GNS Science: 2018 Activities(Adapted from GNS Update at 2018 NZGA Seminar)

German Orozco, Angus Howden, Greg Bignall
Department of Geothermal Sciences
Wairakei Research Centre, GNS Science
GNS ScienceGNS Science : Who we are …

• Independent, New Zealand government-owned
Crown Research Institute (CRI).
• New Zealand’s largest supplier of earth science
research and consultancy services.
• 360 staff in Wellington (two offices), Taupo,Dunedin and Auckland.
• Clients private sector; international fundingagencies; government organisations; researchgroups in New Zealand and overseas.
• Tokyo office planned for 2019 !

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Department of Geothermal Sciences

GNS ScienceWairakei Research Centre

Department of Geothermal Sciences
Wairakei Research Centre
35 geothermal specialists (+ additional expertise)
Wairakei

Looking ahead :Avalon

Dept. Earth Resources and Materials
Expand geothermal capability, with specialists fromminerals, petroleum and materials teams.

GNS offices
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Department of Geothermal Sciences~60 geoscience staff in new department.
GNS ScienceNew Zealand Geothermal Update• Installed capacity of geothermal electricity generation is 1005 MW e(~18% peak electricity demand).

• Geothermal economically competitive (at current wholesale).
• Central Government dedicated to greater use of renewable low-emission
energy resources (including geothermal)• Govt. has streamlined consent process for renewable energy schemes• Goal 100% electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030.

4Department of Geothermal Sciences

GNS Science

Expansion of Geothermal Use
ResourceAllocation

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Department of Geothermal Sciences

GNS ScienceRegional Geothermal Focus• Geothermal is a key enabler of economic
development• Goal: Sustainable new business growth
opportunities and employment• Focus: Geothermal direct use• Activities:– Engage: industry, Government, public, Māori– Promote: renewable advantages in region– Connect: heat suppliers and heat users– Training: increase knowledge– Advocate: incentives and initiatives

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Department of Geothermal Sciences

GNS Science3

GNS Geothermal – what we do …
• Exploration & Development Advice, incl. :o Geoscience, well services (7 wells) andnumerical modelling for 2017-18 Ngawha
expansion (25 to 75 MWe)o Exploration geophysics (MT) survey andmodelling for prospect in Gifu.
o Prospectivity mapping in Vanuatu (MFAT)o West Coast regional development• Regulatory / resource consent advice• Asset Management (well / plant performance)• New Zealand Geothermal AnalyticalLaboratory, Isotope & Mineral Services
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Department of Geothermal Sciences

GNS ScienceGNS Resource Characterisation
Geology
Reconnaissance
Geochemistry

Geophysics

Drilling

Exploration

Development

Asset Management
Numerical / scenario modelling
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Department of Geothermal Sciences

GNS ScienceNZGALHigh T/Pemp (440oC) /Press. (500 bar) apparatus

NZ Geothermal Analytical Laboratory

World leader in geothermal fluid andgroundwater analysis• NZS/ISO 17025:2005 accreditation• NZGAL manages NZ's geothermal
fluid and groundwater database.
• Experimental Geochemistry(expansion)- Tracer stability (NDS, I-125)“Actual”“Simulated”- Corrosion studies (GERD, NEDO,AIST, Kyoto Univ.)- Fluid-rock interactions (up tosupercritical conditions)9

Department of Geothermal Sciences

GNS Science

Environmental & Operational Concerns
Rotorua

10Power Station Efficiency Management• Identify areas important to manage• Effect on steamfield / plant infrastructure• Detect physical / chemical change over time

• Effect on receiving environments• Understand mechanism behind change• Scaling and corrosion• Model future utilisation scenarios• Managing effluent discharge

Department of Geothermal Sciences

GNS Science3

GNS Geothermal Research Direction
New Zealand’s Geothermal Future (NGF)
Themes
1. Delineating NZ’s Low-temperature Geothermal Systems
2. Understanding “Structure and Dynamics”
3. Understanding “Source and Circumstances”
4. Sustainability and Environment

GNS ScienceGreg Bignall
Wairakei Research Centre
Taupo, NEW ZEALAND
g.bignall@gns.cri.nz

Thank youGNS Science