| Title | A Country Update of New Zealand Geothermal: Leading the World in Generation Growth Since 2005 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Colin C. Harvey and Brian R. White |
| Year | 2012 |
| Conference | ARGeo |
| Keywords | geothermal energy, New Zealand, electricity generation, direct use, development |
| Abstract | New Zealand is experiencing an exciting era of expanded geothermal development with the commissioning over 300 MWe of new generation in the past five years. Historically, in the 1950’s and 1960’s New Zealand led the world in the research and development of water-dominated geothermal systems. In the latter part of the 20th century the pace of development decreased because of the discovery in New Zealand of the large and low cost Maui gas field which provided a readily exploitable source of energy. With the current depletion of the Maui gas field and limited additional New Zealand hydro alternatives, New Zealand is once again recognizing the importance and value of its abundant high temperature geothermal resources for both electricity generation and direct use. Currently New Zealand’s geothermal power station capacity of over 700 MWe generates between 12% and 15% of total generation depending on the time of the year. Construction of further generation is currently underway to increase this to around 1000 MWe of the total generation by 2013. Direct use has been of a similar magnitude to electricity generation in terms of consumer energy until 2007, and continues to grow. Research is also underway to tap into deeper higher temperature resources at deeper than 3km, and to make better use of low temperature resources. After low investment and limited research during the final years of the 20th Century, there is now some growth in research funding, strong participation in research by industry partners, and the re-instatement of geothermal training courses at the University of Auckland. |