Solving the Power Problem

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4334, 22 September 1950, Page 9

Solving the Power Problem

PLANS NOW MADE

POSITION REVIEWED MEASURES EXPLAINED iHON. GOOSMAN'S STATEMENT Reviewing the reasons for the shortage of the electrical supply at the September meeting of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board the Minister, Hon. W. S. Goosman, said:— “From the beginning of the second world war the electric power situation in both the North and South Islands has been difficult. It was fortunate that during the war years the conditions were relatively favourable and the really bad effects were not experienced by the public until after 1946. “Since taking office this Government has had the .position very closely examined and its policy of development has now been determined. The background against which the decisions were taken and the policy itself are dealt with in this statement. How the Trouble Arose “The main trouble stems from delay in the rate of construction of power plants, so that for many years

past it has been necessary to control the rate of growth of load to a figure which represents only one half of the normal unrestricted rate. It has been satisfactorily established that for the next ten years or so we should allow for an increase of (not less than ten per cent each year, which means that the generating and tnanssmissio'n capacity of our country must double in seven and a half years. This rate of growth is common to most developed countries in the world today and is not larger •than is usual. In our Own case it must also be remembered that the present generating capacity is already 'less than the load which is offering, and that there is not the required margin of supply over demand which would ensure freedom from recurring dry periods and freedom from Operating hazards. Position in North Island “Dealing now with the North Island the position is not so straightforward as in the South Island. In this island the hydro-electric resources are limited, while the power demand' is double that of the South Island. “Up ito date just ovetr one third of tihe estimated hydro-electric potential of the North Island has been developed and with the necessity for doubling 'the capacity in seven to eight years, it will be clear that we must even now consider how power needs can be met in the future, looking towards the time when hydro-electric

power is no longer sufficient. This future problem also has' a considerable bearing upon the solution of the present power shortage. “The operation of Maraetai in 1952 and its development to full capacity by 1954 will add another- forty per cent to the generating capacity of the North Island. This will only suffice for three years and gives no margin to cover dry conditions. For that reason work is already well advanced on the Whakamaru station which is scheduled for first operation in the early part of 1955. “This station would cope with the additional load for perhaps a further two years but again does not give any margin of supply over demand. To be so dependent upon the reliability of machines and on the absence of periodical low flows is a situation which is fraught with difficulties. Restrictions- Lifted in 1952

“The Government has determined to do all that lies in its power to avoid such conditions in the years following the completion of Maraetai and Whakamaru. It is anticipated that during 1952 the power restrictions in the North Island will Ibe lifted and thereafter, as far as it is possible to ensure, that there shall be no cause for a recurrence of the power shortage. In making this statement on behalf of the Government I am fully aware of the task ahead and it is also realised that w’orld conditions may delay the attainment of the ideal.

“In considering the ways and means of meeting the situation there are two main sources of .power available now: 1. Fuel driven stations (coal or oil). 2. Hydro-electric stations. “To these must ;be added a third possibility, of which we are not sure, but which offers a possible economic alternative to hydro-electric power. This alternative, of course, is the development of geo-thermal steam about which there has been considerable publicity recently. Need For Steam Plants “Personally, I have hathiertio recommended the installation of steam plants in this country, and 1 it is still recognised that in the future the need for such stations will increase. Nevertheless, Ido consider it prudent at this stage to take time to see whether or not geo-thermal steam is going to 'be available to us. Until 'the answer to this question is known I cannot recommend that the Government embark upon large scale coal or oil fired stations, provided always that we are able to come to a positive decision in the matter of geo-thermal steam within the next three years or so. We must also face up to the possibility that geo-thermal steam may not be available or, at any rate, in sufficient quantity, and provision must

be made now to investigate the type and location of large orthodox fuel stations capable of base load running and not just for use las standby stations. “At the coming .September conference of the Electric-Power Boards and Supply Authorities’ Association a departmental officer is presenting a paper which sets out the nature of the problem, ahead and which is designed to foster a general appreciation of the size of the task which confronts us all. Programme Not Enough ‘■The present programme of development is not enough to take care of the situation beyond 1955, but if we could add additional plant, over and above that which is already under construction, then we should have a breathing space

in which to make a decision as to ■future developmeuTt. “What then is to be done to secure the breathing space? “It has been clearly established that the cost of electric power developed by normal steam stations jn New Zealand is not likely to be 'less than double the cost as produced from hydro-electric plants, while the regular availability of fuel, be it coal or oil, is not assured. Under all the circumstances it .seems' reasonable to adopt the course of adding more hydro-electric plants as the best means available to us at this juncture. “Important factors in making such a decision as this are to determine the magnitude of the plant required and the possibility of getting the work done in the time available. More Stations to be Built “To meet the conditions it would be necessary to have the following additional stations in operation as follows: Waipapa (55,000 k.w.), 1954-55. Atiamuri (55,000 k.w.), 1955-56. Ohakuri (93,000 k.w.), 1956-67. “The above have been selected as the .projects that are large enough for the purpose and about Which information is either available or nearly so. Overseas Contractors “The Government departments concerned are agreed that, while the Waipapa project could be handled satisfactorily, the conditions in New Zealand are such that the design and construction of the Atiamuri and Ohakuri projects would call for the application of forces from outside this country. “The investigation of Atiamuri station has reached a stage where an outside firm, skilled in the development of large hydro-electric projects, could carry out the necessary design work in a relatively short time. The early production of the designs and specifications would enable the Government to invite overseas contractors to tender for the construction of the project. It will be appreciated that the contractor would require to bring into New Zealand the major portion of the necessary manpower. “Enquiries have already been made by firms in several countries indicating their willingness and ability to assist in this work. “At the same time that work is proceeding on Atiamuri- the geological investigation of Ohakuri could be hastened so that this job could follow the construction or parallel the construction of Atiamuri. The two projects are conveniently located f<fr simultaneous construction. “Of course this procedure calls for a speeding up in the rate of expenditure upon electric power supply but it offers the most economical way of avoiding a recurrence of power shortages, and I am sure that the majority of the people will agree that the best course has been chosen. Position Sum marised “To summarise, it has been decided: 1. “That investigations into geothermal steam plants be pressed on and that at the same time the investigation into the location of normal types of steam plants be carried on, both investigations having full regard to future power requirements. 2. “That the construction of Waipapa station be undertaken by departmental and New Zealand forces. 3. “That immediate arrangements be made for the design of hydroelectric stations at . Atiamuri and ■Ohakuri to ibe done by overseas consultants. 4. “That, at a later stage, as soon as the designs aie ready, tenders be invited from overseas contractors to undertake the construction of Atiamuri and Ohakuri stations. “It has been stated many times that the Government wishes to keep the people of New Zealand fully informed of its intentions and the above statement is offered in that spirit. “With this explanation of policy and of the reasons underlying that policy, the Government asks for the whole-hearted co-operation and understanding of the community in its endeavour to remove yet one more of the irksome conditions that still beset our daily lives.

The electrical supply problem confronting the Government at the present time and in the years that lie ahead and the measures the Government proposes to take in order to ensure an abundant supply of electrical power were set forth very fully in a statement forwarded by the Hon; W. S. Goosman, Minister in charge of the State HydroElectric Department, to the Thames Valley Electric-Power Board at its September meeting held recently in Te Aroha. Mr Goosman attended the meeting of the board, of which he is still a member.