MERCURY MOBILE

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MARAETAI I & II HYDRO STATION

Maraetai Hydro Station

 

MARAETAI I
Opened: 1952
Number of generating units: 5 Francis turbines
Total Output: 180MW


MARAETAI II
Opened: 1970
Number of generating units: 5 Francis turbines
Total Output: 180MW


Average Annual Output (combined across Maraetai I & II): 880GWh

Maraetai is a variable radius concrete arch dam, which when constructed, was the largest purely hydroelectric dam in the Southern Hemisphere. The dam serves both the Maraetai I and II. The spillway is a separate structure situated adjacent to the intake channel to Maraetai II with a concrete-lined tunnel that exits in between the stations.

Operationally, Maraetai I and II are considered to be a single station.

Diagram of Maraetai

 
Maraetai I is scheduled for upgrade from 2030-2034. All its turbines, generators and governors will be replaced. The upgrades will add about 45GWh annual output to the station.