The Power of 3 - TrustPower, Irrigation and Kyoto

Media Statement
Monday 16 May, 2005

The Power of Three - TrustPower, Irrigation and Kyoto

Electricity consumers, irrigators and the environment are all set to benefit from a proposal to generate further electricity from the Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR) scheme in Canterbury.

The new generation proposals involve the installation of New Zealand made turbines in irrigation races at Mayfield-Hinds and Ashburton-Lyndhurst, to allow power to be generated from water subsequently used for irrigation purposes.

The proposals, totalling approximately 6.0 MW, will provide electricity equivalent to that needed to supply an average of 2,700 homes, depending upon irrigation flow, at a time of year when power demand has already increased due to irrigation requirements.

The proposed new generation will cost a total of $8.5 million, more than 90% of which will be spent in Canterbury. It has only been made possible through the awarding of carbon credits, under the Government's Projects to Reduce Emissions programme. These credits are awarded under a tender process to projects that will lead to a reduction in emissions, and would not otherwise be financially viable.

TrustPower's Chief Executive, Keith Tempest, says the Mayfield-Hinds and Ashburton-Lyndhurst schemes will be a win-win for all involved.

"In addition to generating extra power at what is now a peak demand time of the year for regions with irrigation, these schemes will directly benefit irrigators as a result of TrustPower paying for the right to use water prior to its use for irrigation. In addition they reduce the amount of power needing to be imported into the Electricity Ashburton network, and assist New Zealand to meet its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol".

ENDS

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