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NZGA on the Road in South-East Asia
In August and September, NZGA took part in the New Zealand Inc delegations at two key geothermal events in Indonesia and the Philippines, organised by New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT). With the release of the New Zealand Geothermal Strategy: From the Ground Up, these markets remain a priority for showcasing New Zealand's capability and supporting members' international ambitions.
Indonesia International Geothermal Convention & Exhibition (IIGCE)
Jakarta, 19th-21st August
NZGA joined an NZTE-led New Zealand Inc delegation at IIGCE, the key annual gathering for Indonesia's geothermal sector, where approximately 10,000 delegates come together. Indonesia has more than 2,400 MW of installed geothermal capacity and an active pipeline of expansion projects with the aim of doubling capacity by 2060, and demand for international expertise in exploration, engineering and technology is growing. The New Zealand presence included a New Zealand geothermal pavilion, a post-conference technical workshop, and business matching with developers, EPC's, investors and policymakers, building on more than 40 years of collaboration between New Zealand and Indonesia.
Philippine International Geothermal Conference (PIGC)
Makati City and Lipa City, 1st-5th September
PH-NZ Geothermal Week coincided with 60 years of bilateral partnership between New Zealand and the Philippines and brought our largest delegation to date, with 20 representatives from 9 companies. The week opened with an NZ-led technical workshop in Makati City on 1st September, followed by PIGC on 2nd-3rd September, hosted by the National Geothermal Association of the Philippines (NGAP). This year's programme introduced a new out-of-town venue, a streamlined one-day conference format and a dedicated field visit, with a geothermal power plant visit on 4th September giving delegates greater engagement with operational teams. Senior government representation and updates from the leaders of the country's largest geothermal companies reinforced the value of the relationships being built.
By connecting New Zealand’s expertise with the Philippines’ resources, we can support project development, strengthen industry capabilities, and unlock greater geothermal potential
Cecilia Shand, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Indonesia and the Philippines
The NZGA's External Engagement Lead Abbie Dean attended both conferences, alongside NZGA board members and participants from the wider NZGA membership. NZGA board member Marcus Prestney reflects on his time at the Philippines Conference:
Having been to the Philippines a few times now for business but not attending the conference before, it was fantastic to finally make it to PIGC 2026. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but the bar was set high with amazing cultural shows, embassy visits and field trips.
Most of the low hanging fruit for geothermal development has been done, and greenfield developments for the Philippines will be the next challenge, competing with solar, wind, and hydro not only for resources but community engagement and support, along with government funding.
The electricity trading framework has changed meaning the premium once held with geothermal is now no longer, making a more evenly competitive space for all generation types, but mostly to encourage other renewables to come into the market. This will put pressure on OpEx for the geothermal generators and may shape the path forward a little differently.
The relationship between New Zealand and the Philippines geothermal community is still very strong, noted where the themes around engaging with communities, development impact awareness and environmental
The NZGA extends its sincere thanks to NZTE and MFAT for their outstanding commitment to the New Zealand geothermal industry in these key markets.
