Tauhara geothermal power plant, New Zealand starts full capacity operations

The Tauhara geothermal power plant in New Zealand (source: Contact Energy)

The 174-MW Tauhara geothermal power plant by Contact Energy in New Zealand has officially been opened, a culmination of three and a half years of construction and an investment of $924 million.

Earlier this year, Contact Energy announced the completion of a 30-day test of the power facility, thus supplying power to the grid albeit at a reduced capacity. At the full 174-MW capacity, the Tauhara geothermal power station can supply electricity to 200,000 homes in New Zealand. This accounts for about 3.5% of New Zealand’s electricity and creates savings of 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, or equivalent to removing 220,000 petrol cards from the roads.

“It’s a red-letter day for New Zealand’s transition to a renewable energy future and a welcome addition to the country’s energy supply,” said Mike Fuge, CEO of Contact Energy during the opening ceremony.

“Our new geothermal power station at Tauhara, demonstrates Contact’s continued ability to invest, build and deliver world-class assets for the benefit of all New Zealanders. Geothermal energy plays a crucial role in creating a reliable supply of electricity. It’s also where New Zealand leads the way with technology and ingenuity, so it’s exciting to expand our fleet of geothermal assets as well as to have two more geothermal power stations on the way.”

Contact Energy has at least two more large-scale geothermal power projects in the advanced stages of development. About a month ago, the energy company announced the start of grid supply of the Te Huka 3 power plant, which will ramp up to the maximum 51.4 MW capacity by the end of 2024.

More recently, Contact Energy engaged with Ormat Technologies for EPC of the 101-MW Te Mihi 2 geothermal power plant, which is expected to go online by 2027.

Source: Scoop.co.nz