Meridian has reassessed the maximum capacity of the Benmore Power Station from 540MW to 552MW. Overall station output is constrained by water discharge limitations in resource consents.
The water flow calculations, as part of those consents, have been updated to take into account changes to the turbines at Benmore Power Station in recent years leading to this 12MW increase in total station capacity.
The additional station capacity will be available in May once system changes have been implemented to enable it to be offered to the market. The extra station capacity will only be available when all six Benmore units are operating.
This is an update to an earlier Meridian announcement dated 14 March 2024, which indicated that the extra capacity would be available immediately.
ENDS