Mangahao Power Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangahao Power Station |
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Mangahao hydro in 2013
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Location | Manawatū-Whanganui |
| Coordinates | 40°34′36″S 175°27′1″E / 40.57667°S 175.45028°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Construction began | 1919 |
| Commission date | November 1924 |
| Owner(s) | Trustpower, King Country Energy |
The Mangahao Power Station is a special kind of power plant in New Zealand. It's a hydroelectric power station, which means it uses the power of moving water to make electricity. You can find it near the town of Shannon.
Building the station started in late 1919, after some delays because of World War I. It officially opened in November 1924. This power station uses water from the Mangahao River. The water travels through long tunnels and pipelines, about 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) long, in the Tararua Ranges mountains. Today, the Mangahao Power Station is owned and run by Todd Energy and King Country Energy.
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History of Mangahao Power Station
When the Mangahao Power Station first opened, it was a very important project. It cost a lot of money, about £1.5 million back then. Building it was also very challenging and dangerous for the workers.
This power station became the main source of electricity for many towns in the lower North Island of New Zealand. Power lines were built to connect Mangahao with big cities like Wellington, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Masterton, Napier, and Hastings.
Connecting the Power Grid
Over time, Mangahao Power Station helped create New Zealand's first big electricity network. In 1929, it connected to the Waikaremoana hydro scheme. Then, in 1934, it connected to the Arapuni Dam. These connections formed the very first power grid for the North Island. This meant electricity could be shared across different regions.
Official Opening and Early Supply
The Mangahao Power Station was officially opened by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, William Massey, on November 3, 1924. This was one of the last public things he did before he passed away.
After the opening, electricity supply quickly grew as more power lines and equipment were built:
- On November 3, 1924, a power line was built to Shannon. This helped supply electricity to the Horowhenua Power Board.
- By December 1924, lines connected Mangahao to Bunnythorpe and Khandallah. This brought power to places like Palmerston North and the Hutt Valley.
- In March 1925, Wellington City Council started getting power from Mangahao. Their own steam plant helped out during busy times.
- Over the next few years, more and more towns received electricity. This included places like Woodville, Masterton, Dannevirke, Waipukurau, Wanganui, and Napier.
Modern Upgrades
The idea for the Mangahao power scheme was first thought of by Peter Seton Hay and then developed by Frederick Kissel. The station has been made stronger against earthquakes in 1983 and 2015.
In 2004, some of the older parts of the station were replaced. Two smaller power-generating units were swapped for a new, more powerful 26 MW (35,000 hp) Francis turbine unit. Thanks to these and other upgrades, the station can now produce 38 MW (51,000 hp) of electricity.
