The Government is exploring a potential game-changer for securing future energy supply. 

Up to $60 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been ring-fenced for exploring supercritical geothermal technology. 

The first $5 million will be used for work in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, to help understand if it's a possibility. 

Geothermal wells are drilled to a maximum depth of 3.5 kilometres, but scientists believe by drilling deeper, more energy will be available. 

GNS Science lead Dr Isabelle Chambeforte told Ryan Bridge that temperatures reach around 330 degrees maximum in the normal geothermal systems, but by drilling a few kilometres deeper, they’ll be able to access temperatures of around 450 degrees.  

She says those temperatures offer a lot more energy per well. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The Government is exploring a potential game-changer for securing future energy supply.&nbsp;
Up to $60 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund has been ring-fenced for exploring supercritical geothermal technology.&nbsp;
The first $5 million will be used for work in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, to help understand if it's a possibility.&nbsp;
Geothermal wells are drilled to a maximum depth of 3.5 kilometres, but scientists believe by drilling deeper, more energy will be available.&nbsp;
GNS Science lead Dr Isabelle Chambeforte told Ryan Bridge that temperatures reach around 330 degrees maximum in the normal geothermal systems, but by drilling a few kilometres deeper, they’ll be able to access temperatures of around 450 degrees. &nbsp;
She says those temperatures offer a lot more energy per well.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Dr Isabelle Chambeforte: Geothermal Scientist and GNS Science lead on the exploration of supercritical geothermal technology

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/27cd81a2-710b-4112-87fc-b2280162d91e/transcript

A retired US politician believes the Iran war - has no end in sight.

The Wall Street Journal reports top advisers told President Trump privately, that his war would likely drag on through the rest of his term. 

It differs from his comments yesterday - telling supporters it'd end immediately after the November mid-terms. 

Former Defence Secretary and CIA Director Leon Panetta told Ryan Bridge that's unlikely. 

He says this is Trump claiming everything will be fine - but in reality, the war will go on.

A retired US politician believes the Iran war - has no end in sight.
The Wall Street Journal reports top advisers told President Trump privately, that his war would likely drag on through the rest of his term.&nbsp;
It differs from his comments yesterday - telling supporters it'd end immediately after the November mid-terms.&nbsp;
Former Defence Secretary and CIA Director Leon Panetta told Ryan Bridge that's unlikely.&nbsp;
He says this is Trump claiming everything will be fine - but in reality, the war will go on.

Leon Panetta: Former Defence Secretary and CIA Director on the US-Iran war

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/bbfe16cd-4660-4d03-a649-b4c10135685c/transcript

A Ministry of Social Development apology - and a promise to do better.

A review has found more than 30-thousand cases, where benefits and payments were wrongly suspended.

They included Winter Energy Payments, with beneficiaries told - in error - to confirm their circumstances to stay eligible.

Paperwork and processing delays as a high number of people did what they were told to - also caused benefits to stop.

Constitutional law expert Graeme Edgeler shares his thoughts with Ryan Bridge. 

A Ministry of Social Development apology - and a promise to do better.
A review has found more than 30-thousand cases, where benefits and payments were wrongly suspended.
They included Winter Energy Payments, with beneficiaries told - in error - to confirm their circumstances to stay eligible.
Paperwork and processing delays as a high number of people did what they were told to - also caused benefits to stop.
Constitutional law expert Graeme Edgeler shares his thoughts with Ryan Bridge.&nbsp;

Graeme Edgeler: Constitutional law expert on an MSD review which found more than 30-thousand cases, where benefits and payments were wrongly suspended

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/894c9809-f8ee-456a-b8d2-b4c101341f90/transcript

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 11th of September 2026, the Ministry of Social Development has released its review into two issues that meant thousands of pensioners, veterans and beneficiaries had their benefits incorrectly cut, constitutional law expert Graeme Edgeler shares his thoughts.

Former US Secretary of Defence and former Director of the CIA Leon Panetta, joins Ryan to share his thoughts on the US/Iran war and when he thinks it will end. 

The All Blacks hoping to rally after back-to-back losses to the Springboks, former Springbok Kevin Putt tells Ryan how he thinks the game will go.

Plus, visitors to England will soon face paying a Tourist Tax for their accommodation, with Mayors to be given the power to set rates, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest. 

Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.          

LISTEN ABOVE  

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 11th of September 2026, the Ministry of Social Development has released its review into two issues that meant thousands of pensioners, veterans and beneficiaries had their benefits incorrectly cut, constitutional law expert Graeme Edgeler shares his thoughts.
Former US Secretary of Defence and former Director of the CIA Leon Panetta, joins Ryan to share his thoughts on the US/Iran war and when he thinks it will end.&nbsp;
The All Blacks hoping to rally after back-to-back losses to the Springboks, former Springbok Kevin Putt tells Ryan how he thinks the game will go.
Plus, visitors to England will soon face paying a Tourist Tax for their accommodation, with Mayors to be given the power to set rates, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest.&nbsp;
Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Full Show Podcast: 11 September 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b69bebc2-d068-46a8-8bf6-b4c1012ac74f/transcript

Dr Isabelle Chambeforte: Geothermal Scientist and GNS Science lead on the exploration of supercritical geothermal technology

In 1 playlist(s)

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips