Geothermal Grown Crops Decarbonising covered crops with low temperature geothermal resources
This project will unlock the potential for low temperature geothermal resources to control the indoor temperature of covered crops.
This project is supported by the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund through the Ministry for Primary Industries, and will be done in collaboration with GeoexchangeNZ, VegetableNZ and TomatoesNZ.
Geothermal Grown: Decarbonising Covered Crops
This project is designed to support the energy security and decarbonisation efforts of the covered crop industry by unlocking the natural geothermal resource
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.
New 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.
Why geothermal heat?
Learn how tapping into geothermal energy can decarbonise major sectors
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Disclaimer
This map below is designed to unlock the natural geothermal resource to support the decarbonisation efforts of the covered crop industry. It presents subsurface temperatures and aquifer flow rates based on local geology, borehole measurements, aquifer characteristics and the national heat flow and groundwater models.
The calculator tool provides and indication of costs comparisons for glass house heating options based on gas boilers, ground source heat pumps and/or direct heat use. It allows you to provide indicative parameters of existing or planned glass houses and uses the available subsurface information from a chosen location to estimate CAPEX and OPEX costs for different heating options.
This project is supported by the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund through the Ministry for Primary Industries, and will be done in collaboration with GeoexchangeNZ, VegetableNZ and TomatoesNZ.
Changes may be made to the datasets and further areas may be made available periodically, without notification.
Where the dataset is used in a figure, presentation, publication or other analysis, Earth Sciences New Zealand requests attribution in the following manner: © Earth Sciences New Zealand 2026.
While all effort is made to provide the most scientifically robust and accurate data, Earth Sciences New Zealand does not warrant or represent that the database is accurate, complete or fit for any particular purpose.
Earth Sciences New Zealand does not accept any responsibility for the use of or reliance on the information provided and shall not be liable to any person on any ground for any loss, damage or expense arising from such use or reliance.
Except where otherwise indicated, Earth Sciences New Zealand retains title to all intellectual property rights in the data or products, including copyright. You will not remove or cover any proprietary notices placed on data or products by Earth Sciences New Zealand.
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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
