There could be a large, untapped geothermal resource between Rotorua and Taupō.
The theory comes after years of research by GNS Science and was announced by geophysicist Dr Ted Bertrand to a crowd of 180 to 200 community members at a presentation on Tuesday night.
Bertrand is among a team of three scientists and at least four technicians who have modelled rock types, depths, and temperatures in 366 sites across the Rotorua and Okataina calderas, since 2015, building on previous research started near Taupō in 2009.
They used a technique called magnetotellurics, or MT, in which sensors and cables are placed on the ground and left for two days.
Bertrand said the findings, which have not yet been published, will affect sustainable management of existing geothermal fields, future exploration for new geothermal resources for energy generation, and for management of volcanic hazards.
In short, the results show the association between geothermal and volcanic processes is closer and shallower than previously thought.