Cito Gazo - "the spotlight is again turning on our geothermal resources.”

CRL Energy’s Energy Engineer Research Analyst, Cito Gazo, has been elected to the board of the New Zealand Geothermal Association (NZGA) in a ballot held on 12 September. He will take up the position following the association’s AGM on 12 November.

NZGA is a scientific, educational and cultural organisation representing the geothermal industry. Geothermal accounts for around 12% of our total energy consumption, and around 8% of our electricity generation.

There are 12 main geothermal areas in New Zealand, with the Taupo Volcanic zone in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty identified as being this country’s main high temperature geothermal system that can generate electricity. (although there is another largely undeveloped high temperature resource zone in Northland). Recent research by GNS Science also indicates that New Zealand could potentially harness up to 160 megawatts of electricity by tapping in to the geothermal properties of abandoned oil and gas wells.

“Despite geothermal resources making up New Zealand’s third largest renewable energy source after hydroelectricity and biomass, much of these geothermal resources remain untapped. I see the key to wider geothermal use as greater public awareness and technical support,” says Mr Gazo.