GEO-THERMAL STEAM
fSUCCESSFUL TRY-OUT AT SPA HOTEL — Friday, February 8. An interesting experiment carried out at the Spa Hotel property this afternoon resulted in the production of electric power from geo-thermal* steam for the first time in New Zealand. Steam was taken direct from No. 1 Bore to a small steam ongine of ancient vintage, driving a 230 volt D.C. generator of 3 k.w. capacity. Considerable interest was taken when steam was turned on at four p.m. and electric lamps about Ihe hotel lit up. The engine was then stopped and adjustments made to the governing gear. A few minutes later the power was switched on to the hotel laundry, and a Times reporiter saw Mis's Sophie Peke, laundress, using the geo-thermal product to iron clothes, the first practical use of electric current from such a source in New Zealand. . Messrs Sinclair and Yates, who carried out tihe demonstration for Messrs J. W. Birnie Ltd., emphasise it as being pureiy experimental, though it may well be the initial step in the future development of geo-thermal power for commercial uses in Taupo. The generator used was lent by Mr A. A. Hastings, and Mr Martin Smith, electrician, as^isted. 1
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Bibliographic details
Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 5, 13 February 1952, Page 3
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198GEO-THERMAL STEAM Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 5, 13 February 1952, Page 3
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