West Coast hydro declined

Westpower’s application for concessions to construct and operate a hydro-electric power scheme on the Waitaha River near Hokitika has been declined.

The reason was because establishing the run-of-river (no dam) power scheme in this location would have significant impacts on the area’s natural character of the area, its intrinsic value and people’s enjoyment of it, environment minister David Parker says.

The decision

is not expected to have any impact on EVs or their charging as Parker believes electricity supply to the West Coast won’t be greatly affected.

“The area is largely unmodified by humans. It is near to pristine and yet is accessible for recreation,” Parker says of his decision.

“The area is valued for its natural beauty and wilderness qualities for recreation. The proposal would have significantly undermined the area’s intrinsic values which people experience when they tramp and kayak there.

“I considered expert advice and submitters’ views, and concluded that the adverse effects of the activity could not be adequately or reasonably mitigated.”

A weir and other structures would have been constructed at the upstream end of Morgan Gorge and a 2km access road and associated infrastructure (powerhouse, tunnel) was proposed.

The proposal was to divert the river flow into the power scheme tunnel at the head of Morgan Gorge. The water would have been returned to the river 2.6km downstream, below the proposed powerhouse.

Westpower sees the project benefits including security and reliability of electricity supply to the West Coast.