A new modelling study shows that retrofitting a geothermal power station could allow carbon capture from other sources like forestry residue, and bring in more money. Ngāwhā power station in Northland is already carbon-neutral, capturing and re-injecting the carbon dioxide from the geothermal waters it uses to make electricity. Researchers calculated the potential impact of a retrofit that could capture extra carbon dioxide from burning forestry slash. There were three income streams for the modified station – geothermal electricity, carbon capture and sequestration, and capturing high-purity food-grade carbon dioxide – of which food-grade carbon dioxide would be the biggest money-maker.
