Nov 4 2010
Gerry Brownlee, Energy and Resources and Economic Development Minister, in a recent interview said that soon a positive decision will be taken over the resource consent application made by Contact Energy.
Earlier Contact Energy, an energy generating and retailing from New Zealand, had submitted its application for building a 250 MW geothermal power plant over the Tauhara geothermal steamfield located north east of Taupo and in close proximity to the new Te Huka Geothermal Power Station.
Tauhara II geothermal project
According to Brownlee, the Tauhara II geothermal project will play a positive step and assist New Zealand to reach its objective of 90% renewable energy by the year 2025. He added, that Tauhara II plant acts as an important component in the fiscal growth of the Taupo region and more than that the plant contributes to the key electric production mix of the country with its all through the year power supply that is not affected by weather vagaries. He concluded saying that the power development solutions such as Tauhara II are standing examples of accomplishing environmental and economic benefits.
The Tauhara II geothermal power station with a power production capability of 250 MW is anticipated to generate enough electric power to cope with the power requirements of 270,000 average homes. The plant is awaited to bring in over $1 billion as investment in the region.