Geothermal
Kawerau Geothermal power plant- New Zealand
The Kawerau Geothermal power plant is located in Kawerau, New Zealand, and is a geothermal power plant that generates electricity using the natural heat of the Earth. The plant is owned and operated by Contact Energy, one of New Zealand's largest electricity generators and retailers.
Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant: A Table Summary
Location: Kawerau, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand Type: Geothermal power plant Technology: Flash steam cycle Capacity: 168 MW Owner: Contact Energy Status: Operational Commissioning Year: 1986 Annual Generation: Approximately 1,100 GWh
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Kawerau, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand |
| Type | Geothermal power plant |
| Technology | Flash steam cycle |
| Capacity | 168 MW |
| Owner | Contact Energy |
| Status | Operational |
| Commissioning Year | 1986 |
| Annual Generation | Approximately 1,100 GWh |
Key Points:
- Long-standing operation: The Kawerau plant has been in operation since 1986, making it one of the oldest geothermal power plants in New Zealand.
- Bay of Plenty location: It is located in the geothermal-rich Bay of Plenty region.
- Flash steam technology: The plant uses the traditional flash steam cycle to convert high-pressure geothermal fluids into steam for power generation.
The Kawerau Geothermal power plant began operations in 1958 and has been expanded and upgraded several times since then. It currently has a capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) and is capable of supplying electricity to around 100,000 homes.
The power plant draws its energy from a geothermal field located beneath the Kawerau township. The geothermal field contains a high temperature and high-pressure reservoir of hot water and steam that is used to drive turbines and generate electricity. The geothermal energy is a renewable source of energy and produces no greenhouse gas emissions.
The Kawerau Geothermal power plant is an important contributor to New Zealand's electricity supply, and Contact Energy is committed to the sustainable and responsible operation of the plant. The company works closely with local Maori iwi (tribes) to ensure that the geothermal resource is managed in a way that respects cultural and environmental values.
History of Kawerau Geothermal power plant- New Zealand
The Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant has a long and interesting history that dates back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s, geothermal activity was discovered in the Kawerau area, and it was recognized as a potential source of energy. In 1948, the New Zealand Government established the State Hydro-Electric Department to explore and develop the country's geothermal resources.
In 1951, the first exploratory drilling was carried out at Kawerau, and it was found that the geothermal reservoir had a temperature of around 300°C. This was the beginning of the development of the Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant.
Construction of the power plant began in 1955, and it was completed in 1958. The initial capacity of the plant was 3 MW, and it was the first geothermal power plant in the Southern Hemisphere. Over the years, the plant has been expanded and upgraded several times, and its capacity has increased to 100 MW.
In the early years of the plant's operation, there were some technical challenges, such as corrosion of the equipment due to the high levels of hydrogen sulfide in the geothermal fluids. However, these challenges were gradually overcome, and the plant has been operating reliably for many years.
In 1995, Contact Energy, a New Zealand energy company, acquired the Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant from the State-owned enterprise, Electricity Corporation of New Zealand (ECNZ). Since then, Contact Energy has invested in upgrades to the plant to improve its efficiency and reliability.
Today, the Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant is an important contributor to New Zealand's electricity supply, providing around 10% of the country's total electricity generation. It is also recognized as a world-class geothermal power plant, and its success has helped to establish New Zealand as a leader in geothermal energy development.
Kawerau Geothermal power plant- New Zealand, Operated by
The Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant is operated by Contact Energy, a New Zealand energy company that specializes in electricity generation, natural gas exploration and production, and electricity retailing. Contact Energy is one of the largest electricity generators and retailers in New Zealand, and it is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.
Contact Energy has been operating the Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant since 1995, when it acquired the plant from the State-owned enterprise, Electricity Corporation of New Zealand (ECNZ). Contact Energy has invested in upgrades to the plant to improve its efficiency and reliability, and it is committed to the sustainable and responsible operation of the plant.
The Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant is an important asset for Contact Energy, contributing significantly to the company's generation portfolio and helping to ensure a reliable and secure electricity supply for New Zealand. Contact Energy works closely with local Maori iwi (tribes) to ensure that the geothermal resource is managed in a way that respects cultural and environmental values.
Kawerau Geothermal power plant- New Zealand, financial and international investment
As a privately-owned power plant, the Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant has been the subject of significant financial and international investment.
Contact Energy, the owner and operator of the plant, has invested in upgrades and improvements to the plant over the years, with the aim of improving its efficiency, reliability, and safety. These investments have helped to ensure that the plant remains a reliable and important source of electricity for New Zealand.
In addition to local investment, the Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant has also attracted international investment. In 2017, the New Zealand government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Indonesia to explore opportunities for cooperation in the geothermal sector. As part of this agreement, Indonesian state-owned power company, PT PLN (Persero), signed a deal with Contact Energy to study the feasibility of geothermal projects in Indonesia, including the development of a geothermal power plant in South Sumatra.
The Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant is also recognized internationally for its technical excellence and expertise in geothermal energy development. It has won several awards and accolades, including the "Outstanding Project" award at the 2013 Asia Geothermal Symposium, and the "Excellence in Geothermal Energy" award at the 2018 Deloitte Energy Excellence Awards.
Overall, the Kawerau Geothermal Power Plant represents an important investment in New Zealand's energy infrastructure, and its success has helped to establish the country as a leader in geothermal energy development.