GEOTHERMAL WELL DRILLING.

  

Mercury are now getting ready to resume geothermal well drilling at Kawerau.  

  • Drilling is planned to recommence at Well 1 (on map below- this is at the McKee Road site on Putauaki Farm) in early to mid-April and will take about a month to complete.
  • Drilling will then move to Well site 3 (on map near Onepu Springs Road in early May).
  • This drilling is expected to take 7-9 weeks, however with drilling so deeply underground, it is difficult to accurately schedule ahead of time so these timeframes are subject to change.
  • Before the drilling begins, the Drilling campsite on the corner of Tamarangi Drive and Spencer Road will be re-established.
  • At this time, drilling at Well Site 2 is to be delayed until next year. 

We will communicate further if we expect any delays to any of the above timeframes. 

This map shows the location of the wells that are in progress or currently planned.

 

Updated-Well-Sequence-Map

  

The Drilling will be a 24 hour/day operation, seven days a week.

We are very aware of potential impact on our neighbours, and work has been planned to be carried out with as little impact as possible.

This could include:

  • During the set-up and removal of the drilling rig, which will largely be in daytime hours, there will be higher traffic volume to and from the drilling sites, with up to 20 loads per day.
  • During drilling, higher than usual levels of traffic, noise or lighting around the site of each well.


If you have any questions or concerns, then please contact geothermal@mercury.co.nz.

This work will be carried out in accordance with Bay of Plenty Regional Council and District Council resource consent conditions and district rules.

 

FAQS

WHAT WE’RE DOING

Why are we drilling more wells here?

We’ve been generating electricity from geothermal activity on the Kawerau field since 2008. During that time we’ve learned more about the geothermal reservoir deep within the earth.

Wells have a finite lifespan and corrosion can mean that wells are required to be re-drilled and replaced over time.

Therefore, as part of our sustainable management of the field, we are drilling three more wells - two production wells (takes steam and fluid to run the power station) and one reinjection well (puts fluid back).  

 
Are the new wells maintaining current capacity or will this mean more power/capacity?

These wells are “make up” wells – maintaining current capacity. We are drilling two production wells and one reinjection well at Kawerau.

How long does it take to drill each well?

It takes approximately 2 months for the rig to be set up, drill down, establish a well head and disestablish the rig. We are drilling three wells in the Kawerau geothermal field at this time.

What happens to the steam and fluid that comes out of these wells after it has been used by the power station?

Most of the steam and fluid is returned to the reservoir, deep underground. One of the three wells we are drilling now is a reinjection well, and there are others in the field. 

What are the rules around doing this?

This work will be carried out in accordance with Bay of Plenty Regional Council and District Council resource consent conditions and district rules. There are strict rules in place around our whole operation at the power station, including well drilling. 

IMPACT OF THE DRILLING

What impact does drilling have on the surrounding environment - short and long term?

Geothermal wells have a small surface footprint, while extending deep underground. Short term during the drilling operation there may be higher noise, lighting and dust levels near the drill site, but in each case this is carefully mitigated and monitored by the on-site team. 

Does the drilling cause earthquakes/seismic activity?

We are confident that there is no additional risk of seismic events from drilling these three deep but extremely narrow wells. In Kawerau, GNS believe that the earthquake swarm in March this year was due to the movement of active faults and not related to volcanic unrest or geothermal activity. Please see here for more information.

Will the drilling affect the water supply?

The town’s water supply will not be impacted by our activity.

THE COMMUNITY

What are you doing to lessen impact on the community?

We have a careful plan, including noise bunds, light barriers and dust control sprayers.

There is positive impact on the community too by utilising local contractors where possible to support the specialist drilling crew such as Waiotahi contracting and Crossroads. 

 
How have we communicated our plans to the community?

We’ve talked to local residents, businesses and iwi who might be impacted by the drilling or moving the drilling rig around. We’ve put flyers and posters out into the community and also got the message out using social media, paid advertisements in The Echo, and our website. We will continue to communicate about our progress.

 
How does Mercury support the environment/community in Kawerau?

In the short term we’re proud to take our place as a supporter of the awesome Kawerau Christmas in the Park, and we’re looking to do more next year. We want to  build and continue to build good relationships in the town. We’re listening to groups in the community to understand how we can participate in the community. 

For 15 years Mercury has been running the Kawerau geothermal station, taking care of the environment above ground, and ensuring that the below-ground taonga of the geothermal field is managed and monitored for ongoing health and sustainability. 

 
If we have any questions or complaints, who should we contact?

You can email us at geothermal@mercury.co.nz.