New Zealand: Top Energy Given Go Ahead for 50 MW Ngawha Geothermal Plant Expansion

Power station consents granted (News Release)

Expansion of Top Energy's geothermal power generation at Ngawha has been given the go ahead following the withdrawal of challenges to the Environment Court

Ngawha Geothermal Plant  (Courtesy Top Energy)

Top Energy’s Chief Executive Russell Shaw said concerns raised by Parahirahi C1 Trust, the kaitiaki of the geothermal field and pools at Ngawha, have been addressed and a joint Consent Order was filed with the Environment Court.

“This meant that there was no further opposition to the plans and the resource consents for the expansion of the power station were granted.”

The Trust objected when Commissioners in September 2015 granted an extension of consents for Top Energy’s existing 25 MW operation and approved new consents for a further 50 MW of generation which will be built in two stages.

Parahirahi C1 Trust Chair, Dr Te Tuhi Robust described the agreement with Top Energy as an excellent outcome which provides more gains around technical issues within the consent.

“There is nothing within the agreement that sits at odds with the law or cultural integrity for us. We believe it reflects a willingness and commitment from Top Energy to work with our community and people.

The first of the new 25 MW power stations could be producing power by 2020 which coincides with the closure of the Genesis Energy coal generation plants at Huntly.

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