Experts meet in NZ to discuss nuts and bolts of geothermal industry
A comprehensive workshop covering the many aspects of developing geothermal energy is taking place in Taupo (New Zealand) this week. Called “From Start to Steam”, the four-day event starting on 11 June brings together experts from five countries and features specialists explaining the myriad of steps involved in developing geothermal energy either for producing electricity for the national grid, or supplying heat energy for direct use.
“People tend to specialise in part of the process and this workshop will help them get a much broader understanding of the many components involved in developing geothermal energy,” comments workshop organiser, Brian Carey of GNS Science, organiser of the workshop.
Rapid industry growth in the past five years was a key driving force for the workshop as it had led to a larger workforce and a greater need for knowledge-sharing, and Carey believes the event will be the most comprehensive of its type ever held in New Zealand. It has attracted about 90 people including groups from Indonesia, Chile, Australia, and the Philippines.
The event features two dozen presenters talking about their specialist areas, as well as case studies from New Zealand and overseas. “Our aim is to see an industry that is well informed and a workshop such as this will almost certainly lead to more efficient geothermal developments that have sound credentials,” Carey points out.
Tomorrow sees attendees taking a field trip to Mighty River Power’s 140-MW Nga Awa Pura power station 10 kilometres northeast of Taupo, as well as visits to an MB Century drilling rig and the Waiotapu geothermal tourist area.
There is also an optional two-day workshop on mitigating environmental impacts of geothermal development, which will be run by the International Energy Agency on June 15 and 16.
“Our aim is to see an industry that is well informed and a workshop such as this will almost certainly lead to more efficient geothermal developments that have sound credentials,” Carey concludes.
The International Geothermal Association has provided sponsorship to cover student travel and registration costs, and at least 15 university students are taking advantage of this. Prime sponsors of the workshop are the New Zealand Geothermal Association and the Western Pacific Branch of the International Geothermal Association. GNS Science is organiser and host.
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