Wairau Hydro Scheme
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Wairau Hydro Scheme | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country |
|
| Location | Wairau River |
| Coordinates | 41°36′54″S 173°23′53″E / 41.615°S 173.398°E |
| Status | Proposed |
| Owner | TrustPower |
| Thermal power station | |
| Primary fuel | Hydro |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 70 MW (94,000 hp) |
The Wairau Hydro Scheme is a canal based hydroelectric project proposed by TrustPower on the Wairau River in Marlborough, New Zealand. The $280 million project would divert up to 60% of the river through 49 kilometres (30 mi) of canals to generate up to 70 megawatts (94,000 hp) of electricity.[1]
Resource consents for this project were granted in 2008.[2] This decision was appealed to the Environment Court, which in 2010 decided in favour of the project.[3] However, TrustPower put the project on hold in 2012, due to low electricity prices combined with rising construction costs.[4] Consents for the scheme lapsed in 2021.[5]
