| Title | Application of the United Nations Framework Classification for geothermal projects in the Waikato region |
|---|---|
| Authors | G. Ussher, J.L. Lebe, A. Calibugan, J. Brotheridge, J. Quinao, R. Hendri, J. McLeod |
| Year | 2023 |
| Conference | New Zealand Geothermal Workshop |
| Keywords | geothermal, UNFC, Waikato Region |
| Abstract | This paper presents an energy assessment and classification of all geothermal projects in the Waikato Region, New Zealand, using the new Geothermal Specifications for the United Nations Framework Classification (United Nations, 2020). The assessment includes major potential projects and existing projects that generate electricity and heat within the region but excluding Protected Geothermal Systems and small Geothermal Systems. The work has been sponsored by the Waikato Regional Council as part of their obligations to report on the geothermal energy resources available within the region. To evaluate each project, a standard template has been developed and populated with publicly available data and data provided by project owners, capturing a simplified description of the Project and Energy Source and the key factors that are needed to assess classification on the E-axis, F-axis, and to assess energy production with uncertainty represented on the G-axis. Furthermore, the assessed projects are categorized according to their status within the UNFC framework. This assessment/classification is probably the most comprehensive application to date of the UNFC system to any geothermal region and provides a robust view of the present and near-future geothermal energy potential of the region. The present status of projects includes some alreadyin long-term operation, in active development, undergoing major re-development with new plants, direct heat use projects, and undeveloped opportunities with no known development plan. As such, this represents a good example of how UNFC can be applied to all stages of development. Observations and suggestions regarding further application of UNFC to geothermal are provided. The major geothermal developer/operators in the region have participated in the work and are assessing how they may be engaged or use UNFC in future. |