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Converter transformers arrive at New Zealand ports

21 July 2011

Transformer barged across Wellington harbour Transformer on Wellington Harbour

Four of the eight 240 tonne converter transformers for the HVDC Pole 3 project have arrived in New Zealand from Germany. These transformers play a very important role in the HVDC link and represent a key milestone in the Pole 3 project.

Two were sent to Timaru for future transport to Benmore and the other two went to Port of Wellington for transport to Haywards. 

At Wellington, the two transformers had to be barged to a quarry at Seaview.  One transformer at a time was lifted onto the heavy haulage trailer, already located on the barge, using the heavy lift ship’s cranes. 

The transformers are being barged from the Port of Wellington to the quarry due to roading and rail constraints between the Port to Petone.

The remaining four transformers are due to arrive in New Zealand in August.  Separate shipments were planned as a risk mitigation measure. 

These transformers are large pieces of equipment that have a very important job to do - they are vital components in the process to convert electricity from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and back again.  These transformers are unique in New Zealand because they are only used on the HVDC link.

Much planning is involved in deciding the routes trucks must take to avoid all low and weight restricted bridges, traffic and tight turns.  Specialist heavy haulage companies are needed to perform this task. 

Facts and figures

  • The weight of each new transformer is 240 tonnes when transported, 330 tonnes when operating
  • Quantity: four transformers at each site – Haywards and Benmore – three in service and one spare
  • Manufactured: by Siemens of Germany, six were made in Nuremberg, Germany and the other two in Zagreb, Croatia.  These first four transformers are from Germany.
  • Total estimated cost of the Pole 3 project is $672 million
  • Capacity of Pole 3 is 700 MW
  • Total capacity of the HVDC link will be increased to 1000 MW in  2012
  • Total capacity of the HVDC link will be increased to 1200 MW in 2014
  • The total length of HVDC transmission line 571km
  • The length of HVDC submarine cable is 40km
  • The HVDC was first commissioned 1965