09 September 2010
The Nga Awa Purua Geothermal Power Station, a joint venture between Mighty River Power and the Tauhara North No.2 Trust, was named Project of the Year at last night’s [Wednesday 8 September] inaugural Deloitte Energy Excellence Awards.
Completed in May 2010, Nga Awa Purua is the largest plant of its type in the world. The project used leading edge geothermal technology and its innovative commercial approach has ensured that both partners gain maximum value from the completed
power station.
Speaking at the Awards event, Mighty River Power Chief Executive Doug Heffernan said that the two partners were honoured to receive the Project of the Year Award.
“We are immensely proud of Nga Awa Purua, which is a significant geothermal project on a global scale,” Mr Heffernan said.
Mr Heffernan paid tribute to the Tauhara North No.2 Trust – and to the Trust’s Chief Executive, Aroha Campbell, who he said had paid a pivotal role in ensuring the consenting part of the project ran smoothly.
Aroha Campbell said that the Trust was delighted to be a partner in the project, which allowed it to take a treasured natural resource and use it to bring prosperity to its people and to benefit all New Zealanders.
Mrs Campbell also recognised the strength of the partnership with Mighty River Power.
“A big part of this project’s success was due to the two partners listening to each other over a ten year period, and taking the time to understand each other’s point of view and aspirations,” said Mrs Campbell.
The Deloitte Energy Excellence Awards, which were founded by Energy News and sponsored by Deloitte, aim to recognise excellence and achievement across the energy sector.
ENDS