Obayashi Corporation (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Toshimi Sato) has announced the successful commencement of operations at the TOPP2 geothermal power plant, a 49 MW facility developed by Eastland Generation Limited (EG) in Kawerau, New Zealand. The plant officially opened on March 20, 2026, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand’s renewable energy sector.
Expanding Renewable Energy in New Zealand
TOPP2 contributes to the expansion of New Zealand’s renewable energy infrastructure, providing a stable and sustainable electricity supply. With this new addition, EG has increased its total generating capacity from 69 MW to 118 MW, strengthening its business foundation through long-term power sales contracts and consistent electricity supply to the market.
The opening ceremony drew prominent figures, including Hon Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, alongside key business partners such as Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets Limited, a company that responsibly manages geothermal resources in the Kawerau reservoir according to the principle of kaitiakitanga—a Maori ethos emphasizing stewardship of nature. By sourcing geothermal steam sustainably from Maori lands, TOPP2 serves as a model for responsible and community-inclusive energy development.
Obayashi Corporation’s Green Energy Vision
Obayashi Corporation has identified the creation and expansion of businesses that support a decarbonized society as a strategic priority under its Obayashi Sustainability Vision 2050. The company views green energy as a natural extension of its construction and engineering expertise, enabling a growth-oriented value chain from energy production to business operations.
By partnering with EG, Obayashi combines EG’s geothermal technical knowledge with its own engineering networks and experience, both in Japan and internationally. This collaboration not only supports geothermal development overseas but also prepares the groundwork for future projects in Japan, including securing electricity for green hydrogen production and potentially exporting it to Japan, creating a strategic renewable energy corridor.
Ceremony Highlights
The event brought together notable figures from government and business:
- Hon Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment
- Hon Tama Potaka, Minister for Maori Development
- Makoto Osawa, Ambassador of Japan to New Zealand
- Toshimi Sato, President of Obayashi Corporation
The ceremony underscored the strong partnership between international investors, local communities, and the New Zealand government in advancing sustainable energy initiatives.
About Eastland Generation
Eastland Generation Limited (EG), established in 2007 and headquartered in Kawerau, New Zealand, is a renewable energy company operating geothermal, hydroelectric, and solar power plants. For more details, visit their website.
About TOPP2
- Location: Kawerau, New Zealand
- Generating Capacity: 49 MW
- Generation Method: Binary geothermal power generation
Note on Kaitiakitanga: In Maori, this principle reflects the responsibility to care for nature, ensuring resources such as land, water, forests, and geothermal energy are preserved and passed on to future generations.
With TOPP2 now operational, New Zealand takes another step toward a sustainable, renewable energy future, while Obayashi Corporation strengthens its international green energy portfolio—showing how strategic partnerships can drive both business growth and environmental stewardship.
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