Meridian is considering replacing the seven hydro generating units at Waitaki power station with new equipment. The exact scope of works will be finalised later but is expected to include most of the equipment from the headgate to the draft tube including, runner, rotor, stator and governing systems.

The primary reason for the replacement is the stators have reached the end of their working life and cannot be repaired. To prevent a future loss of income Meridian is looking to replace them before they fail sometime in the next ten years.

It is believed that the efficiency and capacity of the units can also be increased as part of the replacement. There may also be the potential to change the flow path of two units to create larger units.

Meridian is initially seeking rough order of magnitude pricing for the replacement items detailed in the scope (further on in this document.) We will use the answers from this ROI to select two or more vendors to provide a concept design for the equipment to replace the existing units. Once the concept designs are completed then each vendor will be invited to tender for the detailed design, supply, install and commissioning of the replacement units.