GEOTHERMAL STEAM FOR CENTRAL HEAT

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 125, 18 June 1954, Page 7

GEOTHERMAL STEAM FOR CENTRAL HEAT

POSSIBLE USE IN TAUPO At the Borough Council meeting on Wednesday evening, June 2, a letter was read from Mr H. Tole, of Auckland, architect for Messrs. Campbell and Ehrenfried, in connection with the possible use of geothermal steam at the new Lake Hotel, now under construction at the site of the former hotel in Tongariro Street. Mr Tole stated that his clients were informed that it might be possible to obtain geothermal steam, at a pressure of 92 lbs per square inch, with a heating factor of one hundred and forty degrees centigrade, from the Spa Hotel, two miles distant, for central heating, hot water heating and steam cooking, at the Lake Hotel. His clients, said Mr Tole, desired to know if the Council would be interested in joining with them in the transportation of this steam to the town. They were at the moment awaiting information regardingthe cost of the steam and its transportation, and meanwhile would appreciate an intimation from the Council as to whether it was interested in the project.

The Mayor mentioned that there was the possibility that the use of geothermal steam for heating water for future warm baths in the town area might be cheaper than transporting hot water from actual springs. It was decided to inform Mr Tole that the Council was interested in the matter and would like to receive further details when they were available.