Grow Rotorua chief executive Francis Pauwels said the workshop was a must-attend event for any landowner who was thinking about accessing lower temperature, shallower geothermal energy resources or business owner who wanted to use lower-cost, sustainable geothermal direct heat for their business.
"The workshop has been designed to be a 'how-to' guide on geothermal energy use in direct heat applications," he said.
"It will tell landowners and business owners what they need to know to utilise geothermal potential."
Direct use refers to the use of geothermal energy in heat applications where costs can be reduced and the use of fossil fuels such as coal and gas avoided. Most processes which need the input of heat can use geothermal energy.
"We have focused the workshop particularly on lower-demand, direct heat applications as this allows landowners and businesses to access geothermal energy without the high cost and risk associated with deep bore exploration typical of major geothermal power generation plants," Mr Pauwels said.
"The first day of the workshop covers a diverse range of speakers to provide comprehensive information.
"Topics include the costs and techniques for geothermal exploration at these shallower depths, regulatory information, comparison of geothermal energy to other fuels as well as a showcase of industries that are already using geothermal direct heat."
Mr Pauwels said a highlight of the workshop would be the keynote speaker, John Lund, who lives in Klamath Falls, Oregon - a sister city of Rotorua - and who had more than 35 years' experience in direct utilisation of geothermal energy.
Day two of the workshop is a field trip to visit various business operations to get a first-hand look at how geothermal direct heat is used in commercial applications.
"The workshop concludes with a facilitated discussion with landowners to identify collective actions that could assist individual development initiatives.
"The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will be in attendance at this session and are one of our major sponsors along with EECA and Te Puni Kokiri.
"The support from these central government agencies shows their willingness to see a valuable resource being used to help grow new and existing businesses in our region.
"This workshop is the first step in helping landowners access the geothermal potential of their land."
For information on the workshop and how to register go to www.bayofconnections.com/geothermal or email Marksmith@growrotorua.com.
