BROWNS ROCK HYDRO GENERATION PROPOSAL

Key facts

  • A run-of-river renewable hydro scheme
  • It would provide around 8MW of local supply
  • The electricity would supply the network around Oxford and Cust
  • Investigation is a joint venture  between MainPower and Waimakariri Irrigation Limited
Water use and environmental facts
  • Water would be diverted from the river, via an existing irrigation canal, to generate power
  • The intake would be on the Waimakariri River (4km downstream from the Gorge Bridge)
  • Water would be returned to the river around 12km downstream from the Gorge Bridge after passing through the turbines
  • The power station would be located between the Waimakariri River and Thongcaster Road
  • Minimum flows would be maintained in the stretch of the Waimakariri River between the intake and outfall of the proposed scheme
Background and process

MainPower has been working with Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL) for the past 18 months to investigate a run of river hydro generation scheme at Browns Rock, on the Waimakariri River. 

MainPower has also held discussions with the Waimakariri District Council and affected landowners, and may seek the involvement of further partners as the project evolves.  Discussions have been held to gain an understanding of the perspectives of the parties and to communicate MainPower’s intentions. 

To date a number of environmental assessments have been carried out to determine the effects on the river and the surrounding areas.  The studies are positive for the project and MainPower will continue its discussions with key stakeholders to ensure a benefit to all.

MainPower’s Regional Strategy

MainPower has an objective of moving the North Canterbury region towards becoming 75 per cent self sufficient in renewable electricity generation and has several possible hydro generation projects.

MainPower has also sought resource consent to develop a wind farm at Mount Cass.  For information on the Mount Cass wind farm visit http://www.localgeneration.co.nz/mt-cass-wind-farm/

MainPower’s objective of producing renewable electricity aligns with the government’s Energy Efficiency & Conservation Strategy objective of achieving 90% renewable energy generation by 2025.  Distributed generation is a key facet of the government’s Energy Strategy.