New Zealand: Wairakei Geothermal Power Station is 60 Years Old Today!

60 Years on And Wairakei Still a Thermal Success (News Release)

Wairakei in winter. By Duncan Foley. Pipe to Powerplant at Wairakei outlook taken July 27, 2012. GRC Photo Contest 2012.

Contact Energy is proud of the historic role the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station has played in pioneering geothermal generation, Contact’s CEO Dennis Barnes says.

In acknowledging the 60th anniversary of the station this week (Thursday 15 November 2018), Mr Barnes said Wairakei was a success story when it came to renewable energy. Geothermal generation is a core and growing part of Contact’s operations.

Wairakei, which was opened in 1958, is the world’s second oldest geothermal power station and the first to use wet steam technology. It has contributed renewable electricity to the national grid, and made a substantial contribution to the local economy and surrounding communities.

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From the Global Geothermal News archives:

• Monday, November 5, 2018 - New Zealand: Contact Energy Weighs its Future Geothermal Options
• Tuesday, April 4, 2017 - New Zealand: Birds Eye View of Well Test at Wairakei Geothermal Power Plant
• Friday, January 13, 2017 - New Zealand: Bioreactor Reduces Environmental Impact of Geothermal Power Plant Wastewater