Transpower said that the submission of a proposal completes the work that began earlier in 2008 as a response to over 1,000MW of geothermal generation being built or planned in the medium term in the Central North Island.
The proposed line will help provide needed capacity for this generation, and will replace the existing single-circuit line that connects Wairakei to Whakamaru directly via Poihipi Road, said the company.
Tim George, general manager of grid development at Transpower, said that as part of Transpower’s planning for the project it had worked with the local community to get their feedback on the options presented and to keep them informed at each milestone.
Transpower is a state owned enterprise, tasked with owning and operating New Zealand’s National Grid – the network of high voltage transmission lines and substations that connect areas of generation with towns and cities across the country.
