ANDRITZ receives major upgrade order for three hydropower plants in New Zealand

The order has a value in the lower three-digit million-euro range and will be included in ANDRITZ’s order intake for the first quarter of 2026.

Mercury’s generation assets produce electricity from 100% renewable sources, equating to nearly 20% of New Zealand’s annual electricity. New Zealand already generates around 85% to 90% of its electricity from renewable sources and is on track to reach 98%+ renewable electricity by 2030.

Maraetai I, Ātiamuri, and Ōhakuri are an important part of Mercury’s Waikato Hydro System, which delivers about 10% of New Zealand’s electricity. Built in the 1950s and 60s, the three plants will undergo comprehensive modernization. ANDRITZ will supply new turbines, generators, governors, and related electromechanical equipment for the generating units of the plants. This will increase their combined installed capacity by 76 MW from the current 376 MW, adding 87 GWh of generation each year, and ensure long-term operational reliability.

Mercury Chief Executive Stew Hamilton says: “Our hydro stations on the Waikato River were constructed from the late 1920s to the 1970s and have worked hard to keep the country powered. We have invested heavily in a long-term refurbishment program to improve the efficiency and longevity of our hydro stations, to ensure these assets can manage water flow in a way that preserves the environment while optimizing power generation. These ongoing improvements will make a significant contribution to a sustainable energy future for New Zealand. We are pleased to embark on the next step in our refurbishment program with our trusted partners at ANDRITZ.”

ANDRITZ will be responsible for the design, manufacture, installation, testing, and commissioning of the units along with associated auxiliaries. Manufacturing will take place at ANDRITZ’s state-of-the-art facilities in Austria.

This is the fourth major contract awarded to ANDRITZ by Mercury after the successful rehabilitation of the Karāpiro, Aratiatia, and Whakamaru Hydro Stations. The order further strengthens ANDRITZ’s position in New Zealand’s hydropower sector and underlines the company’s strong track record in delivering hydropower solutions that support a stable and growing renewable energy supply.

Mercury’s generation assets produce around 8,000 GWh of renewable electricity per year from 100% renewable sources: hydro, geothermal, and wind. 

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ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.

As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.

ANDRITZ HYDROPOWER
ANDRITZ Hydropower is one of the world's leading suppliers of electromechanical equipment and services for hydropower stations in the dynamically growing global renewable energy market. Based on 185 years of experience and a global installed capacity of 489 gigawatts, we offer innovative solutions for new and existing hydropower stations, from small hydropower to large-scale plants. State-of-the-art digital solutions, comprehensive services for the operation and maintenance of entire hydropower plants, synchronous condenser systems for grid stability and turbo generators for the thermal industry complete the portfolio.