What is the biggest dam in New Zealand?

What is the biggest dam in New Zealand?

The Benmore power station is located on New Zealand’s largest manmade lake – Lake Benmore – and is New Zealand’s largest earth dam.

How many dams are in New Zealand?

Damming water for urban use, hydro-electric power generation, irrigation, and other industrial and commercial uses. New Zealand has thousands of dams, most of which are small water supply dams on farms. However, more than 400 dams have storage capacities greater than 18 million liters.

When was the last hydro dam built in NZ?

The last of the large hydropower dams was the Clyde dam, completed in 1990, as part of the then government’s “think big” scheme. This project is most well-known for the extensive landslide stabilisation required around the reservoir rim. Of course, dams were being developed not just for electricity supply.

Who owns NZ dams?

Meridian Energy
The $62 million construction of the dam and hydroelectric station began in 1958. It was commissioned in 1965, and officially opened by Prime Minister Sir Keith Holyoake on 15 May that year. It was built for the New Zealand Electricity Department; since 1999 it has been owned and operated by Meridian Energy.

Why is Auckland in a water shortage?

While the dams were largely full, Watercare said water from Huia Dam in the Waitākere Ranges was still not useable due to sediment stirred up during the August deluge. The west Auckland floods have led to the closure of the city’s drinking water dams, after landslips polluted its waters.

Where are dams in NZ?

The main river systems comprising a series of dams and powerhouses are situated on the following rivers: The Waikato River. The Waitaki River. The Clutha River.

How many hydroelectric dams are in NZ?

There is a higher demand for energy in the North Island due to several major cities located there. From 2008 to 2018, hydropower has generated almost 60% of total electricity production in New Zealand, with 82% generation from renewable resources. Currently, New Zealand has over 100 hydroelectric power plants in use.

What would happen if the Clyde Dam burst?

Whether a rupture occurred through the “slip-joint” or on the right side, in both parts or elsewhere, the sudden release of water would be phenomenal. The water would blast through the dam at 160-240 km per hour, scouring everything as it went, carrying ever more debris as it pulverised everything in its path.

Who owns Clyde Dam?