Ohau B facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ohau B |
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Location | Canterbury |
| Coordinates | 44°17′58″S 170°6′44″E / 44.29944°S 170.11222°E |
| Status | Operational |
| Commission date | 1984 |
| Owner(s) | Meridian Energy |
Ohau B is a big power station in the South Island of New Zealand. It is run by a company called Meridian Energy. This station helps make electricity for homes and businesses across the country.
What is Ohau B Power Station?
Ohau B is a type of power station known as a hydroelectric plant. This means it uses the power of moving water to create electricity. It is located in the Canterbury area of New Zealand.
How Does Ohau B Make Electricity?
Ohau B uses water from Lake Ruataniwha. The water flows from the lake through large pipes. This moving water spins giant machines called turbines. The turbines are connected to generators, which then produce electricity.
Ohau B has four special units that create power. It can make up to 222 megawatts (MW) of electricity. That's enough power for many thousands of homes! The station started working in 1984.
Part of a Bigger System: The Waitaki Scheme
Ohau B is not alone. It is part of a larger group of power stations called the Waitaki hydro scheme. This scheme has eight power stations in total. They all work together to make electricity.
Ohau B is a "twin station" with another power station called Ohau C. Water flows from Lake Ruataniwha, first through Ohau B, then through Ohau C. After that, the water continues its journey into Lake Benmore. All these stations are controlled from a special center near a town called Twizel.
