Story: Geothermal energy

Hazards of drilling

Hazards of drilling

It is hazardous to drill in a geothermal area, where steam is under high pressure. This early bore at Wairākei has discharged out of control – workers run to dodge the shot of steam and flying fragments of rock. There are now stringent safety practices to ensure that such blowouts do not occur.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Reference: New Zealand Energy Journal 53, no. 3 (March 1980)

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How to cite this page:

Carol Stewart, 'Geothermal energy - Wairākei geothermal power station', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/5424/hazards-of-drilling (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Carol Stewart, published 12 Jun 2006