Kawerau geothermal steamfield. The Tasman Pulp and Paper Company Ltd. mill is sited at Kawerau, partly because of the presence of the geothermal steamfield. The steamfield has been supplying geothermal steam since 1957. Geothermal steam is the cheapest external energy source at Kawerau. The geothermal steam price is determined on the basis of the next cheapest energy option, with benefits being shared between supplier and user.
Geothermal steam is used both directly in the mill processes, and in heat exchangers.
An interesting by-product of the geothermal process is the condensed steam. Other Uses High-pressure steam is also supplied to the Fletcher Challenge Forests sawmill for drying timber in kilns. Kawerau geothermal steamfield schematic. Small quantities of steam are also used for greenhouse heating. Currently, five wells are producing and two are used for reinjection.