THERMAL ENERGY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26770, 13 May 1948, Page 8

THERMAL ENERGY

GENERATION OF ELECTRIC POWER PROPOSAL ANALYSED P.A. ROTORUA, May 12. The widespread uses to which thermal energy may be put, together with an enumeration of the localities in the Rotorua district which might prove suitable for the generation of electric power, were contained in a paper read by Mr J. Healy before the annual conference of the Geological Survey Department to-day. Mr Healy ■drew comparisons between the conditions in Italy, where thermal energy is extensively tapped, and those prevailing in New Zealand.

To generate electricity, said Mr Healy, it was essential to have adequate supplies of cold water nearby to cool the turbines. At Rotoiti, Waiotapu, Ohaki, Taupo, and Tokaanu there were streams and lakes which could serve this purpose.

By drilling to much greater depths than normally, it would be possible to obtain steam in other parts of the North Island. In the South Island the only suitable regions were close to existing hydro-electric projects. “ The Italians have found that to get super-heated steam is an expensive and often dangerous problem,” said Mr Healy. “Drilling there is not conducted along lines of scientific research, and local knowledge and tne skill of the foreman is the. biggest factor in obtaining a succcessful bore. It is quite possible that a sudden explosion of steam will eject the drilling tool and casing, to the great danger of the crew. In Rotorua, however, temperatures are not sufficiently high to create that risk.”