GENERATION NEW BUILDS AND UPGRADES

KAIWERA DOWNS Wind Farm EXPANSION
In June 2024 we commenced construction of the expansion of our Kaiwera Downs wind farm near Gore. This $486m investment will add a further 36 turbines to the wind farm and increase capacity from 43MW to a total of 198MW - making it the second largest wind farm in New Zealand. We’re adding enough new electricity to power the equivalent of about 73,000 homes once we reach full generation - expected by the end of the 2026 calendar year.
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nGā TAMARIKI GEOTHERMAL STATION EXPANSION
We are investing $220m by adding a fifth generating unit at our Ngā Tamariki geothermal station. This expansion will increase the site generation by 390GWh and net output by 46MW – enough electricity to power about 55,000 additional households. First generation from the first unit is expected by late 2025.
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karāpiro Hydro Station Upgrade
We are currently working on a ~$90m upgrade to the Karāpiro hydro station replacing all three of the generation units. The three-year project is due to be completed by August 2025 and when complete will increase the capacity from 96MW to 112.5MW - enough new renewable electricity to power 19,000 additional households.
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GEOTHERMAL WELL DRILLING
We are working on a $169m geothermal drilling campaign to sustain the capacity of the Kawerau, Ngā Tamariki and Rotokawa geothermal fields to maintain the generation capacity at these power stations for the long term.
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MERCURY'S TAUPŌ GATES EROSION REPAIRS
We are undertaking work to address erosion on the river banks around the control gates, and will use the opportunity to refurbish one set of the control gates as well. There is no immediate safety or operational risks, however it’s important this planned work is advanced now to ensure the control gates can operate reliably.
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ARAPUNI DAM REMEDIATION WORK
This work will reduce the risk of water seepage and internal erosion of the dam abutment, which is a concrete wall providing structural support for the dam. The dam is still safe and fit for everyday use.
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KAIWAIKAWE WIND FARM
We’re working hard to get the Kaiwaikawe wind farm north-east of Dargaville ready for final investment decision and then construction. Once built it will generate approximately 73MW of renewable energy.
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