There could be a large, untapped geothermal resource between Rotorua and Taupō.
The theory comes after years of research by GNS Science and was announced by geophysicist Dr Ted Bertrand to a crowd of 180 to 200 community members at a presentation on Tuesday night.
The GNS presentation in Rotorua. Photo / Samantha Olley
Bertrand is among a team of three scientists and at least four technicians who have modelled rock types, depths, and temperatures in 366 sites across the Rotorua and Okataina calderas, since 2015, building on previous research started near Taupō in 2009.
They used a technique called magnetotellurics, or MT, in which sensors and cables are placed on the ground and left for two days.
Aerial shot of Rotorua and Sulpher Point including the floating wetland. Photo / File
The equipment measures electromagnetic signals in the earth's crust that are a million times weaker than the energy field of an electric fence.
Bertrand said the findings, which have not yet been published, will affect sustainable management of existing geothermal fields, future exploration for new geothermal resources for energy generation, and for management of volcanic hazards.
Te Puia's Papakura Geyser at Te Whakarewarewa Valley. Photo / File
In short, the results show the association between geothermal and volcanic processes is closer and shallower than previously thought.
Bertrand said this information would be most valuable when combined with information from other sources such as seismology, gravity, geology and geochemistry and Māori matauranga.
"We have not been looking for the needle in the haystack [ideal place for a geothermal plant], we wanted to understand the haystack."
An aerial view of the boardwalk and geothermal lake in Kuirau Park. Photo / File
Geothermal energy accounts for 18 per cent of New Zealand's electricity generation.
Dr Bertrand said GNS Science's MT work supported the Government's goal of achieving 100 per cent of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2035.
A geothermal steam vent in a rock face on the shores of Lake Rotomahana. Photo / File
It currently sits between 90 per cent and 93 per cent.
"MT has played a significant role in increasing the knowledge of the underlying magmatic systems that drive New Zealand's geothermal energy industry."
The GNS presentation. Photo / Samantha Olley
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has funded a large part of the project in the Rotorua area.
GNS geophysicist Grant Caldwell said, "It's been a tremendous help".
He said the team had not covered sites under Rotorua lakes, but hoped to in the future.
A geothermal eruption near Reporoa. Photo / File
Deputy mayor Dave Donaldson said the findings were "extremely interesting".
He said it was up to the community to manage geothermal resources sustainably and support tourism and hazard management.
Council contractors work to contain a geothermal bore in the Rotorua city centre in 2015. Photo / File
Taupō Volcanic Zone facts - Rotokawa hosts the world's largest single geothermal turbine - The Taupō caldera had the world's last super-eruption more than 26,500 years ago when 1000cu km of material was emptied - In comparison, the Okataina caldera has erupted 80cu km of material in the last 21,000 years, including the 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera
