Geothermal electricity rates a second look from New Zealanders
Under a grant from the New Zealand Energy Research and Development Committee, two key projects are being undertaken: surveys of the geothermal fields to determine optimum drilling areas, and research into corrosion problems of steam and water from the new Broadlands field. New Zealand's only geothermal power station, the 192 Mw Wairakei facility developed in 1958--63, is located in the middle of a 240-km belt of underground thermal activity that includes three active volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and the like. Serious consideration is being given to building a second power station at Broadlands field, where Japan's Showa Denko K.K. estimates that heavy water could be produced at a cost 25% below any other source. Other New Zealand geothermal fields are estimated to have potential for 1000 to 2000 Mw of electrical power.
- OSTI ID:
- 7233103
- Journal Information:
- Eng. Min. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Eng. Min. J.; (United States) Vol. 176:6; ISSN ENMJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
150102* -- Geothermal Energy-- Resources & Availability-- Non-USA-- (-1989)
150800 -- Geothermal Power Plants
AUSTRALASIA
BROADLANDS GEOTHERMAL FIELD
CORROSIVE EFFECTS
EXPLORATION
FLUIDS
GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
GEOTHERMAL FLUIDS
GEOTHERMAL POWER PLANTS
HEAVY WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
NEW ZEALAND
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POWER GENERATION
POWER PLANTS
POWER POTENTIAL
PRODUCTION
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
WAIRAKEI GEOTHERMAL FIELD
WATER