Drilling is underway on the first of three wells for the 20 MW Te Ahi O Maui geothermal power project near Kawerau. Following completion of this well, two further wells will be drilled later this year.
Project Manager, Ben Gibson, said that the drilling process will target known sources of geothermal fluid, which could be as hot as 200-300 degrees Celsius. "It’s this high-temperature fluid that will ultimately fuel the geothermal power plant," he advised.
Well pads were constructed on site and the Old Coach Road, near Kawerau, was upgraded in preparation for the drilling rig’s arrival in late April. The drilling rig was commissioned this month following assembly, inspections, and karakia and blessings from local kaumatua.
Mr Gibson advised that the project’s focus for the coming months is ensuring the wells are drilled as safely and efficiently as possible. "We will be able to provide further updates towards the end of 2016, once the three wells are complete."
