Manapōuri Power Station. Photo: 123rf
- Meridian says the decision came after advice from independent experts
- Five transformers to be replaced over the next two-and-a-half years
- Generator says there will be "limited to no impact on generation"
Meridian Energy will have to replace five transformers at Manapōuri Power Station due to concerns about elevated gassing.
In a stock exchange announcement, Meridian said the Southland power station's transformer fleet is currently made up of six transformers from Australia's Wilson Transformer Company (WTC).
It initially received seven from WTC in 2015 and 2018, but two were removed in 2023 due to gassing issues. Another WTC transformer was supplied at the end of last year.
Meridian said it received independent advice that the five older WTC transformers would likely have similar problems to the two removed from service.
Meridian planned to replace the older WTC transformers over the next two-and-a-half years.
"We are moving quickly to replace the five transformers supplied by WTC in 2015 and 2018 and are confident this will result in limited to no impact on generation capacity," its general manager for generation, Tania Palmer said.
Manapōuri is the largest hydropower station in the country, located at Lake Manapōuri in Fiordland National Park, and primarily supplies electricity to the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter.
Meridian said it was "important the company takes swift action".
Palmer said the company was "working hard" to ensure there would be no generation impact.
The company expects to receive two Indonesian-made transformers early next year.
Meridian did not outline any financial impact, but said it was in "discussions with WTC on a resolution".
"At the current time a resolution has not been reached," it said.
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