Benmore refurbishment achieves milestone

Benmore refurbishment achieves milestone

The $67 million refurbishment of the massive Benmore hydro power station on the Waitaki River has achieved an important milestone with the return to service of the fourth of the station’s six generators.

Meridian spokesperson Claire Shaw says the overhaul of the generating unit took four months, and the project remains on track to complete all six units by January next year.

The overhaul involved taking delivery of a new turbine runner from Japan with other generating equipment coming from France.

The dismantling, mechanical overhaul and reassembly and was undertaken by Transfield Services with support from local companies and Meridian’s own engineering and operational staff.

“Benmore is the country’s second-largest hydro station and has been delivering electricity to New Zealand since 1965. This project will ensure that Benmore continues to operate reliably and more efficiently for the next 40 years.”

Ms Shaw says the excellent results being achieved by the project are a result of productive relationships between Meridian and a wide range of organisations and industry specialists.

The five-year upgrade project began in January 2006.

ENDS

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