Conceptual Model Update for the Rotokawa Geothermal Field, New Zealand

Abstract

This paper presents the updated conceptual understanding of the Rotokawa geothermal field, which is located within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. The Rotokawa geothermal field has an installed capacity of 174 MWe and is a joint venture between Mercury NZ Ltd and Tauhara North No. 2 Trust. Analyses of the data obtained from additional make-up well drilling, updates on the field stratigraphy, and the detailed review of the field and individual well performance 10 years since the Nga Awa Purua plant commissioning, have led to changes in the conceptualised field reservoir geometry, upflow location, deep hydrology of the system, and connectivity to the overlying intermediate aquifer.