World Power Plants

Ohakuri is a 106 MW hydroelectric power plant located in the Waikato region of New Zealand, operated by Mercury Energy since its commissioning in 1961. The facility utilizes water flow to generate electricity, contributing to New Zealand's renewable energy portfolio. It ranks as the 9th largest hydro plant in New Zealand. With 106 MW, it represents 2.42% of the country's total hydro capacity of 4,388 MW. New Zealand has 24 hydro plants with a combined capacity of 4,388 MW. Compared to the largest hydro plant, Manapouri at 800 MW, Ohakuri is approximately 1/8 the size. Hydropower is a significant component of New Zealand's energy mix, providing around 60% of the country's electricity generation. The country's geography, characterized by numerous rivers and lakes, supports the development of hydroelectric facilities. Ohakuri is located about 30 km from the city of Taupo.

Capacity
106 MW
Commissioning Year
1961

65 years old

Owner
Mercury Energy
Location
-38.4080°, 176.0886°

New Zealand, Oceania

Context & rankings
  • 17. largest of 43 plants in New Zealand
  • #9,770 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #2,228 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 1.59% of the installed capacity of New Zealand
Age & fleet comparison

65 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Mercury Energy operates 12 plants totalling 1,434 MW

Regional density

15 plants within 100 km, 1,670 MW combined

Nearest plant: Atiamuri (6.1 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: -38.408000, 176.088600
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Ohakuri is a hydro power plant producing approximately 371 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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