Wairau Hydro Scheme

The Wairau Hydro Scheme is a canal based hydroelectric project proposed by TrustPower on the Wairau River in Marlborough, New Zealand. The $280 million project would divert up to 60% of the river through 49 kilometres (30 mi) of canals to generate up to 70 megawatts (94,000 hp) of electricity.^[1]

Wairau Hydro Scheme
Country	New Zealand
Location	Wairau River
Coordinates	41.615°S 173.398°E / -41.615; 173.398
Status	Proposed
Owner	TrustPower
Thermal power station
Primary fuel	Hydro
Power generation
Nameplate capacity	70 MW (94,000 hp)

Resource consents

Resource consents for this project were granted in 2008.^[2] This decision was appealed to the Environment Court, which in 2010 decided in favour of the project.^[3] However, TrustPower put the project on hold in 2012, due to low electricity prices combined with rising construction costs.^[4] Consents for the scheme lapsed in 2021.^[5]

See also

• List of power stations in New Zealand
• Electricity sector in New Zealand