Mokai is a 112 MW geothermal power plant located in New Zealand, operated by Mercury Energy since its commissioning in 2000. The facility utilizes geothermal energy, contributing to the country's renewable energy generation. It is the 4th largest geothermal plant in New Zealand. With 112 MW, it represents 16.82% of the country's total geothermal capacity of 666 MW. New Zealand has 7 geothermal plants with a combined capacity of 666 MW. Compared to the country's largest geothermal plant, Nga Awa Purua at 138 MW, this facility is approximately 81% the size. Geothermal energy plays a significant role in New Zealand's energy mix, providing around 13% of the country's electricity generation. The Mokai plant taps into the geothermal resources of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, which is known for its high geothermal activity. The facility is located approximately 50 km southwest of Rotorua in the central North Island region.
26 years old
New Zealand, Oceania
- Primary Fuel Type
- Geothermal
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
New Zealand- Continent
- Oceania
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Geothermal power generation harnesses the Earth's internal heat to produce electricity. This renewable energy source exploits the thermal energy stored beneath the Earth's crust, which can be accessed through geothermal power plants. These plants typically utilize steam or hot water from geothermal reservoirs to drive turbines that generate electricity. The process begins by drilling wells into geothermal reservoirs, often located in tectonically active regions, where the temperature gradient is favorable for energy extraction. The steam or hot water extracted is then channeled to turbines, converting thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is subsequently transformed into electrical energy by generators.
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