MEDIA RELEASE
- Eastland Generation and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets Limited celebrated the official opening of the 49MW TOPP2 geothermal power plant on 20 March.
- Project represents "inter-generational opportunity and a sustainable future."
Left to right: Tatsuya Tanaka, Eastland Generation and Obayashi Corporation; Doug Jones, Trust Tairāwhiti; Yukio Mashimo, Eastland Generation and Obayashi Corporation; David Battin, Trust Tairāwhiti; Robbie Watt, Ngāti Tūwharetoa Holdings/Geothermal Ltd; HE Mr Makoto Osawa, Ambassador of Japan to New Zealand; Matanuku Mahuika, Eastland Generation; Dana Kirkpatrick, MP for East Coast; Hon. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment; Jon Nichols, Eastland Generation; Karilyn Te Riini, Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai; Toshimi Sato, Obayashi Corporation; Hon. Tama Potaka, Minister for Māori Development; Shinji Matsui, Consul-General of Japan in Auckland; Alice Pettigrew, Eastland Generation; Dr Kenichi Ando, Obayashi Corporation.
New Zealand is another step closer to a genuinely sustainable future, with the new 49MW TOPP2 geothermal plant now generating enough renewable energy to power 55,000 homes.
The plant was officially opened on Friday 20 March at an event attended by around 200 guests.
Located on the Kawerau Geothermal Reservoir, TOPP2 showcases a unique collaborative model. TOPP2 is owned and operated by Eastland Generation. It was developed together with Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai-owned Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets, who are providing a long-term supply of geothermal fluid to the station and whenua.
“Since 2005, Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai has exercised kaitiakitanga over the geothermal reservoir in Kawerau, alongside our commercial developments, to deliver long-term value for our people,” said Tūwharetoa Group Chief Executive Robbie Watt.
“The TOPP2 power plant, built here on our whenua and powered by our geothermal energy, reflects the strong partnership with Eastland Generation in delivering renewable energy. It demonstrates iwi leadership, innovation, and strong commercial partnerships in action.
“This project is about more than energy — it is about inter-generational opportunity and a sustainable future.
“We thank everyone who has contributed to this momentous achievement.”
TOPP2 is the largest of Eastland Generation’s four geothermal power plants. Combined with the hydro-electric and solar plants in their portfolio, Eastland Generation’s operating capacity is now 118MW – the equivalent of 3.7% of national electricity demand.
Eastland Generation Chief Executive Officer Alice Pettigrew joined Mr Watt in acknowledging everyone involved in the project.
“It was a memorable day, sharing this major milestone with our staff, Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets, Obayashi Corporation, Tairāwhiti Investments Ltd, Trust Tairāwhiti, government ministers, contractors, local dignitaries, and mana whenua.
“Thank you to all our guest speakers, including the Hon. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, and Toshimi Sato, Representative Director, President and CEO of Obayashi Corporation.”
Eastland Generation has a partnership approach to development, said Ms Pettigrew.
“TOPP2 is an excellent example of the immediate and ongoing value this model can deliver.
“The government is aiming to double geothermal energy use by 2040. Together with our project partners, we’re proud to be playing our part in achieving that goal.
“With the successful delivery of this project, we’re helping to build regional energy resilience and supplying electricity to support New Zealand’s economic growth.”
Watch the construction of TOPP2 here: https://vimeo.com/1176008457
ENDS
NOTES
TOPP2 is a 49MW Ormat binary plant, located on the Kawerau Geothermal Reservoir. The largest of Eastland Generation’s four geothermal power plants, TOPP2 is Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets’ biggest customer.
Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets Limited supplies geothermal process heat to the Kawerau Industrial Complex. They are the largest direct use steam supplier in the world. The company operates with a vision of harnessing geothermal energy responsibly and sustainably, aligning with the cultural values and environmental stewardship of their owners, Tūwharetoa mai Kawerau ki te Tai.
Eastland Generation’s diverse portfolio includes four geothermal power plants in the Bay of Plenty, a hydro-electric station in Hawkes Bay, and Tairāwhiti’s first utility scale solar plant. Their overall operating capacity is 118MW, and they have a strong pipeline of new renewable energy projects.
Eastland Generation is co-owned by Tairāwhiti Investments Limited and Obayashi Corporation.
Tairāwhiti Investments Limited (formerly Eastland Group Limited) is an investment management company 100% owned by Trust Tairāwhiti. Their investment portfolio is focussed on long-term infrastructure, with 100% ownership of Eastland Port Limited and Gisborne Airport Limited and a 50% share of Eastland Generation Limited.
Obayashi Corporation is an international construction and engineering company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with wide-ranging renewable energy development and operational experience in Asia and Oceania. The relationship with Obayashi Corporation enables Eastland Generation to share expertise, accelerate innovation and continue to expand, while maintaining their strong community and partnership model. TOPP2 is the first major project completed since Obayashi acquired a 50% stake in Eastland Generation in 2024.
Media enquiries:
Suzanne Winterflood, Eastland Generation
Phone 021 543 394