International geothermal partnership to drive energy and economic progress for New Zealand and Japan
New Zealand and Japan’s energy security and geothermal innovation received has received a boost.
A new Memorandum of Understanding was signed between New Zealand’s GNS Science, Geo40, Western Energy, and Japan’s Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC).
Accelerating progress
The new agreement between New Zealand’s GNS Science, Geo40, Western Energy, and Japan’s Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (MGC) streamlines collaboration and knowledge sharing for all parties. Together we will be accelerating progress towards a secure and sustainable energy future.
This partnership will leverage shared expertise to boost Japan's geothermal power generation and provide opportunities for further development in both New Zealand and Japan.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday 19th June 2024, during New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s delegation mission to Japan. This mission is strengthening and building core trade ties and injecting momentum in technology and investment opportunities.
New Zealand has a long history of partnering globally, sharing our world-leading expertise in geothermal innovation with the world.
The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon said "This partnership represents a continuation of our close cooperation with Japan on renewable energy."
For both nations, geothermal development will be a critical driver in securing energy resilience, sustainability and economic progress
New Zealand-Japan Geothermal Coalition
GNS Science, Geo40, and Western Energy are members of the New Zealand-Japan Geothermal Coalition and established leaders in global geothermal collaboration.
In 2022, GNS Science and Geo40 deployed a dedicated Japan Country Manager to grow and develop geothermal business opportunities, and to deepen partnerships with geothermal operators, owners, investors, researchers, and consultants. Western Energy joined the New Zealand coalition in early-2024, bringing valuable geothermal well and engineering solutions.
The Coalition’s presence in Japan is funded by a co-investment model, supported by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s International Growth Fund.
The coalition aims to address a key challenge facing both countries – our urgent need to increase renewable electricity generation and security.
Bridging the gap
Chelydra Percy, Chief Executive of GNS Science said "With New Zealand’s established leadership in the global geothermal industry, our expertise will bridge gaps in the Japan’s market. Japan’s innovation capability, particularly in engineering will also help grow New Zealand’s capability."
Working together we can accelerate much-needed progress in securing affordable, reliable, and renewable energy for both nations
About the organisations
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GNS Science
GNS Science is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading authority on earth science, energy, natural hazards and risk research. It generates scientific knowledge and innovation that enables people and economies to thrive in a changing and challenging planet. GNS Science has a 150+ year history in geoscience research and consultancy. Today, it builds on this legacy, sharing critical knowledge, innovative products and essential services for a cleaner, safer and more prosperous future.
GNS Science’s geoscience and materials science expertise unlocks better economic, environmental and social outcomes for local and global partners, customers and communities. It enables science-backed decision making about the things that matter most: protecting people and economies from the shock of destructive natural hazard events; harnessing natural resources for a sustainable energy future; and keeping property and infrastructure safe and resilient in the face of geohazard events and the effects of a changing climate.
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Geo40
Geo40 is an innovative technology development company that aims to make a significant difference to how mineral value is recovered from geothermal fluids, particularly those fluids used to generate geothermal power, and to do this in a low-carbon, environmentally sustainable manner. Geo40 has a demonstrated capability in designing, building and operating plants utilising its own technology developments.
The focus to date has been dominantly on recovering the silica, commonly the most abundant and problematic element for geothermal plant operators. Removing the silica first can open the gateway to recovering the other valuable elements (including Critical Minerals), which are generally present in lower concentrations. With the commercialisation of Geo40’s silica-recovery technology, the company’s technology-development focus has been increasing directed onto lithium, with some early stage work on other valuable elements.
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Western Energy
Western Energy Services are pioneers of geothermal excellence, driven by a bold vision: to revolutionise the geothermal industry through innovation, collaboration, and Kiwi ingenuity. Their unwavering commitment to sustainability and excellence guides every aspect of their work, from pioneering well services to fostering a culture of creativity and environmental responsibility.
Based in Taupō, New Zealand, they are a leading provider of specialist well solutions and service wells all over the world. They provide a comprehensive suite of customised services, including intervention, wireline & slickline diagnostics, and field sampling, to unlock the full potential of geothermal assets.
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Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co Inc (MGC) is a chemical company. They manufacture and sell basic chemicals, fine chemicals and functional materials. MGC serves automobiles, environment, electronics, life sciences, and energy sectors in Asia, North America, and other regions. The company has manufacturing plants in Japan and R&D centers in Tokyo, Niigata, and Hiratsuka. MGC is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
MGC took its first step toward developing geothermal power in 1981. Together with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, they began surveying land in Akita Prefecture, specifically in the Sumikawa area of the city of Kazuno, with the goal of building a geothermal power plant. At that time, MGC already possessed technologies for both exploring and utilizing natural gas, which is a raw material for chemicals, and decided to apply those technologies for the development of geothermal power. Today, MGC is involved in three established geothermal power plants and is conducting surveys in multiple domestic regions for potential geothermal development.