News

Renewable generation scheme one step closer

Bay of Plenty Energy has received advice from The Department of Conservation's northern regional manager that a concession to use a small area of the Upper Kaituna Scenic Reserve for the purposes of hydroelectric generation has been approved in principle.

Based in Whakatane, Bay of Plenty Energy applied to the Department of Conservation for a concession to site the left footprint of a weir on Reserve land, inundating a narrow strip of land on the boundary of the Reserve. The scheme would affect only 0.65 hectares of the 54-hectare Reserve with all other aspects of the scheme constructed on private land.

John Smyth, Bay of Plenty Energy Generation Manager, said that the proposed Upper Kaituna River Hydroelectric Power Scheme is an exciting project that will benefit the Bay of Plenty region. He said that a further benefit of the scheme was the long-term support and commercial partnerships between Bay of Plenty Energy and the two iwi landowners, Taheke 8C and Ruahine Kuharua Incorporation.

"Bay of Plenty Energy has carefully considered all potential impacts on the Reserve in its application", said Mr Smyth. "Only a small strip of marginal land on the edge of the reserve will be affected and we are working closely with the Department of Conservation to mitigate any impact."

Mr Smyth added that the new generation would assist in 'keeping the lights on' in the Bay of Plenty region. The proposed Kaituna Hydroelectric Power Scheme will have the capacity to generate power sufficient to supply approximately 10,000 homes or 15 per cent of Rotorua's energy needs.

"As a small, low-impact hydro scheme embedded close to where the energy is needed, this scheme is fully aligned to the Government's renewable energy policy," said Mr Smyth.

"The project represents a considerable investment by Bay of Plenty Energy and it will benefit our region through employment opportunities, greater stability of electricity prices and additional recreational opportunities."