20 per cent by 2025.
Project leader Brian Carey of GNS Science said New Zealand's landmass is a large source of heat, with different types of natural energy available for harnessing with the right technology in various locations.
"Low temperature geothermal resources are widespread throughout New Zealand and there is significant potential to increase their use. They are capable of providing long-term energy and heat supply with low carbon emissions," Mr Carey said.
Natural heat energy sources include springs and borehole fluid discharges, shallow aquifers, water and steam discharges from thermal power plants, warm water associated with oil and gas wells, and flooded underground mines.
Mr Carey said the benefits of harvesting energy this way included low environmental impacts and increased security of supply.
Mr Carey said the main uses of low heat resources internationally were space heating for homes and offices, bathing, domestic heat pumps, greenhouse heating, and aquaculture.
Other uses include food processing and numerous industrial applications, all of which could achieve substantial cost savings over traditional heating methods.
The new research programme goes alongside the ongoing work on high temperature geothermal energy resources being undertaken by the CRI.
- NZHERALD STAFF
