Contributed by Mr Sean McLeod, Trading Executive, Power Infrastructure Business Division, SAPL New Zealand Office

November 2024
New Zealand

Sumitomo Corporation (SC) with partner Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., led the construction of the Tauhara geothermal power station, located near Taupo in the mid-North Island of New Zealand. It is a significant project that showcases the collaboration between the two companies.

The plant has been operational since April 2024, delivering electricity to the grid. It was formally handed-over to Contact Energy (the owners) in June and officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr Christopher Luxon in late November.

Geothermal power generation captures hot, natural underground steam and delivers it through thermal generation technology to produce electricity. This method is renewable, as the steam taken out of the ground is reinjected after passing through the turbine, and it has low carbon emissions compared to coal and gas power generation.

SC’s involvement in the Tauhara Geothermal Power Plant highlights its commitment to renewable energy and its expertise in power plant construction. The corporation has positioned businesses related to renewable energy as a priority area in its management plan and continues to develop new sources of renewable energy.

Significant project highlights:

• The Tauhara Geothermal Power Station has a generating capacity of 184 MW, contributing approximately 3.5% to New Zealand’s total electricity generation.
• The project cost exceeded NZ$920 million.
• Construction was completed 41 days ahead of the contract deadline.
• The plant features the world’s largest single-shaft geothermal turbine-generator.
• Tauhara is SC’s third geothermal plant construction in New Zealand over the past 15 years. Together, these three plants supply approximately 8.5% of New Zealand’s total electricity generation.