In New Zealand, geothermal energy is used mainly for the generation of electricity. Recently, major changes have occurred within the geothermal sector as a result of deregulation of the electricity generation and supply industry. A new power station, McLachlan (55 MW installed capacity) on the Wairakei field has been built and commissioned; this station operates on a load following basis. Construction of another new station, at Rotokawa field, has been completed; construction of a further station, at Mokai field will begin soon. Many private companies and local suppliers are now applying for environmental permits for small scale (<100 MW) developments. it is predicted that geothermal energy will, in the future, provide an increasing proportion of electricity generation, rising from the present 6% to about 11% by the year 2020.