Meridian to replace transformers at Manapōuri

Meridian Energy Limited will replace five of the transformers at Manapōuri Power Station over the next two and a half years after receiving advice from independent transformer experts. Manapōuri's transformer fleet currently comprises six Wilson Transformer Company (WTC) transformers. Seven were originally supplied by WTC in 2015 and 2018, and two of these were removed from service in 2023 due to elevated gassing. Another transformer was supplied by WTC at the end of 2024 and two further new transformers, supplied by Elsewedy Electric Indonesia, are expected by early 2026. The independent advice Meridian has now received is that the five remaining WTC transformers supplied in 2015 and 2018 are likely to have similar issues to the two which were taken out of service. As a result, even though they are not currently exhibiting the same problems, Meridian has made the decision to replace all five over the next two and a half years. Meridian’s General Manager Generation Tania Palmer says it is important the company takes swift action. “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.” “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 remains in discussions with WTC on a resolution to the matters which have arisen, but at the current time a resolution has not been reached.