Arnold Power Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arnold Power Station |
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Country | New Zealand |
Location | West Coast |
Coordinates | 42°31′44.58″S 171°24′40.56″E / 42.5290500°S 171.4112667°E |
Status | Operational |
Commission date | 1932 |
Owner(s) | TrustPower |
The Arnold Power Station is a special place in New Zealand that makes electricity using the power of water. It is located on the Arnold River in the West Coast area. This river gets its water from Lake Brunner.
The power station is owned and run by a company called TrustPower. It can produce up to 3 megawatts (MW) of electricity. This is enough power for many homes! On average, it creates about 25 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity each year.
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What is the Arnold Power Station?
The Arnold Power Station is a type of power plant called a hydroelectric facility. This means it uses the natural movement of water to create electricity. It's a clean way to make power because it doesn't burn fossil fuels.
How Does it Work?
Hydroelectric power stations like Arnold use a simple but powerful idea. Water from Lake Brunner flows into the Arnold River. A special wall, called a weir or dam, helps to guide the water. This water then flows through large machines called turbines. As the water pushes the turbine blades, they spin very fast. This spinning motion powers a generator, which then makes electricity.
Where is it Located?
The Arnold Power Station is found in the beautiful West Coast of New Zealand. It sits right on the Arnold River, which is fed by Lake Brunner. This area is known for its stunning natural landscapes and plenty of rainfall, making it a great spot for water-powered electricity.
Powering Homes Since 1932
The Arnold Power Station has been making electricity for a long time. It first started working in 1932. This means it has been providing power to homes and businesses for over 90 years! It's a reliable source of green energy for the region. The station can produce 3 megawatts (MW) of power. This is like having 3,000 small electric heaters running at the same time. Each year, it produces about 25 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity. A gigawatt-hour is a very large amount of energy, enough to power thousands of homes.
Who Owns and Operates It?
The Arnold Power Station is owned and operated by a company called TrustPower. TrustPower is one of New Zealand's largest electricity generators. They manage several power stations across the country, helping to provide power to many communities.