Wairakei to Whakamaru Replacement Transmission Line Project
Transpower Releases Preferred Route for the Wairakei to Whakamaru Replacement Transmission Line
03 Mar 2010
Transpower today released its preferred route for the replacement transmission line between Wairakei and Whakamaru substations, north of Taupo.
The double circuit 220 kV line, which will replace the existing, single-circuit Wairakei to Whakamaru B line, will have over four times more capacity and will help facilitate the connection of up to 1,000 MW of new geothermal generation expected in the region over the next decade.
The preferred route generally follows the existing Wairakei to Whakamaru B line except between Tuhingamata and Kaahu Roads, where a more northern route was taken, and at Whakamaru where a more western route was taken to avoid the village.
Chief Executive Patrick Strange said that the preferred route was a result of considerable social, environmental, and engineering investigations, as well as feedback from the local community which all fed into a multi-criteria assessment of the route options.
"Throughout this project, we have been consulting very closely with landowners and the local community. We sought their feedback on a number of route options last year, and their input, together with our own investigations, has helped us determine the preferred route.
"The route was preferred on balance because, compared to other options, it is the least visible, avoids as much as possible existing dwellings, reduces impacts on surrounding communities and ties in well for further generation development at Te Mihi and Mokai.
"We know some landowners will be impacted, and would have preferred another route; that is unavoidable, but we will work with them to minimise the impact as much as we can," he said.
Now that a preferred route has been determined, Transpower will work with landowners in particular to define exactly where within the preferred route (which at this stage is typically about 500 metres wide), the replacement transmission line and supporting towers will be located. Once that is determined (expected to be later in 2010), Transpower will seek Resource Management Act approval.
Commissioning of the replacement transmission line is expected in 2013.
An information day is also being held on 8 and 9 April at the Taupo Library (details below) to provide general background information about the project and the process for selecting a route.
INFORMATION DAY DETAILS
Taupo Library
Story Place
8 April 2010 (12pm-8pm)
9 April 2010 (9am-12pm)
For further information please contact:
Rebecca Wilson | Communications Manager | 04 498 2695 | 021 578 608