| Tongariro power stations (Tokaanu, Rangipo, Mangaio) | |
|---|---|
 Tokaanu power station | |
 | |
| Country |
|
| Location | Central North Island |
| Coordinates | 38°58′54″S 175°46′08″E / 38.9817°S 175.7689°E |
| Commission date | 1973 (Tokaanu) 1983 (Rangipo) 2008 (Mangaio) |
| Owner(s) | Genesis Energy |
| Power generation | |
| Units operational | Four (Tokaanu) Two (Rangipo) One (Mangaio) |
| Nameplate capacity | 240 MW (Tokaanu) 120 MW (Rangipo) 2 MW (Mangaio) |
| Annual net output | 1350 GWh (Total) |
| External links | |
| Commons | Related media on Commons |
The Tongariro Power Scheme is a 360 MW hydroelectricity scheme in the central North Island of New Zealand. The scheme diverts water from tributaries of the Rangitikei, Whangaehu, Whanganui, and Tongariro rivers. These rivers drain a 2,600-square-kilometre (1,000 sq mi) area including Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and the western Kaimanawa Ranges. The water diverted from these rivers is sent through canals and tunnels to generate electricity at three hydro power stations, Rangipo (120 MW), Tokaanu (240 MW) and Mangaio (2 MW). The water is then discharged into Lake Taupō where it adds to the water storage in the lake and enables additional electricity generation in the succession of power stations down the Waikato River.
The scheme generates approximately 1350 GWh of electricity annually, and contributes 4 percent of New Zealand's electricity generation. It is currently operated by electricity generation company Genesis Energy.
From its inception to the current day tensions have existed between the need to generate electricity and cultural and environmental issues.