EARLY GEOTHERMAL DEVELOPMENT IN NEW ZEALAND.

Following preliminary scientific exploration of the energy resources of the central volcanic region, the project at Wairakei was set up in 1950 to drill and test geothermal wells, with the objective of generating electric power. It was the first substantial undertaking in the world to convert geothermal water into electricity. The techniques used for drilling and fluid production evolved from water, petroleum and mining technology, plus the application of engineering principles and hard experience in the field.