Story: Hydroelectricity

Lake Hāwea dam

Lake Hāwea dam

Gates release water at Hāwea in 2008. When dammed in the 1950s as part of the Roxburgh hydroelectric scheme, Lake Hāwea rose by 20 metres. It provides water storage for both Roxburgh and Clyde power stations. Both stations are otherwise dependent on the natural flow of the Clutha and Kawarau rivers. Lakes Roxburgh and Dunstan are maintained within a narrow range to minimise environmental damage.

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Otago Daily Times
Reference: 16 June 2008
Photograph by Matthew Haggart

Permission of the Otago Daily Times must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

John E. Martin, 'Hydroelectricity - Hydro and the environment', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/22475/lake-hawea-dam (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by John E. Martin, published 11 Mar 2010