Geothermal energy has overtaken gas to become New Zealand’s second most important electricity fuel source behind hydro power, according to electricity generator Mighty River Power.
Geothermal generation increased by more than 150% in the past decade, it added. Unsubsidised investment, including NZ $1.4 billion (US$1.1 billion) by Mighty River Power, has boosted geothermal output from 6.5% of national supply, to 16%.
Most of New Zealand’s installed geothermal generating capacity of about 750 megawatts is situated in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, with another 25MW installed at Ngawha in Northland.
Geothermal energy made up 40% of Mighty River Power’s total generation for the quarter.