Thursday 14 September 2017

Karapiro Power Station




This is the Karapiro Power Station just out of Hamilton, the Waikato River has 8 other hydroelectric power stations - this one is the last of them. Construction started in 1940, the building certainly looks vintage, and was completed in 1947.

It's purpose is to maintain the flow of water in the lower part of the river during catchment and low electricity demand. To keep the river flow and a reasonable level only 2 turbines are needed - the third is used for peak generation and maintenance on one of the others. Mercury Energy operates all the hydro electric power stations on the Waikato River.

On this day we visited this place it had been raining on and off all morning, the stormy skies reflected in the background show how temperamental the weather has been.

Linking up with Skywatch Friday :-)

11 comments:

Fun60 said...

With that many power stations, that river is providing many communities with power.

Wayne said...

I have always felt this was a great way to make electricity.

R's Rue said...

Great.

Rhonda Albom said...

I've never been to this place before.

William Kendall said...

It looks big.

carol l mckenna said...

Quite the power station and lovely photo ~ thanks, ^_^

(A ShutterBug Explores)

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

moody skies -- and a powerful looking dam. we see a lot of hydroelectric plants that seem to be of around that vintage -- perhaps a push for more electricity or flood control.

Andrea said...

oh how lovely, i've just been to Rhoda Albom's post about NZ then now this, and i will be going to another 1 more there too. Does it show that i am so biased with NZ? hahaha i wonder why i didn't try to go there and stay when i was younger. Now my sister did and i had the chance to visit her for 1 month in 2014 and i was smitten with all the places we've been to! I am dreaming to return!

Photo Cache said...

Can you go to the little bridge there? I would love to have water splash all over my face.

Worth a Thousand Words

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

Nice scene, I love vintage power stations like this.

electricwave said...

Cool picture!

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