World Power Plants

Maraetai is a vital hydroelectric power generation facility located in New Zealand, with coordinates of -38.3521, 175.7465. With a capacity of 352 MW, this power plant underscores the significance of hydropower within New Zealand’s energy mix, where renewable sources are increasingly prioritized. Operated by Mercury Energy, Maraetai utilizes advanced hydro technology that harnesses the flow of water to generate clean electricity. The operational context of this facility is integral to the national grid, as it provides a reliable source of energy that supports both residential and industrial consumers. New Zealand is characterized by its abundant water resources, and Maraetai takes full advantage of these natural assets, contributing to the country’s goals of achieving a sustainable and low-emission energy future. The facility's strategic location allows it to effectively mitigate fluctuations in energy demand, making it a cornerstone of energy security in the region. By operating in alignment with New Zealand's energy policies, Maraetai plays a crucial role in fostering environmental sustainability while meeting the growing needs for clean energy in the country.

Capacity
352 MW
Commissioning Year
1998

28 years old

Owner
Mercury Energy
Location
-38.3521°, 175.7465°

New Zealand, Oceania

Context & rankings
  • 7. largest of 43 plants in New Zealand
  • #5,619 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #981 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 5.27% of the installed capacity of New Zealand
Age & fleet comparison

28 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Mercury Energy operates 12 plants totalling 1,434 MW

Regional density

17 plants within 100 km, 1,532 MW combined

Nearest plant: Whakamaru (7 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: -38.352100, 175.746500
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Maraetai is a hydro power plant producing approximately 1233 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
New Zealand
Continent
Oceania
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

New ZealandEnergy Profile

43
Total Plants
6.7 GW
Total Capacity
HydroGeothermalGasCoal
Top Fuels

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