The Geothermal Institute

www.geothermal.auckland.ac.nz

The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealands leading and largest university. It is ranked in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings and is the highest ranked New Zealand University in the Times Higher Education and Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities. The University of Auckland is an international centre of learning and academic excellence. It is New Zealands pre-eminent research-led institution and has key linkages with many of the worlds top research intensive universities. Based in the heart of New Zealands largest and most diverse city, The University of Auckland has the most comprehensive range of courses in the country. The Universitys mission is to be a research-led, international university, recognised for excellence in teaching, learning, research, creative work and administration.

In a snapshot The University of Auckland:

Comprehensive University with full range of professional schools to PhD level 41,000 students and 5,400 staff including 4,700 international students from over 100 countries 2,750 academic staff in eight Faculties About 10,700 postgraduate students including 2,100 at doctoral level More than 60 research units, centres and institutes More than 6,500 research articles, books and conference papers published annually 200 active patent families and about 630 granted patents or pending patent applications globally. External research funding of NZ$218 million pa in 2010. The University actively seeks to work with government, energy companies, other universities, research organisations and commercial consultancies in geothermal research, development and education.

Geothermal New Zealand

Building on more than 60 years experience in identifying and utilising its own geothermal resources, New Zealand has significant expertise in the development and sustainable management of geothermal fields and in the design, construction, operation and maintenance of geothermal power plants. New Zealand has more than 25 high temperature geothermal systems and with many beautiful natural geothermal springs. The Wairakei geothermal system was the first liquid-dominated high temperature geothermal system to be developed for power generation in 1958, and since then New Zealand has been at the forefront of geothermal research and training. New Zealand has also built up an excellent reputation in the application of geothermal energy for direct use in Industry. Geothermal New Zealand brings many strengths to the international geothermal sector: New Zealand was a pioneer in geothermal generation in the 1950s and has an outstanding reputation for its geothermal expertise around the world. Domestic geothermal capacity is now some 750MW, over 12% of the electricity generated in New Zealand, and will soon reach 1,000MW placing the country amongst the largest geothermal power producers globally. New Zealand scientific and engineering skills have contributed to over 1,000 MW of geothermal power developments internationally and the identification of far greater potential resources. New Zealand has built a number of new domestic plants in recent years; these are recognised as representing worlds best practices from the application of exploration sciences, through feasibility, design, construction and operation. Geothermal plants in New Zealand meet the most rigorous environmental standards under New Zealands Resource Management Act and Geothermal New Zealand carries these commitments to all projects, domestic and international.

The Geothermal Institute

The University of Auckland has specialised in geothermal energy for over 30 years. The Geothermal Institute is The University of Auckland centre for geothermal research and training. Since 1978 it has provided research and training for the New Zealand and international geothermal industries. It is one of the premier geothermal research and training centres in the world. The Geothermal Institute provides a wide array of geothermal research, technology, education, training and consultancy through expertise spread across a number of faculties, institutes and centres.

Geothermal Research Expertise

Faculty of Engineering
The Department of Engineering Science focuses on geothermal reservoir engineering, environmental fluids research and on the numerical simulations of geothermal reservoirs. The group is committed to advancing understanding of flow phenomena through mathematical, computational and experimental means. Other departments within the Faculty of Engineering focus on: process control systems, modelling and optimisation; and the prevention of corrosion and scaling of geothermal turbines, pipes and other geothermal equipment. www.des.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/geothermal-energy-research The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has geotechnical laboratory facilities for measuring compressibility and strength properties of cores from geothermal fields. Unique equipment is available for measuring the compressibility of cores ranging from hard rock to soft soil-like materials. Recently this has been employed in providing material property input to subsidence modelling at the Wairakei and Tauhara fields in New Zealand. www.cee.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/geotechnical-research of natural fluids with the biosphere. Other groups within the Faculty of Science are working on increasing enthalpy extraction of geothermal power plants reducing silica scaling and extraction of minerals from geothermal fields. www.iese.co.nz/GeothermalProgram/GeologyGeochemistry.aspx

The Institute of Earth Science and Engineering (IESE)

IESE is The University of Auckland Institute which undertakes research and provides commercial training and services. The Institute has a range of geothermal expertise and capabilities particularly in geophysics and geology. Its research is focused on the interactions of hydrothermal fluids, rocks, fractures, and tectonic stresses in the accessible earth. Specifically in regard to geothermal its activities are around imaging subsurface reservoirs and fracture systems, detecting, locating and analysing microearthquakes, targeting geothermal wells, and enhancing permeability of fracture systems. www.iese.co.nz

Research Centre for Surface and Materials Science

RCSMS is a University based Research Centre specialising in materials characterisation, specifically at the surface and near surface of materials. www.ecm.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/about/our-research/ research-areas/surfaceandmaterialsscience

Business School
The Energy Centre is an interdisciplinary energy research and education centre, located in the Economics Department at The University of Aucklands Business School. Staff comprise economists, engineers and engineering scientists. Research focuses at energy (electricity and gas) markets as well as other aspects of environmental, transport and resource economics (including water allocation, carbon pricing, etc). In the geothermal area, aspects of particular interest/expertise are: integration in electricity markets, resource ownership and access, resource consent and other regulatory aspects. www.business.auckland.ac.nz/energy All of this geothermal expertise is coordinated through The Geothermal Institute. www.geothermal.auckland.ac.nz

Industrial Information and Control Centre (I2C2)

IC is a joint collaboration between AUT and The University of Auckland and was established in 2007. It is a multidisciplinary group of chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineers. The IC has specific expertise on multi-phase flow modelling and process simulation for optimisation of pipelines and geothermal process plant operations and is currently working on the development of control systems for ORC geothermal plants. www.i2c2.auckland.ac.nz/uoa

Faculty of Science
The School of Environment has expertise in geothermal geology, geochemistry and geophysics with particular interest in the processes that produce and consume fluids in and on Earths crust, the timing and scale of fluid-flow, the structures that transmit fluids, and the interaction

Geothermal Education and Training

The Geothermal Institute and The University of Auckland offer a wide range of academic degrees and professional development courses to meet the needs of the geothermal sector. These range from the professional Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology, Masters of Energy, as well as Masters and PhDs in a range of topics. In addition there are a range of short public and tailored short courses and expert consulting, coaching and mentoring. More than 850 students from more than 50 counties have graduated from the Geothermal Institute at the University of Auckland with an internationally recognised qualification in Geothermal Energy from 1978 to the present; many of our graduates are now leaders in the geothermal industry world-wide. The Institute works closely with the New Zealand geothermal industry to ensure that students obtain maximum value from their programmes.

Master of Commerce
www.business.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/for/futurepostgraduates/study-options-7/postgraduateprogrammes-1/mcom-quick-facts The Master of Commerce degree enables the best students to pursue specialised knowledge through independent research, and is designed to prepare them for specialist positions in the public and private sector. The standard route for admission is a BCom or equivalent, and a major in the subject intended for this degree with an average grade of B or higher.

Doctor of Philosophy
www.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/fp-doctoral-degrees#s3c1 This is a 3 to 4 year research degree. The standard entry route is by completing a Bachelor or a Masters degree awarded with minimum of Second Class (Division I) at The University of Auckland. See the website for other entry routes.

Short Courses and Specialist Training

www.iese.co.nz/GeothermalProgramme/ QualificationsandShortCourses.aspx The Geothermal Institute through IESE annually coordinates the delivery of short courses on a range of geothermal topics. The course content is typically designed for individuals already in the geothermal workforce, and focuses on resources, exploration, development and assessment. IESE also provides specialist customised training to geothermal companies and organisations both locally and internationally. Recently, IESE has run courses in Chile, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, Kenya, the Caribbean and Singapore.

Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology (PGCert)

www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/pgcertgeothermtech The PGCert is a one-semester program in geothermal science and engineering. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science degree or have reached an equivalent level of qualification in Science or Engineering.

Master of Energy
www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz/master-of-energy This is a two semester (9 month) programme of specialist postgraduate study in energy for Engineering, Science and Business and Economics graduates who wish to enter the energy industry with specialist electives in geothermal energy. The Master of Energy Degree can be completed in one semester by students who have completed the requirements for the Postgraduate Certificate in Geothermal Energy Technology.

Short course topics include:

Geosciences Geochemistry Reservoir modelling Modeling and simulation of multi-phase flow in pipelines and plant Geothermal process plant control & optimisation Geothermal energy in action Structural controls on fluid flow The Geothermal Institute also convenes the annual New Zealand Geothermal Workshop, which is the longest running energy conference in New Zealand.

Master of Engineering (ME)

www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/master-of-engineering This is a two semester (9 month) all research degree often extended to almost 12 months. Topics are available in many branches of geothermal engineering. The standard route for admission into the ME is by completing a Bachelor of Engineering, attaining at least Second Class Honours First Division. See the website for other entry routes.

Scholarships
A total of 25 Scholarships per annum are available from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT) for studentsfrom eligible countries to attendpostgraduateprogrammes at The Geothermal Institute. Information on the scholarship schemes (New Zealand Development Scholarships, New Zealand Pacific Scholarships, New Zealand ASEAN Scholars awardsand Commonwealth Scholarships) that can be accessed for this purposecan be found on the website www.aid.govt.nz In addition, contacts at relevant diplomatic posts canalsobe found on MFATs website www.mfat.govt.nz

Master of Science (MSc)

www.science.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/msc Depending on the subject major or specialisation being taken, an MSc degree may be purely research or teaching or a combination of both. The standard route for admission to a MSc requires completion of a Bachelor of Science (Honours) or Postgraduate Diploma in Science with a B- average in 90 points, at least 75 of which must be at 700 level. See the website for other entry routes.

Geothermal Technology Innovations

The University of Auckland always seeks to bring new and improved technologies and techniques to locating, developing and managing geothermal energy. Recent innovations from the Geothermal Institute include:

Joint Geophysical Imaging

In the area of geothermal exploration, IESE offers a unique Joint Geophysical Imaging (JGI) technology which involves combining data from seismographs and other geophysical instruments for analysis and interpretation, and takes advantage of signal polarisation effects produced by subsurface fractures. It is designed to significantly lessen development risks, and therefore costs, by locating optimum drilling targets. For example, in some geothermal fields, the JGI approach has resulted in doubling new well outputs by finding high permeability zones. The JGI method improves resolution of reservoir boundaries, upflow, fault, and fracture zones, and fracture density and orientation. For developers it offers a way to reduce the risk-against-returns in geothermal exploration.

as well as a range of visualisation tools to show the simulation results. PYTHON scripting tools have also been developed to assist with complex models such as that of the Lihir geothermal system where the excavation of a gold mine has to be included in the model.

Engineered Geothermal Systems Modelling and Monitoring

IESE researchers have been developing advanced, data based models of the complex interactions of hot rocks and fluids, erratic flow pathways, and the deformation effects of temperature and pressure changes for Engineered Geothermal Systems (EGS). EGS, a highpotential geothermal technology that has not been realised on an industrial scale, is intended to work by creating turbine-turning steam through water contact with hot rock.The process requires enhancing flow pathways in such rocks. The EGS process generates small seismic events (induced seismicity).By deploying a borehole seismic network at such project sites, the location of these microearthquakes can be readily detected and their magnitudes monitored.This valuable seismic data can be interpreted for accurate well targeting and ensuring that seismic safety measures are followed. IESE staff been involved in monitoring 3 EGS projects: Basel, Paralana, and Naknek.

Automated Model Calibration

An important part of current research is geothermal reservoir model calibration which involves the choice of suitable parameter values for quantities such as permeability and porosity in the reservoir. For the calibration of a large model of a whole reservoir where there may be thousands of computational elements or blocks the problem is very difficult. The modellers are using two innovative sophisticated approaches to solve this problem.

Fluid Rock Interaction

The Geothermal Institute modelers are currently investigating several topics involving fluid rock interaction. The first of these is the modeling subsidence in geothermal fields. Their method involves using a coupling of the reservoir modeling software TOUGH2 with a rock mechanics simulator called ABAQUS. Available geotechnical expertise provides insight into the compressibility properties of geothermal strata for the ABAQUS modeling. A second study is looking at the effect of the injection of cold water into a hot geothermal reservoir.

Deep Borehole Observatories

With one of its industrial partners, IESE has co-developed a cableless, downhole seismometer and data acquisition array. Since data recording is within each sonde of the array, data losses due to transmission noise are eliminated. This new tool is especially well suited to the recording of the faintest of seismic signals, perhaps the smallest ever detected in deep boreholes. In more standard applications, IESEs microearthquake monitoring networks are being used to assist in geothermal development and management by tracking the locations of seismicity that relate to fluid production and injection.

Reinjection of Geothermal Fields

The Geothermal Institute modelers have recently carried out a review of experience worldwide of reinjection in geothermal systems and complemented this with a modeling study to test ideas about where it is best to reinject: either infield close to the production wells or far away from them. Their results show that infield reinjection should not be preferred for hot systems like Wairakei but is desirable for hot water systems where pressure support is required.

Geothermal Modelling: Sophisticated Reservoir Simulator Development

The Geothermal Institute modellers in the Department of Engineering Science have developed software tools for geothermal well-bore simulation, automated well test analysis and tracking of geothermal tracers. In particular, this group is running large complex models of geothermal fields in New Zealand and overseas. In order to do this, very fast solvers have been developed as part of the reservoir simulator

Control Systems for ORC Geothermal Plants

A dynamic model of an ORC plant is being completed and will be used to look at the effectiveness of different control strategies. The aim is to design a control system that takes multiple factors into account such as fouling, plant maintenance, resource consent compliance, reservoir status and the optimisation of a network of electricity generation plants based on real-time market data.

Geothermal Research Services

The Geothermal Institute provides a range of offerings in Applied Research, Consulting, Services, Testing and Equipment.

Seismology
Seismic array optimisation Borehole seismology Fracture distribution analysis

Geothermal Geosciences
Geothermal exploration Data integration and processing Well targeting Seismic tomography Geological and geochemical surveying Reservoir complexity and modelling Electromagnetic TEM and MT interpretation Joint geophysical imaging

Geothermal Engineering
Reservoir modelling Geothermal well-test analysis software Subsidence modelling Laboratory testing of cores from geothermal strata to measure compressibility and other geotechnical properties

Geothermal Process Engineering

Multi-phase flow modelling Pipeline modelling Geothermal plant modelling Plant optimisation

Electromagnetic Profiling
MT, TEM, and CSAMT profiling Leading equipment - Phoenix Geophysics Over 1000 soundings conducted world-wide Joint interpretation

Materials Characterisation
Mineral and organic fouling analysis Fracture analysis Identification of corrosion products/scaling products Contaminant particles identification Segregation of alloying elements at metal grain boundaries Crystal orientation during deformation processes Phases present in a sample Roughness measurements of smooth surfaces Frictional properties of surfaces

Geological Mapping and Geochemical Analysis

Field mapping and sample collection Fluid inclusion analysis Petrographic microscopy Scanning electron microscopy X-Ray Powder Diffraction General Area Diffraction Detection System

Micro-seismic Monitoring Networks

Permanent and temporary installations Borehole and surface Radio telemetry and automatic event detection Mobile rental network for fast deployments Advanced and basic data analysis

Economic Analysis
Investment analysis Governance arrangements for development & utilisation

Public Policy Analysis

Economic modelling of development Market integration

Custom Borehole Instrumentation

Very deep borehole instrumentation High pressure and high temperature High reliability using passive sensors

Environmental and Ecological Analysis

Assessment of geothermal ecosystems Environmental impacts of development

Geothermal Project Examples

The Geothermal Institute through its affiliated research groups has undertaken a number of geothermal projects both in New Zealand and internationally in recent years. These projects include:

Geothermal Exploration and Development

Island of Nevis, Caribbean - greenfield exploration involving a combination of geoscientific data (geological and geophysical mapping) led to the drilling of several successful exploration wells and the discovery of an economically exploitable high temperature resource. Montserrat - A geophysical survey involving two types of electromagnetic sounding (MT & CSAMT) methods were employed to establish the structure and distribution of potential fluid resource on this volcanic island. A zone of apparent high permeability was found near Saint Georges Hill. This site has now become the focus of a potential high temperature geothermal power development. Sumatra, Indonesia - Joint Geophysical Imaging (JGI using electromagnetic and seismic data) of greenfield geothermal sites in Sumatra was completed to determine drilling targets for a geothermal power development. A seismic survey was conducted using a combination of surface and borehole instruments, with emphasis placed on S-wave splitting associated with zones of aligned, high permeability, fractures. Existing MT data was analysed for previously ignored polarisation effect related to oriented fractures. Following the JGI data analysis, and in combination with geological data, several potential drilling targets were identified. Utah & Nevada, USA - geophysical and geological data acquisition and analysis at the geothermal field at Box Elder, Utah, and at Nye County, Nevada. Rwanda - Completed geological and geophysical surveys for geothermal potential and determining drilling target in Rwanda. Olkaria, Kenya - a UNEP funded project to pioneer Joint Geophysical Imaging (JGI). Before the survey, the target area had an average productivity of 2MW/well. By using JGI, the developer realised an increase in average productivity to 5MW/well. Krafla Volcanic Field, Iceland - deployment of a network of borehole and surface seismometers, and electromagnetic (MT and TEM) soundings. The integrated model of the field provided optimum drilling targets, and subsequent drilling yielded one of the most productive wells in the field.

Coso geothermal fields, California, USA - 12 station borehole networks in 100 metre boreholes. Installation, operation, and analysis of the Coso Geothermal Field seismic network, leading to the development of S-wave splitting tomography for locating fractures as drilling targets. Subsequent electromagnetic and drilling studies confirmed the locations and sizes of potential high permeability zones. Puna, Hawaii, USA geothermal fields - 8 station borehole networks at 100 metres.

Engineered Geothermal Projects (EGS)

Basel, Switzerland construction of a 6 station seismometer and accelerometer monitoring network, including instruments at 1.2 and 2.7km deep, followed by the collaborative analysis of induced seismicity. Paralana, Australia installation of a network of 8 borehole stations at depth of 1.8kms. This seismic network provides real-time feedback on the field during drilling and hydro fracturing.

Reservoir Modelling
Wairakei, New Zealand - 3D modelling supporting management decisions by the field operator, Contact Energy Ltd. Also an important part of the applications for resource consents for the Te Mihi and Tahara 2 projects. Ohaaki, New Zealand - high concentrations of carbon dioxide gas required different techniques. Models are being used to plan for future sustainable productivity. Wayang Windu, Indonesia - a modelling study for the application of the expansion of generation capacity. Other Geothermal Reservoir Modelling Sites - Mokai and Ngawha (New Zealand), Dieng, Darajat, Silangkitang, Namora (Indonesia), Leyte, Northern Negros, Bacman (Philippines), Olkaria (Kenya), East Mesa (USA), Fushime, Kakkonda (Japan) and Los Humeros (Mexico).

Geothermal Process Engineering

Kawerau, New Zealand Modelling of a whole geothermal process plant with different process configurations to optimize energy and removal of non condensable gases. Ngawha, New Zealand Modelling of a geothermal pipeline and process plant to optimize plant operating scenarios to optimize energy recovery.

Seismic Monitoring of Geothermal Fields

Wairakei Geothermal Field, New Zealand - installed a world-class borehole seismic array in the oldest operating geothermal field in New Zealand, providing real-time date about the microearthquake activity in the field. Data is used to monitor, manage and possibly expand future operations. Montserrat, Caribbean - 4 borehole seismometers and string meters for active volcanic monitoring at 250kms. Muara Laboh, Indonesia - 3 borehole and 6 surface geothermal monitoring stations.

Auckland UniServices Limited

Auckland UniServices Limited is the largest research and development company of its kind in the Australasia and a wholly owned company of The University of Auckland. UniServices provides world-class scientific, industrial and educational solutions for businesses and governments. Clients have access to The University of Aucklands leading community of researchers to work on a variety of industry related issues for problem solving and end-to-end solutions. UniServices manages all of The Universitys intellectual property and is responsible for all research-based consultancy partnerships, commercialisation of technology with over 300 licences for intellectual property as well as contracted education programmes. UniServcies has launched more than 30 New Zealand businesses from University research and currently has more than 2,000 projects in 36 countries around the world. Its easy to do business with UniServices. Experienced Business Managers can help navigate difficult markets, support R&D and commercialisation, and access government funding. UniServices can translate business R&D needs to pull together a team of world class experts to create a solution. Whether its a single contract or an on-going permanent supplier relationship, UniServices is flexible enough to accommodate a businesss specific requirements. Their priority is to help a company achieve their goals. Their services are designed to meet businesses short and long term needs through building strong partnerships with the University and business. UniServices works in collaboration with businesses. R&D with UniServices is: Yours, you own it Value added Responsive Manageable Focussed Tailored Accessible

Engagement with UniServices is tailored to what you need: Consulting Contract research Technology licensing Testing Facilities

Gary Putt, Director Business Development Phone: +64 9 923 8206 Emails: gary.putt@auckland.ac.nz or geothermal@uniservices.co.nz Auckland UniServices Limited, Level 10, UniServices House, 70 Symonds Street, Auckland. Private Bag 92019 AMC, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. www.uniservices.co.nz

For more information on the Geothermal Institute contact Gary Putt Executive Director Geothermal Institute Director Business Development UniServices Phone: +64 9 923 8206 Email: gary.putt@auckland.ac.nz Auckland UniServices Limited Level 10, UniServices House 70 Symonds Street, Auckland Or Private Bag 92019 AMC, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. Website: www.geothermal.auckland.ac.nz Professor Mike OSullivan Geothermal Institute Academic Director Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext. 88393 Email: m.osullivan@auckland.ac.nz Level 3, UniServices House 70 Symonds Street, Auckland Or Private Bag 92019 AMC, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.

Email: geothermalinstitute@auckland.ac.nz