Ōhau C
| Ōhau C | |
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Location | Canterbury |
| Coordinates | 44°20′31″S 170°10′56″E / 44.34194°S 170.18222°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Commission date | 1985 |
| Owner | Meridian Energy |
| Operator | |
| Thermal power station | |
| Primary fuel | Hydroelectric |
| Power generation | |
| Units operational | 4 |
| Nameplate capacity | 212 MW (284,000 hp) |
| External links | |
| Commons | Related media on Commons |
Ōhau C is a hydroelectric power station in the Mackenzie Basin, Canterbury, New Zealand. Operated by Meridian Energy, it is one of the three Ōhau stations in the Upper Waitaki hydro scheme.[1] It is a twin station to Ōhau B, and receives water that has already passed through Ōhau B from Lake Ruataniwha, before discharging into Lake Benmore.[1][2]
History and construction
Construction of Ōhau C began in 1979 and the station became fully operational in 1985.[1][3] It was the last hydro station built on the Waitaki scheme, completing the scheme 56 years after construction began on the Waitaki dam and power station in 1928.[1][4]
The Upper Waitaki hydro scheme comprises the three Ōhau stations, the two Tekapo stations, two dams and six canals. Its development also created Lake Ruataniwha, the newest lake in the Waitaki Basin.[1][3]
Description
Ōhau C has four 53-megawatt generating units with a total installed capacity of 212 MW.[1] Like Ōhau B, it uses similar equipment and has the same generating capacity; the 2025 WSP hydro-schemes report states that each of the twin stations produces approximately 958 GWh annually.[1][3]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Ōhau C Power Station". Meridian Energy. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ Wilson, John. "Waitaki hydroelectricity system". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ a b c Hydrological Modelling Dataset - Report 4: Hydro-power Schemes Background and Descriptions (PDF) (Report). WSP New Zealand. 11 July 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ "Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme". Meridian Energy. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
Further reading
- Martin, John E, ed. (1991). People, Power and Power Stations: Electric Power Generation in New Zealand 1880 - 1990. Wellington: Bridget Williams Books Ltd and Electricity Corporation of New Zealand. pp. 316 pages. ISBN 0-908912-16-1.
- Sheridan, Marion (1995). Dam Dwellers – End of an Era. Twizel: Sheridan Press. pp. 392 pages. ISBN 0-473-03402-6.
External links
Media related to Ohau C Power Station at Wikimedia Commons
- Meridian Energy - power station information