| Title | 2021 Annual New Zealand Geothermal View |
|---|---|
| Authors | T. Montague, C Stephenson, K. McLean, A. Brooks, J. Brotheridge, B. Pezaro, M. Allen, B. White, S.J. Zarrouk |
| Year | 2022 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | New Zealand, geothermal, Annual View, 2021 |
| Abstract | Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand witnessed active development in the geothermal electricity sector in 2021, commencing the construction of the 168 MWe Tauhara power plant and a greenfield development at Taheke. There is, in total, over 1050 MWe of installed geothermal electricity generation capacity, which is typically contributing about 18.1 % of the national electricity supply. In 2020, the NZ government declared a climate emergency. The NZ parliament approved a bill to make NZ carbon neutral by 2050. Both these actions demand an accelerated and expanded electrification of our society and economy and aim to achieve 95% renewable generation by 2035. While geothermal power generation results in very limited Carbon emissions, New Zealand`s geothermal resources will have a key part to play as the country moves to this low emissions future. In addition, power producers have several successful non-condensable gasses (NCG) injection trials. There are significant developments in the direct use of geothermal energy, with some industries using the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry Fund (GIDI) to help them switch from fossil fuel to geothermal energy. Several large-scale direct-use projects are also underway in Ohaaki and Kawerau, and NZ`s first hydrogen production from geothermal energy by Tuaropaki/Obayashi JV. The NZ government continues to support the industry with several local and international initiatives, both in capacitybuilding and regional development in many parts of the world. Welcome to our third annual New Zealand geothermal industry update. This year’s report summarises geothermal activities during the 2021 calendar year, including statistics and discussion. Key themes for the year include: • Geothermal power contributes 18% of national generation; • Future power projects in construction will lift this contribution to over 20% by 2024; • Several direct-use projects were commissioned, including an exciting hydrogen facility; • Carbon emissions per kWh continue to fall while operators are successfully trialling CO2 injection; • Drilling and completions, testing, and workover activity continue at sustainable levels; and • MFAT’s international geothermal aid continues to make a difference in East Africa, the Caribbean and Indonesia. Even with the COVID Pandemic receding, we need to acknowledge the stoic efforts of many operations, maintenance, and engineering staff across the industry who have overcome many obstacles to maintaining New Zealand’s electricity supply. |