New Geothermal Power Plant Opened in Kawerau

On Friday, the TOPP2 Energy Plant was opened with over 200 guests in attendance, marking a new chapter for geothermal energy.

The large geothermal operation, is a joint venture between Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets, Obayashi, and Eastland Generation. 

The 49 megawatt station will generate enough renewable energy to power to 55,000 homes.

Eastland Generation Chief Executive Officer Alice Pettigrew said Trade Minister Todd McClay, project partners, local government ministers and mana whenua attended the opening. 

She said the plant will play a major role in changing energy contribution. 

“The government is aiming to double geothermal energy use by 2040.

"Together with our project partners, we’re proud to be playing our part in achieving that goal."

“With the successful delivery of this project, we’re helping to build regional energy resilience and supplying electricity to support New Zealand’s economic growth," she said. 

Although owned and operated by Eastland Generation, Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai-owned Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets are providing long term supply of geothermal fluid to the station. 

Tūwharetoa Group Chief Executive Robbie Watt said the plant is about intergenerational opportunity and sustainability, not just energy. 

“Since 2005, Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai has exercised kaitiakitanga over the geothermal reservoir in Kawerau, alongside our commercial developments, to deliver long-term value for our people.” 

“It demonstrates iwi leadership, innovation, and strong commercial partnerships in action," he said. 

East Coast MP Dana Kirkpatrick told 1xx, the plant is part of a wider plant to diversify energy.

"That's just one example of how these partnerships and these approaches can work for the betterment, not only for local groups and communities and towns, but also nationally for energy availability and diversification."

"So if we can provide that and be a centre for that within New Zealand, then that's a great opportunity for us," she said. 

This effort continues, with an announcement last week granting Eastland Generation $20 million in suspensory loan funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for two geothermal projects near Kawerau and Rotomā. 

"It provides good jobs, well-paying jobs, into an industry which we have excelled in," she said.

A further $3 million was granted to Auckland University to drill exploratory wells in Whakatāne. 

Conversations for drilling sites are underway.