Empowering geothermal energy

1668 Lloyd Homer GNS Science

This programme aims to better understand New Zealand's geothermal resource and support increasing use of geothermal energy in Aotearoa.

Overview

Geothermal energy is a natural, abundant and renewable energy source that has a vital role to play in moving Aotearoa New Zealand to a carbon-neutral future. This five-year programme aims to develop new methodologies to better understand the implications of accessing underground resources and reduce any risks associated with new or expanded utilisation of this important energy source.

This programme aims to

  • reduce uncertainties around accessing underground resources
  • enhance understanding of the characteristics of Aotearoa’s geothermal resources
  • support the sustainable development and expansion of geothermal energy in New Zealand

To achieve these aims, we will

  • develop new approaches to integrating data and methods from different geoscience and engineering disciplines
  • assess sustainable development opportunities for new geothermal systems and improve our predictive models to further optimiseexisting geothermal developments
  • provide a new framework for communities to assess kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and sustainability (visit mauriometer.org(external link) for more information)

The project

Geothermal: Our pathway to a carbon-neutral future

New Zealand has taken on the challenge to increase electricity generation from renewable sources. Geothermal has a unique advantage over other common renewable energy sources because, unlike hydro, wind, solar or wave power, it doesn’t rely on weather patterns to operate. Geothermal energy should be at the forefront of increased generation from secure renewable energy sources, requiring new developments as well as expansion and optimisation of existing plants.

Our research aims to address the geological uncertainties around accessing underground resources, by estimating and mitigating the risks associated with new or expanded geothermal developments.

New approaches

This five-year project will develop new approaches to integrating data and methods from different geoscience and engineering disciplines, while finding new ways to interpret and extract information from geothermal field datasets. This will significantly improve our ability to assess sustainable development for new geothermal systems and help us to optimise existing developments, contributing to the further development and expansion of geothermal energy in New Zealand.

Geothermal | Key to the Carbon Neutral Future – Geothermal is a critical source of renewable energy for New Zealand. The question is, can geothermal energy be carbon neutral? To answer this, GNS scientists are developing techniques that prevent CO2 emissions from geothermal power plants. transcript

Geothermal, key to the carbon neutral future.

Why is geothermal the key to a carbon neutral future?

Geothermal is a natural energy source that can be used to generate electricity. Geothermal systems are found in areas where there are lots of volcanoes.

In Aotearoa, New Zealand, most geothermal fields are found in the Taupō volcanic zone in the central North Island.

In this volcanic zone, CO2 is emitted naturally, let's look at this process.

Magma in the earth's crust heats water held in natural reservoirs. As the water heats, CO2 from the magma dissolves into the water.

When hot water rises, CO2 is released from the water.

Gas then escapes through hot pools, natural vents called fumaroles, or steam that escapes through the soil.

Gas that includes CO2.

So how can geothermal energy be carbon neutral? Let's examine how geothermal power plants work.

Water and steam are piped up from the geothermal reservoir under the ground.

Steam rotates the turbines.

A generator produces electricity, and then the water is injected back into the reservoir. This helps maintain pressure in the system.

When the water turns into steam, so do the gases, and at a geothermal power plant, even though the water is re-injected into the system, it may not include all the CO2. Some CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Scientists in the geothermal industry, including at GNS science are developing techniques to stop these gases escaping. It involves re-dissolving the CO2 in water then re-injecting it back into the reservoir.

Doing this helps maintain the geothermal system, while keeping the CO2 underground where it can't damage the environment.

Geothermal scientists are working towards a carbon neutral future.

Geothermal energy will give New Zealand energy security and help New Zealand reach its goals of 100% renewable energy, and net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Geothermal | Key to the Carbon Neutral Future

Geothermal is a critical source of renewable energy for New Zealand. The question is, can geothermal energy be carbon neutral? To answer this, GNS scientists are developing techniques that prevent CO2 emissions from geothermal power plants.

Burnell John 3261

John Burnell Geothermal Modeller

John is a numerical modeller who has over 30 years experience working on a wide range of energy related projects. His main focus is geothermal reservoir modelling, undertaking both research and consulting. He has developed models of geothermal systems throughout the world, for both consenting purposes and resource planning. He has worked on models of: Ngawha, Wairakei, Rotokawa, Rotorua, Tauhara, Kawerau, Mokai, (New Zealand), Mt Apo, Bacman (Philippines), Kakkonda, Uenotai, Sumikawa (Japan), and Luiese (Papua New Guinea). He has long-standing involvement in the resource consent process in New Zealand, both developing models to assess environmental impacts and appearing as an expert witness at consent hearings. He is able to develop new software for solving modelling problems, and is the developer of a commercially available Tough2 pre-processor. John is currently the NZ convener of the IPGT Reservoir Modelling Group, and has served on the NZ Geothermal Association Board. In addition to geothermal modelling, John has worked on models of gas reservoirs, heat exchangers, heat transfer in reformer furnaces, casting furnaces, heater design, heat transfer in coolstores, biofilm growth and electroosmotic flow

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Research project details
Duration

2017–2022

Funding platform

Endeavour Fund

Status

Current

Leader

John Burnell, GNS Science

Funder

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE)

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