Meridian Energy will replace five transformers at its Manapōuri Power Station over the next two and a half years, following independent advice indicating potential issues with the equipment.
The station’s current transformer fleet includes six units from Wilson Transformer Company (WTC), originally supplied in 2015 and 2018. Two of these were taken out of service in 2023 due to elevated gassing. A replacement transformer was installed at the end of 2024, and two more – supplied by Elsewedy Electric Indonesia – are expected to arrive by early 2026.
Independent experts have advised that the five remaining WTC transformers from 2015 and 2018 could be at risk of similar faults. Although these units are not currently showing signs of failure, Meridian has decided to replace them as a precaution.
“We are moving quickly to replace the five transformers supplied by WTC in 2015 and 2018 and are confident this will result in limited to no impact on generation capacity,” said Tania Palmer, Meridian’s General Manager Generation.
“Our team is working hard to ensure this. We are fortunate to have expert engineering and maintenance teams and advanced data capability, enabling us to monitor the transformers closely and do everything we can to keep them in service, and to plan, install and commission replacements as quickly and safely as possible.”
Meridian continues to engage with WTC to resolve the issues at Manapōuri but said no agreement has been reached at this time.
