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Overview

We are constructing and installing new AC/DC converter equipment at Benmore (Sth Island) and Haywards (Nth Island) substations to increase capacity of the high voltage direct current (HVDC) inter-island link.

The new converter equipment, known as Pole 3, will replace the 45-year old Pole 1 equipment at both substations with state-of-the-art thyristor valve units. The HVDC Pole 3 project, worth up to $672 million, will be completed in two stages resulting in an increase in the capacity of the overall HVDC link to 1000 MW from 2012 and 1200 MW from 2014.
Watch a video overview of the project

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Haywards Substation HVDC Line Benmore Substation
Region Map. Hayward's Substation Hayward's Substation HVDC Line Benmore Substation Benmore Substation

LATEST NEWS

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Converter transformers arrive at Haywards

Two of the four 240 tonne converter transformers are now at Haywards substation. 

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HVDC Pole 3 project wins 2 safety awards

The HVDC Pole 3 project has won two awards for safety at Transpower’s inaugural STAR Awards.

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Milestone reached

Each HVDC substation now has a roof. The Benmore lift occurred 19-20 May and Haywards during 31 May–1 June.

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HVDC Transformers

Four of the eight 240 tonne converter transformers for the HVDC Pole 3 project have arrived in New Zealand.

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HVDC Fact Sheet 3

Information about the HVDC Pole 3 project.

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A big pour at Benmore Substation

340 cubic metres of foundation concrete was poured at Bemore substation recently.

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PROJECT TIMELINE

01.01.2010
Civil works starts
01.05.2010
Building construction starts
01.08.2011
Primary plant installed
04.07.2012
Pole 1 decommissioning starts
01.08.2012
Testing
24.12.2012
Pole 3 commissioned
01.01.2014
Statcom commissioned