Ohau A facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ohau A |
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Location | Canterbury |
| Coordinates | 44°15′52″S 170°1′56″E / 44.26444°S 170.03222°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Commission date | 1979-80 |
| Owner(s) | Meridian Energy |
Ohau A is a big power station in the South Island of New Zealand. It uses the power of water to make electricity. A company called Meridian Energy operates this important station.
Contents
What is Ohau A?
Ohau A is a type of power station known as a hydroelectric plant. This means it creates electricity by using the natural force of flowing water. It's a clean and renewable way to generate power. The station has four special machines called generating units that turn water power into electricity.
Where is Ohau A Located?
This power station is found in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand. It sits on an artificial canal called the Ohau Canal. This canal is very important because it carries water to the power station.
- The water for Ohau A comes from two large lakes: Lake Ohau and Lake Pukaki.
- After the water has passed through the power station, it flows into another artificial lake called Lake Ruataniwha.
How Does Hydroelectric Power Work?
Hydroelectric power stations like Ohau A use a simple but powerful idea.
- Water from a high place (like a lake or dam) flows down through large pipes.
- This fast-moving water spins giant fan-like machines called turbines.
- The spinning turbines are connected to generators.
- Generators are machines that turn motion into electricity.
- This electricity is then sent out through power lines to homes and businesses.
The Waitaki Hydro Scheme
Ohau A is not alone! It is part of a much larger system called the Waitaki Hydro Scheme. This scheme is a big network of power stations and canals.
- The Waitaki scheme includes eight different power stations.
- All these stations work together to produce a lot of electricity for New Zealand.
- They are all controlled from a special centre located near a town called Twizel.
Building Ohau A
The construction of the Ohau A power station began a long time ago, in 1971. It was a big project that took several years to complete. The station started making electricity for New Zealand in 1979 and 1980.
Ohau A's Power Output
Ohau A is a very powerful station.
- It can produce up to 264 megawatts (MW) of electricity. A megawatt is a huge amount of power!
- Each year, it generates about 1,150 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity. This is enough power for many thousands of homes.
