Clutha Upper Waitaki Lines Project (CUWLP) (CUWLP)

Øker energikapasiteten med 400 MW

On New Zealand’s South Island, Omexom crews have completed the Clutha Upper Waitaki Lines Project (CUWLP), significantly enhancing the country's energy grid. The project increases grid resilience, supporting renewable energy development and reducing emissions by raising New Zealand's renewable energy share. Once active, CUWLP will move an additional 400 megawatts northward, meeting the power needs of areas like greater Christchurch.

Utbytte av 143 km kabelnett

The project, a major transmission line upgrade by Transpower, involved replacing single conductors with duplex conductors across a 143 km circuit with over 430 towers. This upgrade required strengthening 322 tower foundations and installing nearly 900 km of new conductors. The project, completed ahead of schedule in March 2022, saw collaboration between three Omexom New Zealand business units and maintained an excellent safety and financial record.

Forbereder Manapouri-tilknytning

CUWLP also prepares the technical requirements for integrating the Manapouri hydro power station into the national grid when the Tiwai Point aluminum smelter closes in December 2024. The project conducted substantial environmental considerations, such as scheduling works to avoid lambing seasons and preserving endangered lizard habitats.

Utfordringer i avsidesliggende områder

Working in remote areas posed challenges for Omexom crews, who lived away from home for much of the 15-month project duration. The teams, drawn from North and South Island depots, faced issues like finding sufficient local accommodation and dealing with extreme weather variations. To support the workforce, Omexom and Transpower organized regular charter flights and buses for weekend home visits.

Bevaring av historiske landskap

The project also had to navigate sensitive historical and environmental landscapes, with crews trained to recognize and respect pre-European Maori artefacts and remnants of the 19th-century gold rush. Omexom’s commitment to preserving these significant sites while managing the challenging terrain of Central Otago was a key feature of their project implementation.