Closure of New Plymouth power station

The 300 mega watt (mw) station at the New Plymouth port has been closed since September when asbestos was discovered in areas of the 31 year old plant not previously recorded and the plant was then immediately shut down.

Contact Energy chief executive David Baldwin said: “Contact intends to replace the New Plymouth power station’s 300 mw contribution to peak capacity with new, modern, fast-start peaking capacity. “

This will likely be located at its gas-fired Stratford site.

“The new peaking plant will be significantly more efficient than the New Plymouth power station, will lead to a reduction in carbon emissions, and play a vital role in supporting wind energy and ensuring a secure supply of electricity,” he said.