Geothermal Grown CropsDecarbonising covered crops with low temperature geothermal resources

Geothermal Grown: Decarbonising Covered Crops

This project is designed to unlock the natural geothermal resource to support the decarbonisation efforts of the covered crop industry.

By converting fossil fuel-dependent systems to 24/7 renewable geothermal heating, growers can lower operational costs, reduce emissions, and enhance food and energy resilience.

Our researchers are aiming to help the growers make the switch by translating complex geothermal subsurface data into a user-friendly web-based tool tailored for the industry. 

Coming soon: a web tool for growers...

This project aims to create a prototype for an online mapping and information tool that draws together existing data and knowledge about low temperature geothermal resource availability in the greater Auckland, Northern Waikato, and Bay of Plenty regions, and how to use it for temperature control of covered crop operations.

This will provide growers with accessible and understandable information on geothermal potential when considering heat energy decarbonisation options for their operations.

Where and How?

The mapping will focus on the Auckland, northern Waikato, and Bay of Plenty regions, where many growers operate, providing essential economic and resource assessments to help them decide if geothermal energy is a viable solution for their operations. 

The project team will deliver... 

• Subsurface Mapping Tool: A user-friendly web-based resource for growers and engineers to assess geothermal potential in the upper North Island.
• Economic Feasibility Insights: Initial evaluations to determine the cost and benefits of transitioning to geothermal energy in various settings.
• Geothermal Awareness: Increased awareness of geothermal energy as a renewable heating option for greenhouses, filling a critical gap in current decarbonisation pathways.

Why This Matters

1. Fuel Security Supports Food Security
   Covered crop growers are crucial for year-round fruit and vegetable supply in Aotearoa. However, reliance on fossil fuels makes them vulnerable to rising gas prices, ETS costs, and supply disruptions, leading to reduced production and higher costs for consumers. Geothermal energy offers a reliable, cost-effective alternative that strengthens food security while reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.
2. Improving Financial Resilience
   Energy costs currently account for 30–40% of a grower’s overhead, making geothermal energy an economic game-changer. Unlike other renewable options such as electrification or biomass, geothermal systems operate with lower costs and higher efficiency, aligning with international trends in geothermal adoption for greenhouse horticulture.
3. Driving Decarbonisation
   This project supports New Zealand’s Net Zero by 2050 goal, filling a critical gap in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) Covered Cropping Decarbonisation Pathway. By providing accessible geothermal data, the project will empower growers to make informed decisions and transition to low-emissions energy sources.
4. Supporting National Priorities
   The project aligns with government strategies like MPI’s Fit for a Better World and the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan, which prioritise transitioning to a low-emissions economy. The success of this initiative contributes to national food resilienc