Our earliest NZGP work identified economically viable, smaller scale, least-regrets investments that could be implemented within five years.
These investments would be required in all scenarios, deliver high economic benefit for a relatively low cost and were able to be delivered quickly.
In April 2021, we began to engage the industry about these tactical investments, as well as signalling our intention to progress consultation about the need and scope of some larger projects that would be early investments through the NZGP.
Atiamuri Series Reactor
Transpower has significant existing capacity in the Wairakei ring, but the lower capacity line is likely to constrain transmission as more generation is added in nearby regions. New generation is planned, for both Hawkes Bay and Taupo regions, that will connect into the Wairakei ring. A series reactor is a prudent interim step that will better balance the flow of electricity between the low and high capacity routes. We expect the reactor will allow a further 500-600 MW to be transferred.
We announced a decision to proceed with this project in our NZGP Phase One industry webinar in March 2021 and provided an information sheet in April 2021.
Read more about the Atiamuri Series Reactor project here.
Tokaanu to Whakamaru Tactical Thermal Upgrade preparations
Transpower has started design work on a Tactical Thermal Upgrade of the Tokaanu to Whakamaru circuits in the central North Island, and commenced enabling work for construction on site, including tower and foundation strengthening. A final investment decision relating to the second tranche of works will be made as part of our NZGP1 MCP submission to the Commerce Commission.
System Operator Investigations
In our role as system operator we are always looking at changes in system conditions to ensure that we can continue to operate the New Zealand power system securely and meet our Principal Performance Obligations.
During this period of change the system operator will continue to provide its independent view on system security to the industry, including leading up to and during significant outages such as those associated with CUWLP. As we complete our studies, we will release them to the System Security Forecast page. Where appropriate Customer Advice Notices (CANs) and teleconferences will be used to communicate our study findings and views on system security to industry.