TOPIC 'Geothermal Energy' on Dec 08, 2008 (CET)
New Zealand is Off and Running with Mighty River’s Geothermal Masterpiece
The Kawerau Geothermal Power Station is officially open and generating power to distribute to 100,000 homes and businesses. This effort represents New Zealand’s largest geothermal energy project in the last two decades. Its importance cannot be over-stated; it is a marvel.
The Mighty River project was completed ahead of its timeframe, and it was built under budget and generates more electricity than was initially anticipated. Six years in the making, $300 million in investment, 8 km of brand new pipeline, and the end result is fantastic. Those in charge are to be commended.
The geothermal plant will run continuously as it is not affected by the climate. Concerns regarding supply and security can be put to rest, as well, as the plant is able to run 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Eighty percent of the power generated by the Mighty River project is directed to the nearby paper and timber industries, but the remainder goes directly into the national electric grid and is circulated among thousands of residences.
The Mighty River geothermal project is part of the government’s plan to meet its 90 percent renewable energy goal by 2025. New Zealand is fortunate in having one of the richest geothermal reserves in the world, and it is determined to make good use of that wealth and abundance.
While utilizing geothermal energy is nothing new to New Zealand, as its largest generator was constructed approximately 50 years ago, the Mighty River plant is hugely important. The country is structuring a geothermal business that is projected to reach into the billions of dollars. Another project in the Mighty River area is in progress and scheduled to open in two years’ time.
According to a source at Mighty River Power, Spence McClintock, they drilled two kilometers into the ground to reach their desired destination to provide seven wells that bring hot fluid to the surface. The fluid is approximately 260 degrees “at pressure.” The steam and fluid are then separated, and the steam is utilized to rotate the turbine. The pipes then transfer the fluid back to the underground geothermal reservoir, thus contributing to the terms “renewable” and “sustainable.”
Sherry Irvin
on behalf of the
BascoTec Internet Limited
Technologie Park 13
33100 Paderborn
Germany
