Mounting international pressure has forced many countries to re-look their commitment to climate change, with the recent Paris Agreement in December 2015 adopting the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate deal between 195 countries.

The metal industries challenge is that it’s not commonly associated with geothermal, usually giving way to groups like the New Zealand Geothermal Association (NZGA) – that’s why in April we were pleased to announce our Industry Development Senior Research Engineer Dr. Boaz Habib now sits on the NZGA Board of Directors.

At its recent board meeting in Auckland, the agenda focused on the development of a robust geothermal strategy for New Zealand and redefining the role of the association in this strategy.

HERA’s Boaz Habib said it’s thought the eventually agreed vision and strategy will greatly influence the geothermal industry, and so too how heavy engineering operates within it.

“We’ll be working hard to remain active in driving strategy discussions, ensuring our members continue to have a voice that isn’t lost in the mix” he said.

“We see NZGA’s focus to improve the NZ geothermal industry through increased market awareness, advocacy and representation as a clear pathway in improving our member’s access to funding, information and wider support networks.”

As a New Zealand-based scientific, educational and cultural organisation, the NZGA’s non-political, non-governmental and not for profit structure and affiliation with the International Geothermal Association (IGA) and Royal Society of New Zealand (RSNZ) places HERA in a stronger position both nationally and abroad to advocate for low enthalpy geothermal technology to support members pursuing product development and business growth here.

If you’d like to know more about the latest NZGA meeting or what our AGGAT team is up to, please contact Boaz Habib.