“Bright Future” For Geothermal Power

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30094, 30 March 1963, Page 16

“Bright Future” For Geothermal Power

Geothermal steam has a bright future as a source of electricity, according to Mr W M. Fisher, chief investigating engineer of power, who is retiring from the Ministry of Works. It was Mr Fisher who. after inspecting the Lardarello generators in Italy, investigated the possibilities. recommended the construction and supervised the development of the Wairakei project. Mr Fisher was first an engineer cadet at Lake Coleridge. A period in the head office hydro-electric design office was followed by a transfer to the Christchurch district, where for two years he concentrated on hydroelectric works. He was engineer-in-charge on the Harper river dam and diversion scheme and also supervised the installation of the first turbine at Lake Coleridge. When troubles developed at Arapuni in 1929. Mr Fisher was transferred there and was responsible for the design and construction of the spillway falls structure During the next seven years Mr Fisher undertook a survey of the Waikato river basin between Cambridge and Taupo to report on die possibilities for other hydro-electric stations. In 1937 Mr Fisher was appointee resident engineer in charge of the construction of R.N.Z.A.F. bases at Whenuapai and Hobsonville, involving the first full-scale use of large earth-moving machinery in this country From 1940 to 1944. he served, with the rank of captain, in the 2nd N.Z.E.F in England, the Middle East. Syria. Iraq and Palestine before being invalided home He rejoined the department as a hydro-electric Inspecting engineer and reported on several proposals that were later developed. These included Cobb. Roxburgh. Maraetai. Pukaki.

Whakamaru, Atiamuri. Benmore, Ohakuri and Aratiiatia. He was later promoted to chief investigating engineer in charge of hydro and geothermal investigations, and retained that post until his retirement.

Mr Fisher attended the World Power Conference in Melbourne last year to de liver a paper on hydroelectricity in New Zealand Two years previously he contributed a paper, on drilling at Wairakei. that was read to a United Nations conference on power held at Rome.