Patea

The Patea Hydro Electric Scheme first produced power in May 1984 after construction difficulties, including a six month delay due to wetter than normal conditions.

The scheme uses an 82-metre high compacted earth fill dam. The fourth highest dam in New Zealand, it also has the distinction of being the first constructed using tertiary sandstone and siltstone as fill materials. This dam impounds Lake Rotorangi, which is the longest man made lake in New Zealand.

With three vertical Francis turbine and generator sets, the scheme has a total capacity of 30.7 MW and an average annual output of 118 GWh.

For the Lake Rotorangi Hazard Report, click here.

For the Patea Lake Leve, click here.

As a reflection of the significant eel fishery up and downstream of Patea Dam, an active trap and transfer programme, fully funded by TrustPower, is also in operation and spillway gate operations are timed to facilitate downstream migration of mature eels.

The Resource Consents for the Patea scheme expire in 2008. Following initial wide spread consultation, consent applications for a further 35 year term have been lodged and the TrustPower Environmental Team are currently working through any primary issues of concern with submitters. Hearings for the consents are scheduled for early 2009.