Geo-Thermal Steam For Generation Of Power ?

Northern Advocate, 5 August 1949, Page 2

Geo-Thermal Steam For Generation Of Power ?

WELLINGTON, Fri. (Sp.).—After the complete development of hydro-electric power, the most attractive possibility of further supply seemed to lie in the development of powei liom geo-thermal steam. , . , This is stated in the annual report of the Minister in charge of the State Hydro-Electric Department (Mr Semple) to the House of Representatives. __

Mr Semple said that power from such steam had been utilised in Italy, but that it was not yet clear whether local conditions would make a similar development possible in New Zealand. To push this investigation the Minister in charge of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (Mr McCombs) had established a small advisory committee.. The committee was drawn from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and would deal with the general problem and policy associated with the investigation of geo-thermal sources. MUST FIND ANSWER Mr Semple said the problem was not an easy one, but the answer must be found. The return to a satisfactory power supply condition would hinge on the speedy completion of the Maraetai, Roxburgh and Cobb projects. Major factors affecting the rate of building were manpower and the supply of construction materials. Efforts were being made to augment the number of skilled artisans and construction workers, while the steel position showed • a general improvement except in the case of Australian steel.

The question of lettipg overseas construction contracts was also under active consideration, but this problem was complicated by the present international conditions, and in the meantime, the works were being pushed ahead so that in any event no time might be lost. Although the investigation of further hydro-electric schemes was proceeding more rapidly than ever before to determine the order in which the schemes should be developed, this feature of the work was being expanded still further, as the information was required at the earliest possible date. CEMENT SHORTAGE Although the temporary shortage of cement was causing some difficulties, Mr Semple was confident that it could be overcome. The financial statement showeu a gross profit of £1,946,439, from which interest, depreciation, taxation reserve and loans redeption left a balance to the general reserve of £11,157. Total capital invested was £46.327.821 which, less works under construction, stocks and surveys, ’eft a net operating capital of £32,994,294. ,