Role of lubricants in NZ power generationSponsored
We are fortunate in New Zealand to have renewable energy sources providing most – 82 per cent – of our electricity. This includes hydro, geothermal, wind and solar.
The figure below shows the greenhouse gas inventory and breakdown of emissions by industry during 1990-2019. The energy sector was responsible for 42 per cent of gross emissions. This can be categorised into sub-groups like transport, other sources of energy, and electricity, their respective contributions being 20 per cent, 17 per cent and 5 per cent of gross emissions. Though our electricity industry is a small contributor compared to other industries, there is a huge opportunity to decarbonise its sector.
Hydropower
Hydropower is the major source of power generation in New Zealand. Some 55 per cent of New Zealand hydropower is from run-of-the-river schemes. High dependence on hydropower generation is a major challenge for the country’s supply security, especially in a dry winter.
Geothermal
New Zealand is one of the pioneers of geothermal energy development. Geothermal energy accounts for 17 per cent of the country’s total electricity supply. Geothermal generation is the cheapest source of new electricity generation. All of the geothermal is situated in the Taupo Volcanic Zone and Ngawha.
Wind
New Zealand is recognised as having one of the best wind resources of any country in the world. This is due to its location, lying across the prevailing westerly winds. High average wind speeds make wind a useful generation resource in New Zealand. Currently, just over 6 per cent of the country’s electricity is generated from wind turbines. This is projected to significantly increase in coming years with several wind farms under construction, planned or under investigation. Unlike in other areas of the world, all our wind farms are onshore, though the potential for offshore wind farms in New Zealand is currently being explored in South Taranaki and Waikato.
Globally, TotalEnergies is one of the leaders in lubricants across the energy landscape. Within the industry, lubricants play a vital role in ensuring smooth and efficient operation of various equipment. Lubricants' primary function is to minimise friction, heat dissipation, corrosion protection and contaminant protection. Lubricants are indispensable for maintaining power plant efficiency, reducing downtime, and ensuring safe and reliable energy production.
TotalEnergies has a wide reach of customers across a range of industries and is present in more than 130 countries. TotalEnergies New Zealand (TENZ) has 11 branches around the country and is present in both the North Island & the South Island. With a dedicated operations, logistics and customer service team, you can count on TENZ to meet your product and service requirements.
TotalEnergies has a full range of high-quality dedicated lubricants for gas power (gas turbine, steam turbine, gas engine), wind turbines, hydropower, and transformers. We help asset owners achieve equipment reliability, reduce maintenance downtime and optimise cost and productivity performance. We pride ourselves on our products, and value-adding services making us the best cost-benefit solution for our customers.
TotalEnergies is committed to a more reliable energy source for a better tomorrow. Through our close association with turbine and gas engine manufacturers and producers we are aware of the vital role that equipment availability and performance play in the energy production process. We have developed a biodegradable lubricant range to protect the environment. This is suitable for power transformers, hydroelectric dams, wind farms and geothermal power stations.
TotalEnergies is here to guide your lubricant journey and to help decarbonise the power industry along the way. If you are interested in learning more about various lubricants, please reach out via email to our category manager for industrial and power generation, Carlo Jaminola, at carloj@tenz.nz.