4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Contact Energy T T Richard Loader Powering up renewable generation The project will replace four of the eight existing turbines, with the first shipment of new components arriving at the dam in June. Contact Energy (Contact) is embarking on its first-ever turbine upgrade at the Roxburgh hydroelectric dam with a $30m-plus investment that will improve the dam’s efficiency and increase its average annual generation by 44 gigawatt hours (GWh), meaning more renewable power for Kiwi homes. The project will replace four of the eight existing turbines, with the first shipment of new components arriving at the dam on June 7, 2024. The new 28.5 tonne, 3.9m diameter stainless steel turbines were designed and manufactured using modern techniques by the German hydro- engineering manufacturer Voith Hydro, one of the world’s leading suppliers of hydroelectric equipment, technology, and services. “Roxburgh’s new turbines are more efficient than the original design, so we will get additional energy output for the same amount of water,” says Kirk Pritchard, acting head of projects and performance at Contact. “The increase in the station’s electricity generation is enough to power an extra 6000 homes.” The power station, based in Central Otago, was commissioned between 1956 and 1962, and still generates with the eight original Canadian-built turbines. The first four were installed between 1956 and 1957 and the second four between 1960 and 1961. “For 70 years in service, our existing turbines are still in a good, safe and useable condition, but they’re inefficient by today’s standards and ready to retire before wear and tear requires too much maintenance and increases the risk of failure,” says Kirk. Voith Hydro USA developed the new turbine hydraulic design, while the remaining design work, manufacturing, and project management is currently being undertaken by Voith Hydro’s India business unit. Voith Hydro has subcontracted New Zealand-based energy solutions provider MB Century to undertake the installation works, who together with Voith Hydro’s on-site technical experts, will install the four turbines back-toback over a two-year period. “The Roxburgh turbine upgrade project exemplifies Voith Hydro’s international teamwork, involving teams from Germany, India, New Zealand, and the USA, in collaboration with New Zealand-based subcontractors. This project signifies Voith Hydro’s commitment to the long-term development of hydropower in New Zealand,” says Nikhil Kumar, country manager of Voith Hydro’s subsidiary in New Zealand. Hydroelectric dams like Roxburgh play a big role in generating renewable energy in New Zealand, and the investment into the new turbines is part of Contact’s commitment to lead the decarbonisation of the country. “The update to Roxburgh will enable us to deliver more renewable energy and displace almost 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year,” says Kirk. “The installation of the new turbines will benefit the local area too. As with any major upgrade to a power station, teams of contractors from around New Zealand, and sometimes further afield, are needed to help with the work. “This will be a great boost to the local economy with local contractors assisting on some activities, along with more workers from outside the region staying in accommodation and eating out over the next two years. The project is expected to be completed in May/ June 2026.” Risks and challenges are a constant companion for any major project, and Kirk points out that all the original drawings and plans completed mid last century were in imperial measurements, and the new equipment needs to be manufactured to very tight tolerances. Roxburgh is a concrete gravity dam that contains nearly half a million cubic metres of concrete weighing 1.5million tonnes. The power station currently has a capacity of 320MW and generates between 1400 and 1830 GWh per year; enough to power more than 250,000 homes. Proud to be Supporting the Contact Roxburgh Upgrades Project 20+ years bearing processing experience, On site spare bearing condition assessments, Common sense appraisals, On behalf F.A.T’s support, Interpreting NDT, Demystifying and sharing practical knowledge of these critical components. Delivering trusted assistance and education to Industry Kerry Tupp +64 (0)27 303 5747 Kerry.Tupp@wbss.co.nz MB Century is a leading provider of energy solutions, offering comprehensive life-cycle maintenance, refurbishment, and engineering services including condition assessments and feasibility studies. With operations across both the North and South Island, as well as internationally, we specialise in engineering and mechanical services for hydro, geothermal and hydrogen generation, in addition to industrial and water solutions. PROUDLY SUPPORTING VOITH & CONTACT ENERGY AND THE ROXBURGH POWER STATION UPGRADE 07 376 0422 info-NZ@mbcentury.com www.mbcentury.com
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