Thinking beyond hydro electricity. Taupō to host first Geothermal Week

Separators at Wairakei Steamfield. Photo / Contact Energy

At the end of this month, the first New Zealand Geothermal Week will be hosted in Taupō. Created by the team at Amplify (formerly Enterprise Great Lake Taupō) the event will showcase New Zealand's world-class geothermal expertise and resources, many of which are located right here in the Taupō Volcanic Zone.

Amplify's geothermal cluster lead Fiona Miller said the week will be a drawcard for those working in the energy industry. She says there are also events planned for schools, business leaders, service firms and the manufacturing sector.

"We have something for curious locals keen to learn more about this incredible source of energy found right under our feet.":

The programme includes industry workshops and seminars, field trips, a schools programme, and events for the general public including an employment and career expo.

Taupō is home to a few established users of geothermal heat such as Natures Flame, Miraka, and Tenon. Ms Miller said the district has also attracted a number of innovative start-up companies like Geo40, who create valuable mineral products from geothermal fluid.

Pipes carrying steam are a familiar sight at the Wairakei Steamfield. Photo / Contact Energy

Contact Energy general manager of geothermal resources and development Mike Dunstall says the event is an opportunity to increase understanding of the many uses for geothermal energy. He says the construction of Contact Energy's geothermal power station at Tauhara will bring a number of economic opportunities to Taupō.

"It's not just about the services needed to build the station, it's also enabling other businesses to access the heat we're bringing up from under the ground."

Mr Dunstall says many industrial processes or primary production systems that use heat can be powered by geothermal. He says geothermal power can be used in food and beverage manufacturing, wood processing, horticulture, aquaculture.

"The opportunities are endless," said Mr Dunstall.

GNS Science senior geothermal geoscientist Isabelle Chambefort says New Zealand Geothermal Week is a chance to shine a spotlight on the world-leading expertise based in Taupō. She says Taupō is New Zealand's centre for geothermal excellence.

"Many of the world's leading thinkers in geothermal energy and manufacturing live right here in the Taupō Volcanic Zone."

Ms Chambefort says continued investment in cutting-edge science and technology allowed GNS to be in a good position to identify current and future opportunities for the geothermal sector.

"Keeping New Zealand at the forefront of geothermal innovation."

She is the lead for GNS Science's exploration into supercritical geothermal, that is - accessing geothermal fluids located deep within the Earth. Ms Chambefort says supercritical geothermal is set to transform New Zealand's energy sector.

The public is invited to attend the opening night and seminar on Monday, July 26 at the Great Lake Centre. The theme of the seminar is "Beyond Generation, the past, present and future of geothermal". Speakers include NZ Geothermal Association deputy chairwoman Dr Katie McLean, MB Century chief executive officer Greg Thompson, and GNS Science's Ms Chambefort. There will also be an opportunity for Taupō locals to register for a bus tour to Te Mihi power station on Saturday, July 31.

For more information and to register for events visit www.taupo.biz/geothermalweek