Superhot geothermal preferred contractor named
Published: 11 March, 2026
New Zealand firm Todd Energy has been selected as the preferred lead contractor to drill New Zealand’s first exploratory superdeep, superhot geothermal well, which – if successful – could bring about a step change in New Zealand’s energy supply.
Rotokawa geothermal field
Supercritical – also known as ‘superhot’ – geothermal is energy on steroids. Drilling this well is technically complex due to the extreme heat, pressures, and corrosive fluids it will encounter.
The lead contractor needs to manage drilling, safety, subcontractors, and end-to-end planning in a high-risk environment where experience, systems and reliability really matter.
Todd Energy has a strong track record, including multiple drilling campaigns completed on time and within budget. It’s putting forward comprehensive project management and technical teams, drilling ancillary services, established safety systems, and a transparent commercial structure.
Drilling is expected to start about mid-2027 at a location that has been pinpointed by scientists as most likely to access to superhot geothermal fluids.
Read the full media release — Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment