Mokai Power Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mokai Power Station |
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|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Location | Waikato |
| Coordinates | 38°31′50″S 175°55′32″E / 38.53056°S 175.92556°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Commission date | 2000 |
| Owner(s) | Tuaropaki Power Company |
The Mokai Power Station is a special power plant in New Zealand. It uses heat from deep inside the Earth to make electricity. This type of energy is called geothermal power. The station is located about 30 kilometers northwest of Taupo. It is owned by the Tuaropaki Power Company. Mercury Energy helps to run the station.
How Mokai Power Station Works
Mokai Power Station uses geothermal energy. This means it taps into the natural heat stored underground. Hot water and steam come from deep wells. This heat is then used to create electricity.
The station uses a "binary cycle" system. In this system, the hot geothermal fluid heats another liquid. This second liquid turns into vapor. The vapor then spins a turbine, which creates electricity. This method is very efficient. It also helps protect the environment.
Who Owns and Runs Mokai Power Station?
The main owner of Mokai Power Station is the Tuaropaki Power Company. This company is mostly owned by the Tuaropaki Trust. The Tuaropaki Trust owns 75% of the company. The remaining 25% is owned by Mighty River Power. Mercury Energy is the company that operates the power station day-to-day.
Growing Bigger Over Time
The Mokai Power Station started making electricity in 1999. Back then, it could produce 55 megawatts (MW) of power. A megawatt is a unit used to measure how much electricity a power plant can make.
The station has grown bigger since then. In 2005, another 40 MW of power was added. By 2007, the station's total power capacity reached 110 MW. This means it can now produce much more electricity for homes and businesses.
