Wairakei's 50th Birthday

Photo: Contact Energy

The Wairakei Power Station started generating electricity on the 15 November 1958. It was the first geothermal plant of its kind anywhere in the world.

The Wairakei story is about a group of engineering pioneers who harnessed the power of steam from the earth. It is a story of Kiwi ingenuity that has made New Zealand a respected and credible leader in geothermal science.

Wairakei harnesses the energy of 1,500 tonnes of steam and 3,500 tonnes of geothermal water an hour, generating enough electricity to power around 150,000 homes. Resource consent is being sought to build a new power station in the Taupo region called Te Mihi. If this is successful, Wairakei will gradually be decommissioned and Te Mihi will replace it.

Jack Perkins joins celebrations marking Wairakei's 50th birthday.