WorldWide Drilling Resource

Successful Geothermal Drilling Campaign in New Zealand Adapted from a Press Release by Eastland Group New Zealand’s TeAhi OMaui geothermal plant near Kawerau, recently completed drilling a production well and two injection wells. The drilling process targeted known sources of geothermal fluid as hot as 390-570ºF (200-300ºC). Project Manager Ben Gibson said, “The drilling was success- ful - we located the high-temperature fluid that will ultimately fuel the geothermal power plant, and the injection capacity nec- essary to manage the cooler fluids that have passed through [the] geothermal power plant.” Well pads were constructed on-site and the Old Coach Road was upgraded in preparation for the arrival of the drilling rig in lateApril. Drilling began in May following assembly, inspections, and karakia (ceremonial prayers), and blessings from local kaumatua (elders of the indigenous Māori society). Gibson paid tribute to the interna- tionally recognized drilling specialists who worked on the project including rig contrac- tor, MB Century; ancillary service provider, Halliburton; and supervising engineers, Jacobs, together with a number of smaller contractors based locally and abroad. He also mentioned drilling was completed without any major incidents or harm to any person or the environment. “Drilling these wells to plan, without any major in- cidents, is testament to the profession- alism, skill, and experience of the entire team,” he stated. The project focus now shifts to the construction of the power plant, transmis- sion line, and steam field. Tomairangi Fox, cultural adviser to the project said, “We are very happy to have completed drilling, and the next stage is very exciting too.” The Te Ahi O Maui geothermal proj- ect has enlisted Israeli company Ormat for the next phase of the development. Ormat has a great deal of experience with devel- oping and constructing state-of-the-art, environmentally-sound geothermal power plants, and has supplied geothermal power to over 23 countries around the world. Matt Todd, chairman of the Te Ahi O Maui board and chief executive of Eastland Group, said he is pleased the project has partnered with Ormat for construction of the power plant. “Ormat has over 30 years’ experience in the New Zealand geothermal energy industry and is in- volved in 12 geothermal projects around the country. They have the necessary skills and knowledge that we can rely on for the successful delivery of the Te Ahi O Maui project.” The new plant is due to be opera- tional in 2018, and is expected to gener- ate approximately 25 megawatts of electricity. 85 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® DECEMBER 2016