Project Aqua: an innovative hydro scheme on the Lower Waitaki river

摘要

Project Aqua is a proposed hydro development on the Lower Waitaki river on New Zealand's South Island. The NZ $1.2 billion, 524 MW scheme will divert up to two-thirds of the Waitaki river into a canal-based scheme, comprising six similar power stations. Some innovative technical features and a strong commitment to meeting robust environmental objectives have resulted in a commercially feasible scheme. Initial feasibility design and environmental assessments are complete, and resource consents are now being sought. This paper covers the main design features.