Gloriavale, a community in Haupiri on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand, has given $20,000 towards a study into harnessing geothermal activity on the Alpine Fault.
Scientists drilled a borehole nearly 900 metres deep along the Alpine Fault near Whataroa, on the West Coast, and found water temperatures of 120 degrees Celsius. The community, which sits near the Alpine Fault at Haupiri, was interested in the geothermal activity as a business opportunity.
It is understood the community has already bought a drill to access hot water deep underground.
GNS Science is now seeking funding to come up with ways of using the water.
From the Global Geothermal News archives:
- Thursday, May 18, 2017 - New Zealand: Discovery "a wonderful scientific finding that could be commercially very significant for New Zealand"
- Thursday, December 17, 2015 - New Zealand: Drilling Project Encounters a Very High Geothermal Gradient