Over the past two years Stanley Instrumentation & Electrical (SIE) have been involved in Contact Energy’s ‘Drilling Water Project’ across major power generation sites in the Taupō District. As works at the ’Poihipi’ & ‘Wairakei’ Power Stations near completion, the team reflects on the major milestone project.
Despite a large scope of work, the team have relished in the success and challenges overcome during the project. This has helped forge a way forward for SIE as leaders in the I&E industry across Taupō.
DRILLING WATER PROJECT OVERVIEW
Objective: To transition the water source used for the Poihipi Power Station, Te Mihi fire water reserves, and other drilling sites, from Elliot Lake to the Waikato River.
Phase 1: Beginning at the Poihipi Power Station Reservoir, SIE completed the electrical installation and commissioning work of 1x flow metre for the flow of water coming up to the reservoir from the Waikato River, 1x control panel/switchboard, 400 meters of electrical cable from the Poihipi hill to the Power Station switchboard, and PROFIBUS work.
Phase 2: Wairakei Booster Pump Area. The next phase included installation and commissioning of 1x harmonic filter, control panel modifications for new booster pumps, 2x new booster pumps (400volt electrical motor testing and VSD connection), 15x pressure/flow transmitters, vibration/temperature probes, and electrical cables powering booster pump site.
Phase 3: Lift Pump Area. Installation and commissioning of 2x new lift pumps, 1x new switch room complete with switchboards, new air conditioning/air scrubbers, 1x new transformer (with protective settings, set to client’s recommendations) and the corresponding 11KV cabling to power the site.
FROM THE PROJECT MANAGERS PERSPECTIVE (Glenn Blaker)
Challenges
“The biggest challenge we faced were delays in the schedule. Other project tasks happening around our work were delayed, but deadlines remained the same.”
“We had a crew of 3, but were able to put more staff on the job despite adjustments along the way. Because of the quality of our leadership, we were actually able to finish the job on time and on budget.”
Feedback
“The client was very pleased. We handed over our activities list, so they had complete visibility of our work, being able to monitor our progress which helped with management and the financial side of the project. On the next job they requested the same thing, so they were very pleased.”
IN CONCLUSION…
We are proud of the SIE team’s performance over the duration of this project. This project has helped refine leadership qualities and provide invaluable training for the team.
Transparency, combined with strong workmanship across the project has strengthened the working relationship between SIE and our clients at Contact Energy.
We greatly look forward to continuing our support of Contact Energy’s sustainable power generation efforts into 2026 and beyond.
