The new station generates 32MW of power, considerably more than the 25MW generated by the two existing power stations combined. The total output supplies the Far North's electricity demand 95% of the year, with excess power exported to the rest of Northland through the National Grid.
Now that OEC4 is generating electricity, Top Energy starts a three year period of monitoring the geothermal field. This is to ensure that the field performs in a similar way to the model prepared by GNS Science in support of the resource consent application. OEC5, the next 32MW station, is already consented, subject to confirmation of the performance of the field but will only proceed if an acceptable business case can be developed. In the coming years the company will monitor market conditions to determine whether OEC5 should proceed. The OEC5 investment will also be subject to a Major Transaction Approval by the Top Energy Consumer Trust.
Good news for Northlanders
Ultimately, expansion of the Ngāwhā Geothermal Power Station provides a renewable and lower cost source of electricity generation with clear benefits for local consumers:
- Security of supply and reliability will be improved
- The region will become less reliant on generation from the south and associated transmission through Auckland
Safe, reliable and renewable
Geothermal energy is a safe and reliable energy source. It’s not dependent on rainfall like hydro-power or other fluctuations in supply, and is considered renewable and sustainable energy source.
The generation model sees the geothermal fluids extracted injected back into the underground reservoir, minimising environmental impacts and maintaining the reservoir fluid mass.
Good for the whole country
The expansion of the power station contributes towards the Government’s target of greater than 90% renewable electricity generation by the early 2030’s and supports its climate change objectives. It also improves national electricity security of supply, by contributing 0.6% of total national electricity production from a steady and renewable source.
