Recent trends in geothermal development in New Zealand
Recent emphasis has been given to deep (> 2 km) exploration of geothermal fields previously investigated in the 1960s to depths of only about 1000 m. Spectacular successes have occurred at Mokai-based on an integrated program of geologic, geophysical, and geochemical exploration-and at Rotokawa. Staged development is planned for Mokai from an extensive energy reserve at about 310/sup 0/C. At Rotokawa (330/sup 0/ +/- 10/sup 0/C), development will depend on resolving problems related to high silica and gas contents. Other exploration has focused on fields to the west with 270/sup 0/C proven at Ngatamariki and potential resources recognized at Horohoro and Mangakino. At Broadlands, the 100-MW Ohaaki Power Station, scheduled for completion in 1988, will be the first New Zealand field developed with full reinjection. Because of degradation of the Wairakei field by widespread dilution following 30 years of exploitation and because of environmental concerns, attention has been focused on combining reinjection in the eastern part of the field and deep exploration in the west. A shallow steam zone also may be temporarily exploited. Scientific studies have focused on the widespread effects of commercial and domestic exploitation at Wairakei and Rotorua, alternatives to reinjection through chemical processing, resolution of casing corrosion problems at Broadlands, and correlation of these active geothermal systems with fossil, precious metal depositing systems, thus providing strategies for mineral exploration in the southwest Pacific and elsewhere. New Zealand geothermal science has been a fulcrum for geothermal development worldwide in the last 20 years, but in the future, it may be affected by decreased funding.
- Research Organization:
- Dept. of Scientific and Industrial Research, Wairakei, New Zealand
- OSTI ID:
- 6958843
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8608105-
- Journal Information:
- Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Vol. 70:7; ISSN AAPGB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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