Direct Use Applications of Geothermal Energy in New Zealand

Abstract

Direct use of geothermal energy in New Zealand is relatively small (approx. 7000 TJ/yr) because of cheap electricity, but is increasing. At present, the greatest use is as industrial process heat in a timber mill at Kawerau where fluid from a high-temperature geothermal reservoir is used directly to heat combustion air and shatter sprays in chemical recovery boilers, heat black liquor, and to pre-heat boiler water. Clean steam, obtained using a heat exchanger, is used to dry paper, heat boiler water, and generate electricity for the mill. Other significant uses are in space heating, timber drying, fish farming and orchid growing.