Recent developments in the New Zealand geothermal industry
- Wairakei Research Centre (New Zealand). Inst. of Geological and Nuclear Studies
In New Zealand, geothermal energy is used mainly for the generation of electricity. Recently, major changes have occurred within the geothermal sector as a result of deregulation of the electricity generation and supply industry. A new power station, McLachlan (55 MW installed capacity) on the Wairakei field has been built and commissioned; this station operates on a load following basis. Construction of another new station, at Rotokawa field, has been completed; construction of a further station, at Mokai field, will begin soon. Many private companies and local suppliers are now applying for environmental permits for small scale (<100 MW) developments. It is predicted that geothermal energy will, in the future, provide an increasing proportion of electricity generation, rising from the present 6% to about 11% by the year 2020.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 659162
- Journal Information:
- Energy Sources, Journal Name: Energy Sources Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 20; ISSN 0090-8312; ISSN EGYSAO
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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