Geothermal energy plays a significant role in New Zealand’s energy mix, accounting for around 20% of national electricity generation. As one of the world’s top five geothermal electricity producers, New Zealand benefits from its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which allows geothermal resources to be accessed at relatively shallow depths. This has made geothermal energy a mature and reliable renewable energy source that contributes to reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

During the visit, two different geothermal operations were explored. At the first site, operated by Western Energy, the delegation observed the testing of High-Capacity Coiled Tubing Unit (HC-CTU) technology in a reinjection well. This innovative technology enables faster drilling and maintenance operations by using a continuous length of flexible steel tubing rather than conventional jointed pipes. As a result, well interventions can be carried out more efficiently, with reduced downtime and lower operational costs. At the second site, operated by Mercury, a conventional injection plant was visited where drilling activities were still ongoing.

At both locations, attention was given to the importance of reinjection wells and continuous monitoring of pressure, temperature and microseismic activity. Reinjection of cooled geothermal fluids helps maintain reservoir pressure, limits environmental impact and reduces risks such as surface subsidence. This enables geothermal resources to be used sustainably over multiple decades.

Although geological conditions in the Netherlands differ significantly from those in New Zealand, geothermal energy is expected to play an increasingly important role in the Dutch energy transition. In the Netherlands, geothermal energy is primarily used for heat production. It supplies sectors such as horticulture, industry and district heating. New Zealand’s long-standing experience offers valuable lessons in reservoir governance, safety, operational reliability and the balance between technical performance and environmental responsibility. In addition, innovations such as coiled tubing drilling are of growing interest in the Netherlands, as they may enable faster and more cost-effective access to geothermal resources in the future.