New zealand case study

Question 1

define energy mix

Answer 1

The energy mix is the combination of different energy sources used to meet a country’s total energy consumption

Question 2

how much of new zealands electricity is generated via renewable means

Answer 2

40%

Question 3

explain geothermal

Answer 3

New Zealand’s location on the convergent tectonic boundary of the western Pacific and eastern Australian plate has provided it with significant geothermal energy potential.

Mostly concentrated around the Taupo Volcanic Zone in central North Islands.

Geothermal energy is exploited by boring wells into subsurface hot rocks, pumping down cold water and extracting both steam to power turbines and hot water to be used directly in domestic heating & horticulture (agriculture tech.)

Question 4

geothermal stats

Answer 4

Geothermal energy has grown to provide 16% of New Zealand’s electricity production from six main fields-

Question 5

HEP explain

Answer 5

HEP has been the dominant source of electricity in New Zealand for decades- forecasted to be providing 57% of their electricity.

The high rainfall and deep, glaciated valleys of the Southern Alps give rise to many lakes and high discharge rivers that, along with snow/glaciers melting, makes this area rich in HEP potential.

Question 6

gas oil explain

Answer 6

New Zealand is self sufficient in natural gas from the coastal Taranaki Basin

However, these reserves are depleting rapidly- era of cheap gas likely to end soon.

Largest single energy demand by New Zealand is oil, with domestic production supplying 47% of its needs from reserves to its gasfield.

Question 7

Mini case study- Waikato region:

Answer 7

Taupo district in the centre of the North Island, located in southeast of Waikato region near Lake Taupo, the folding of the crust and volcanic activity associated with being adjacent to an active convergent margin has provided the area with geothermal potential

Raised relief in the path of the roaring forties ensures high levels of precipitation, giving rise to New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, and yielding significant hydroelectric potential.

The Wairakei geothermal field, 8km north-east of Taupo, is one of the largest and long-established sources of geothermal energy in the country:
4 separate power plants, all owned by contact energy, generating 333 MWe