Green Light for Hydroelectric Project in New Zealand

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--In September, a deal was reached between Hydro Developments Limited (Christchurch, New Zealand) and state-owned Solid Energy New Zealand Limited (Christchurch) that will allow a hydroelectric project to go ahead at the Stockton Plateau. Solid Energy had previously appealed to the Environment Court amid concerns that Hydro Developments' project would compromise the Stockton Coal Mine.

The new Stockton Plateau hydropower plant will be situated on the tributaries of the Ngakawau River, north of Westport, on New Zealand's South Island. Many of these tributaries have been contaminated by mining operations on the plateau. The $150 million project comprises two powerhouses: the Weka Power Station (an upper powerhouse on the plateau) and the Granity Power Station (a lower powerhouse, built into the hillside at the coast). Each powerhouse will contain two turbines, the manufacturer of which is still to be decided.

The Weka Power Station will produce 8 megawatts (MW), which will be allocated to the Stockton Coal Mine through the existing Buller Electricity network. The Granity Power Station will produce 25 MW. One turbine in each powerhouse will act as a duplicate backup to avoid decreasing output during maintenance. Maintenance on the turbines may take longer than usual due to the low-pH, acidic water being diverted from the mine.

Hydro Developments will now seek funding from interested parties who had been hesitant to commit resources before Solid Energy agreed not to oppose Hydro Developments' environmental consent applications. Geotechnical evaluation is currently under way, and drilling will commence shortly.

The project has been designed to use resources from the local mining business community; however, final design has not yet been completed.

Engineering and design are being done in-house, as Hydro Developments' company directors have shares in various construction and surveying firms. The company will, however, seek a turnkey contractor to supply and install the equipment. This decision will be made after financing and permitting is completed in the first quarter of next year. Bid documents will be released shortly after this.

Hydro Developments' permitting success with the Stockton Plateau plant has contributed to the decision to place on hold the nearby Mokihinui Hydroelectric Station project, which was proposed by state-owned Meridian Energy Limited (Wellington, New Zealand). The Mokihinui project is currently being appealed in the Environment Court over resource consents.

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