Meridian’s Manapōuri Power Station had been operating at reduced capacity for about two years, following faults in two of its seven transformers.
Meridian acting generation general manager Yanosh Irani said the first replacement transformer was a major milestone after a long journey that included a trip from Australia to Bluff, then a 170km journey by road to Supply Bay, before making its way by barge across Lake Manapōuri.
"We saw this winter just how important every single megawatt is, so this transformer has landed at a brilliant time," Mr Irani said.
"Getting our biggest power station closer to full capacity will boost security of electricity supply next winter and, in the meantime, give us the ability to ease off generation in the Waitaki to help restore storage levels in Lake Pūkaki."
He said the new transformer would increase generation capacity at Manapōuri from the current restricted limit of 640MW to around 768MW — close to the maximum 800MW allowed under its consent conditions.
The work to make the transformer operational was expected to be completed by Christmas, and the second replacement transformer was expected to arrive in the area in late 2025.
— APL
