STEPPING UP TEMPO OF STEAM INVESTIGATIONS

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 48, 22 June 1965, Page 4

STEPPING UP TEMPO OF STEAM INVESTIGATIONS

Wairakei scientists are stepping up the tempo of investigations into geothermal resources aronnd the central North Island. Their work has been given priority so that the survey can be completed quickly and some reliable indication gained of areas suitable for using geothermal energy for generating power. If the survey results are favourable, they could 1-ead to the building of other geothermal power stations similar to that at Wairakei. Mr G. E. K. Thompson, offic.er in charge of the Wairakei geophysics division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, said the department was duplicating all investigation equipment. * Two more vehicles had been supplied, making four available for survey

work, and two extra ra ea einployed, making six men in the survey teara. rThis will certainly speed things up," he said. "We are covering a wide area and it is a very big job. With the extra men and equipment we should be able to finish most of the work within six months." The survey was following the volcanic belt from Taupo to Rotorua. The Taupo and Wairakei area had been covered and the survey was being extended toyrard Broadlands and Waiotapu. The work involved ehecking the potential of different areas by a series of electrical resistivity tests. * "We have found this is a reliable method," said Mr Thompson, "but it has to be followed by detailed investigations sueh as test drilling."