| Title | ROTORUA GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM: CURRENT AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT |
|---|---|
| Authors | P. Doorman and J. Barber |
| Year | 2017 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | geothermal system, Rotorua, sustainable management, field recovery, regional plan |
| Abstract | Following a history of overuse, the management of the Rotorua Geothermal System was fundamentally changed in the 1980’s by the Government geothermal bore closure program and legislative changes through the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The system is now managed under the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s (BOPRC) Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan (RGRP). The plan prioritises surface feature protection and achieves this by limiting net loss of geothermal fluid to the system. While this approach changed the way the resource could be used, and imposed costs on some users, sustainable levels of abstraction are still enabled. Also, any costs have been outweighed by the opportunities presented by the recovery of surface features and a growing tourism economy. An upcoming plan review requires analysis of reservoir response to the plan’s policies. BOPRC’s State of the Environment Monitoring Program has been designed to identify long term changes and includes monitoring of ground of water levels and temperature, and of specific surface features. The recovery of the system is well documented and monitoring indicates that the system is in ‘dynamic equilibrium’, although surface feature recovery is variable. These results demonstrate plan effectiveness and any fundamental changes to the plan are unlikely, unless supported by robust new evidence. However ongoing refinement of our reservoir understanding and assessment of potential opportunities for more efficient resource use is crucial. The focus of the plan review will therefore be on the technical inputs, including modelling and monitoring. The plan review also requires consideration of community values and priorities. While surface feature protection will remain a key objective of the plan, opportunities for more efficient and effective use of the available resource will be at the forefront of discussions. Future opportunities for direct use without impacting surface features will be carefully considered. This will include refinement of modelled scenarios and options to improve efficient use. Community engagement will occur through stakeholder working groups. An ongoing challenge is ensuring that community expectations about the management of the system (and opportunities for more development) are well informed and realistic. |