Taheke Geothermal
This project has been referred to an expert consenting panel for fast-track consenting under the Covid-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting Act 2020).
Project ID
2022-117
Applicant
ROOPU Whakarite Mahi Limited Partnership
Project summary
To construct, operate and maintain a geothermal power station with an output of approximately 25 to 40 megawatts. The project involves the take and reinjection/injection of approximately 10,000 tonnes of geothermal fluid per day from the geothermal field and will include installation of approximately 8 production wells and approximately 6 reinjection wells, construction of pipelines, underground and overhead transmission lines for supplying electricity to the national grid, and other ancillary infrastructure and structures. The project includes a new pipeline extending across or under State Highway 33.
Location
Various locations 18 kilometres north-east of Rotorua and 2 kilometres north-east of Okere Village above the Taheke geothermal field.
Referred projects order
Schedule 90 to the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Referred Projects Order 2020 [New Zealand Legislation website]
The project will:
- generate employment by creating approximately 120 direct full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs over a 5-year design and construction period and approximately 10 ongoing FTE jobs
- provide infrastructure that will contribute to improving economic and employment outcomes
- contribute to New Zealand’s efforts to mitigate climate change and transition more quickly to a low-emissions economy by increasing New Zealand’s renewable energy generation
- progress faster than would otherwise be the case under standard Resource Management Act 1991 process.
Any actual and potential effects on the environment, and proposed measures to avoid, remedy, mitigate, offset, or compensate for any adverse effects, can be appropriately tested by an expert consenting panel against Part 2 of the Resource Management Act 1991 and the purpose of the Act.
Section 17 report
Section 17 report [PDF, 1.3 MB]