Kawerau Geothermal Field – Making the Most of What We Have

Abstract

New Zealand’s current level of geothermal energy production has the potential for expanded energy utilisation, especially in the area of industrial process heat. Increasing geothermal energy utilization efficiency has the potential to push geothermal energy even further ahead of other renewable energy types as the energy source of choice in the decarbonisation of the power and process industries in New Zealand. The current level of energy utilisation at the Kawerau Geothermal Field in New Zealand is analysed to identify potential for energy efficiency improvements. The prospect of additional geothermal energy benefits from separated geothermal water as part of a symbiotic New Zealand geothermal energy park is considered.