Roaring Meg hydro scheme


The Roaring Meg hydro scheme refers to two small hydro electricity power stations fed by the Roaring Meg Dam. The scheme is located next to the Roaring Meg Stream in the Kawarau Gorge, near Cromwell, New Zealand. Roaring Meg is owned and operated by Pioneer Energy.

History

The scheme was built by the Otago Central Power Board starting in 1934 and commissioned 1936, at a cost of 40,000 pounds. At times the lower station has been flooded by the Kawarau River.

Layout

The scheme starts with the high Roaring Meg Dam located upstream from the confluence with the Kawarau River. The intake flows into a series of pipes connected to the power stations. The upper station discharges into both a pipe feeding the lower station and the Roaring Meg Stream, while the lower station discharges into the Kawarau River.

Performance

Annual energy production from both stations is approximately.
Lower Roaring Meg station:
Upper Roaring Meg station: