Plenty of interest in our use of geothermal energy

Geothermal energy could be a new focus for development.

Taupo and Rotorua's advanced use of geothermal energy has meant the region is standing out on the world stage at the 2015 World Geothermal Congress.

More than 50 delegates from the region have joined 200 delegates from New Zealand, and 1500 international delegates, attending the conference in Melbourne, which began on Sunday and will finish on Friday.

Local representatives from Contact Energy, Page Macrae, Mighty River Power, Allied Industrial, MB Century and GNS are attending the event, which is hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand.

Contact's general manager of geothermal resources and development, Mike Dunstall, who is normally based at the Wairakei Power Station, said the conference was a great way to exchange ideas and research around geothermal energy.

"It's the ability to talk face to face with other experts from around the world about what they have been doing. We are getting new ideas already.

"The hosting of this meeting was decided in about 2007 or 2008. New Zealand was right in the midst of a large programme at that time and we expected to have a lot to report," he said.

"People have been very interested to hear our story and some of the innovations taking place and some of the changes.

"There has been a considerable amount of new development in the region by Contact and Mighty River Power. There have been several new power stations and improvements made to the environmental performance of Wairakei Power Station."

He said there were great opportunities for development in geothermal energy.

"We still see geothermal as the next best opportunity for development but that will not occur until there is a significant demand in New Zealand.

"Geothermal is very cost effective and as older thermal plants retire, environmental drivers will keep pointing to further use of renewable energy, and geothermal will be part of that mix," Mr Dunstall said.