The population of New Zealand is expanding, and as a result, the country’s electricity requirements are rising as well. As a result, the number of power plants supplying electricity to the country keeps increasing. This list includes every power plant in operation in New Zealand, including peaking plants and those using solar, geothermal, biomass, wind, and other forms of energy. All of the data on this list has been compiled from the most recent sources. It gives specific details about the many kinds of plants that are used, their capacity, and where in the nation they are located. The sorts of energy production that the power plants in New Zealand invest in are also briefly included in this list. Readers of this thorough reference will have a better grasp of the country’s power infrastructure and the steps being taken to strengthen and streamline New Zealand’s energy supply.
All of New Zealand’s geothermal power stations are listed here.
List of all Geothermal Power Plants in New Zealand in table format
For the benefit of our readers, we have compiled a list of geothermal power plants in New Zealand in the table below:
| Powerplant Name | PowerPlant Capacity(MW) | Power Plant Location via to Latitude and Longitude | Fuel Type- Primary | Estimated Power Generation(GWH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nga Awa Purua | 138 | -38.6143, 176.1825 | Geothermal | N/A |
| Ohaaki | 122 | -38.5279, 176.2937 | Geothermal | N/A |
| Rotokawa | 34 | -38.6125, 176.1932 | Geothermal | N/A |
| Te Huka Binary | 28 | -38.6664, 176.117 | Geothermal | N/A |
| Wairakei | 132 | -38.6266, 176.1055 | Geothermal | N/A |
| mokai | 112 | -38.5312, 175.9268 | Geothermal | N/A |
Data sources: GEODB, CARMA, and WRI
Best Geothermal Power Plants in New Zealand in 2023
Below is information on the top geothermal power plants in New Zealand:
Powerplant Kawerau Reviews
Kawerau is a power station in New Zealand with a 100MW capacity for power production. It may be located with pinpoint accuracy at -38.0631 latitude and 176.7272 longitude in the Bay of Plenty area of the North Island. It was begun in 1996 with a primary fuel type of geothermal energy and an expected annual electric power generation rate of 511.5 GWh.
Geothermal energy from below the surface of the Earth is used at the Kawerau powerhouse. In terms of capacity and output, it is one of the biggest geothermal plants of its sort in the entire globe. It is operated by Mercury Energy and contributes more than 2% of New Zealand’s energy generation capacity. Comparing it to other types of energy plants reveals how much more environmentally beneficial it is. It also aids in lowering pollution emissions.
Powerplant Nga Awa Purua Reviews
A 138 megawatt geothermal power station called Nga Awa Purua Power station is situated in North Island, New Zealand. The factory is situated at 38.6143 latitude and 176.1825 longitude. The Nga Awa Purua Power Plant started operating in May 2007 and has been producing 510 gigawatt hours of power annually on average. The plant uses a mix of turbines and compressors to create power using geothermal energy as its main fuel.
The plant’s capacity factor has been constantly rising, and its expected yearly generating capacity is 110 GWh. The Nga Awa Purua Power Plant contributes significantly to the New Zealand grid’s use of renewable energy and is anticipated to reduce the country’s dependency on imported electricity. Because of the plant’s proximity to other geothermal resources, it will be simpler to investigate more energy sources in the near future.
Powerplant Ohaaki Reviews
A geothermal power station in New Zealand called Ohaaki has a 122 MWs output capacity. It is situated at coordinates 38.5279 latitude and 176.2937 longitude. Established in 1998, Ohaaki. Geothermal energy is the main source of power in Ohaaki. This is the first geothermal facility to have a generation capacity greater than 100 MW and the largest geothermal power plant in New Zealand.
The Ohaaki geothermal plant’s location has 15 production wells that supply the turbines with high-pressure steam. In turn, the generators operate the turbines, which generate electricity that is fed into the national grid. Given the nation’s commitment to a low-carbon economy, the electricity produced by the Ohaaki plant represents an estimated 2% of all electricity produced nationwide from renewable sources, which is a very substantial contribution.
Powerplant Rotokawa Reviews
A geothermal power facility called Rotokawa can be found in New Zealand’s North Island with coordinates of -38.6125 and 176.1932. Mighty River Power is the entity that owns and runs it. The plant has a 34 MW capacity and was put into service in 2004. It ranks as the fourth-biggest geothermal power plant in the world and the largest in New Zealand.
In the binary cycle power plant in Rotokawa, a turbine is powered by the steam produced by the hot geothermal source to produce electricity. Up to 34 MW of electricity may be produced at the plant, which can supply 42,000 New Zealand homes with all their energy requirements. In comparison to traditional coal-fired power plants, the plant also emits much fewer carbon emissions.
Rotokawa is a valuable asset to New Zealand’s energy industry and helps the nation’s efforts to switch to sustainable energy sources. Reports are filed to Industry and Environment New Zealand on a regular basis regarding the plant’s environmental performance. Since it began operating in 2004, it has a strong safety record and has continued to offer the nation dependable and green electricity.
Powerplant Te Huka Binary Reviews
A 28-megawatt geothermal power station called Te Huka Binary can be found in New Zealand. It is situated between Rotorua and Turangi, close to Lake Taupo, and is practically the only one of its kind in the entire nation. The Te Huka Binary power plant began operating in March 2021 and is situated at New Latitude -38.6664 and New Longitude 176.117. Te Huka Binary is capable of producing up to 28 megawatts of electricity, which is over 25,000 New Zealand homes’ worth.
The power plant uses geothermal energy as its major fuel, which entails that it absorbs heat from the Earth’s core and uses a turbine to turn it into electricity. Since it emits no carbon dioxide, this renewable energy source is a more environmentally friendly choice than conventional fossil fuels. Te Huka Binary is anticipated to provide the national grid with dependable, reasonably priced energy. Additionally, the power plant is probably going to assist New Zealand in achieving its objective of lowering its carbon emissions.
Powerplant Wairakei Reviews
North Island of New Zealand is home to the Wairakei geothermal power plant. It was put into service in 1958, and its coordinates are -38.6266, 176.1055. It is the second-largest geothermal plant in the area, with a 132 MW capacity. The largest and most effective geothermal power plant in the nation, Wairakei generates an estimated 200 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.
One of the first geothermal plants in the world, Wairakei has undergone a great deal of growth, expansion, and improvement over time. Wairakei launched two more geothermal plants in 2016 with capacities of 15.5 MW and 16.5 MW, respectively. The plant can now produce 164 MW more energy overall thanks to this.
Currently run by Contact Energy, the Wairakei Plant is an essential source of renewable energy for New Zealand. It is one of the most cutting-edge geothermal energy generation facilities in the world because its direct steam turbine cycle, which boosts efficiency to 85%, is used to capture steam. Wairakei serves as an illustration of how far the geothermal energy sector has advanced over the past few decades.
Powerplant mokai Reviews
The Mokai geothermal power facility is situated at coordinates -38.5312 South, 175.9268 East in Taupo, New Zealand. The largest geothermal power station in New Zealand, the Mokai facility has an installed capacity of 112 Mega Watts (MW). It has been in use for 13 years and was first put into service in November of 2007.
Geothermal energy, a form of renewable energy with many benefits, serves as the main fuel for the Mokai power plant. Regardless of the weather, it can generate electricity continuously and at a consistent pace. In comparison to many other sources of electricity, it also emits far fewer carbon emissions. The plant’s estimated annual power output of 502 GWh is sufficient to supply electricity to 30,000 dwellings in New Zealand.
FAQ
Q. Is geothermal energy a viable energy solution in New Zealand?
A. In New Zealand, geothermal energy is a practical source of energy. For many regions of New Zealand, geothermal energy is a cost-effective renewable energy source that offers base-load power generation around-the-clock. Since the 1950s, geothermal energy has played a significant role in New Zealand’s energy mix as a dependable, sustainable energy source.
Q. What are the benefits of geothermal power plants in New Zealand?
A.Geothermal power plants in New Zealand provide a number of important advantages, such as: * A dependable and sustainable energy supply; * Low-cost, competitive electricity rates; * Low emissions; * Quick construction; * High energy conversion efficiency; * Economic stimulation for regional businesses and communities.
Q. What is the impact of geothermal power plants on the environment?
A. Compared to other methods of producing electricity, geothermal power plants have a significantly smaller negative environmental impact. This is partly because geothermal plants don’t burn fossil fuels to produce energy, resulting in low levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, geothermal plants have a low impact on biodiversity because they only need a small amount of land to operate.
Q. What regulations does New Zealand have regarding geothermal energy?
A. The Resource Management Act contains the laws governing geothermal energy in New Zealand. Geothermal resource developers are required by the Act to seek resource consents, and local governments are in charge of carrying out this requirement. Additionally, government agencies like the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Ministry for the Environment offer rules and regulations for the advancement of geothermal energy.
Q. Are there any incentives or subsidies available for geothermal power projects in New Zealand?
A. Yes, geothermal power projects in New Zealand are eligible for a number of incentives and subsidies. Government funding options for projects involving high temperatures include grants, low-interest loans, and Acorn money. Additionally, some regions provide public-private partnerships that can lower the upfront costs and risk of geothermal projects.
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Cory Combs is the Lead Writer and a key contributor at PowerPlantForum.com, a top resource for energy professionals and enthusiasts. With over a decade of experience in power plant operations and a degree in Electrical Engineering, Cory is a recognized authority in the field. His expertise in optimizing energy systems is informed by extensive hands-on experience and research. Follow Cory for the latest updates and expert insights on Instagram.