Contact to produce food-grade CO2 from Ohaaki geothermal plant, NZ
Ohaaki Geothermal plant of Contact Energy, NZ (source: SmokeySteve, commons.wikimedia.org)
Carlo Cariaga
6 Nov 2023
Contact Energy will be issuing an RFP for the capture, cleaning, & conversion of CO2 from the Ohaaki geothermal power station in New Zealand to food-grade CO2.
Contact Energy (Contact) has developed a way to capture the small amount of naturally occurring carbon dioxide released during geothermal power generation at the Ohaaki geothermal site near Taupo, New Zealand.
To this end, Contact will soon be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) from potential partners for capturing, cleaning, and converting of carbon dioxide from the Ohaaki power station to food-grade quality. The deadline for Ohaaki Food Grade CO2 production RFP submissions will be on 6 December 2023.
“This is a really exciting opportunity,” says Contact CEO Mike Fuge. “We have done a massive amount of testing, and the results are very positive.”
“Not only will this initiative help reduce carbon emissions including those from burning fossil fuels to ship CO2 to New Zealand, but it could also create around 40 jobs in the Taupo area and help solve New Zealand’s food grade CO2 shortage by creating a homegrown source that will increase supply and lessen cost. This is a great outcome for NZ Inc as it will improve the country’s resilience and independence.”
A sustainable source of CO2
Geothermal operations produce relatively low levels of climate change gases, making it one of the greenest and most sustainable forms of CO2. Contact estimates about 65,000 tonnes of CO2 could be captured at its Ohaaki geothermal site every year, which is enough to fully supply the New Zealand market.
“Food grade CO2 is just the beginning,” adds Mike. “Purified CO2 could be used along with green hydrogen to create sustainable fuels for aviation, shipping and other transportation.”
As well as carbonating drinks, food grade CO2 is used in packaging to preserve the freshness of food, as well as keeping medical supplies cool during transportation and in biofuel production.
Earlier this year, Contact Energy signed a 10-year renewable attribute purchase agreement with Microsoft for all the renewable energy attributes generated by the planned 51.4-MW Te Huka Unit 3 geothermal power station.
Source: Contact Energy
