MERCER POWER STATION

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27795, 21 October 1955, Page 7

MERCER POWER STATION

THREE TENDERS ACCEPTED

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 20. The Minister of Works (Mr W. S. Goosman) has announced the 'accept* ance of three British tenders for equipment for the coal-fired steam power station at Mercer. The Mercer project was progressing well, said the Minister this morning. The tenders accepted are those of Babcock and Wilcox, Ltd., for six boilers, the Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Export Company for three turboalternators, and the English Electric Company for three turbo-alternators'. “The first operation of the plant is scheduled for September, 1958, with two units, which will generate 60,000 k.w.,” said Mr Goosman. “At present the Ministry of Works is carrying out preparation of the site of the station, and is providing initial accommodation, which will enable the contractor to make an immediate start on construction.

The site selected is on the right bank of the Waikato river, near Mercer, about 43 miles south by rail from Auckland, and it is most conveniently situated for the supply of coal and water and also for service by road and rail and for the purpose of linking up the power generated with existing transmission lines,” he said. “The site is of 373 acres, and this will provide for the power station and for an associated village in which will bv ® 150 members of the permanent staff.