Waikato regional economic profile - Waikato Regional Council

Figure 61: Map of geothermal systems in the Waikato region 163Further windfarm projects of 600 megawatts approximately are at various stages ofprogress, with one in development, one consented but on hold and one consent beingprogressed. New technologies to convert marine energy (particularly wave energy)have been suggested for the region’s west in an assessment of renewable energypotentials. 164In addition to having the capacity to generate up to 20,425 gigawatt hours, Waikato isalso a major corridor for electricity transmission. As many of the nation's key electricitygeneration facilities are in Waikato or to the south, much of New Zealand's electricity istransported through the region, as shown in figure 62. A significant portion of thiselectricity is actually generated in Waikato itself – and exported to other regions. 165163Waikato Regional Energy Forum (2009, p. 63).164Waikato Regional Council (2010, p. 54).165Waikato Regional Energy Forum (2009, p. 30).Doc # 2069885 Page 57