Tuaropaki Trust and Obayashi Corp to explore geothermal power to hydrogen

Tuaropaki Trust, the first privately owned electricity generator in New Zealand which opened the Mokai power station, near Taupo, in 2000, will enter into a new venture with Obayashi Corporation.

Tuaropaki has long been committed to renewable energy. We are very interested in other ‘green energy’ alternatives which align with our strategy and core values. We look forward to working with Obayashi Corporation to explore the potential for commercial hydrogen production using renewable geothermal energy to create a CO2-free fuel. At Tuaropaki, we keep sustainability at the forefront of our enterprise – this approach is common to both entities and will help to establish our new relationship with Obayashi, said Tumanako Wereta, Chairman of Tuaropaki.

Obayashi President, Toru Shiraishi, welcomes the new venture with Tuaropaki.

In 2011, we set out our medium-to-long-term environmental vision, ‘Obayashi Green Vision 2050’. Since then, we have been committed to reducing CO2 emissions to help achieve a sustainable society, said Shiraishi.

Obayashi Corporation is a leading international construction company known for its expertise and technological innovation. Most recently in New Zealand, Obayashi played a key role in the construction of New Zealand’s longest road tunnels – Auckland’s dual 2.4km Waterview Connection.

I’m very much looking forward to working with the Obayashi team. We have a shared interest in renewable energy and will use our collective experience and expertise to once again push the boundaries of what can be achieved, said Steve Murray, CEO, Tuaropaki.