Wellington power businesses Contact and Transpower win energy awards
Thursday, 13 August 2015
Wellington-based power companies Contact Energy and Transpower have been recognised for their industry achievements at the Energy Excellence Awards.
The awards held on Wednesday night, recognise excellence across the electricity, oil, gas and petroleum industries.
Mike Dunstall, general manager of geothermal resources and development at Contact Energy, was named energy executive of the year for his leadership of the firm's $1 billion Wairakei investment programme, which won energy project of the year.
Described as a major contributor to New Zealand's geothermal industry, Dunstall led several significant projects in his eight years with the company.
Dunstall and his team were responsible for the innovative strategy to retain steam supply to the existing 57-year-old Wairakei power plant, while still providing for the supply of the new Te Mihi development.
The opening of the $623million Te Mihi Power Station in August last year marked the completion of the Wairakei Investment Programme, which included the development of a bioreactor that reduces the amount of hydrogen sulphide entering the Waikato River, the expansion of the Wairakei steam field, and drilling of new wells.
The completion of the programme made the Wairakei field the seventh-largest geothermal generation site in the world.
Te Mihi, situated in the tribal rohe or teritory of Ngati Tuwharetoa, employed more than 600 people during construction and has contributed more than $60 million into New Zealand's economy.
Contact Energy chief executive Dennis Barnes said that winning the award was a satisfying end to the seven-year programme.
'While we acknowledge the great work being done by other companies, we are delighted to be recognised as a leader in the industry that is committed to the efficient production of electricity for our communities for years to come.'
Frank Geoghegan, outgoing major project delivery general manager at Contact, said flexible design ensured minimal disruption to Contact's existing stations and likened the project to working on a Boeing 747 while it was flying.
Transpower won the innovation in energy award for ems Tradepoint, its gas spot market service.
Transpower corporate communications manager Rebecca Wilson said the company was proud to win the award, which was recognition for the innovative team working in the gas market.