The Mokai geothermal energy field is located under the Trust’s land where hot rock heats underground water to over 380°C. Deep wells enable the hot water and steam to be piped to the surface for commercial use.
The power plant uses the heated fluid from the production wells to generate electricity and then returns this fluid back into the geothermal field via reinjection wells drilled specifically for this purpose.
At the time the Mokai geothermal project was completed it was the largest privately developed and owned and most technologically advanced geothermal project in New Zealand.
The Tuaropaki geothermal power station currently produces 113 MW of electricity which is delivered via a 22 km connection line to the National Grid at the Transpower Whakamaru substation. This is enough energy to power Hamilton.
The Tuaropaki geothermal power station produces 113MW of electricity which is delivered via a 22km connection line to the National Grid, at the Transpower Whakamaru substation.
Ensuring that we manage our geothermal resource in a sustainable and responsible manner is critical to our business. Extensive monitoring, analysis and research of the Mokai geothermal resource underlie Tuaropaki’s commitment to better understanding of the extent and dynamics of this valuable resource. Comprehensive modelling informs our management decisions and will guide decisions about the potential of expanding the Mokai plant in the future.
