Topic

Name

Institution

HVDC Link Upgrade in New Zealand

 Electricity Generation Schemes:

HDVC Inter-Island Upgrade Project

Terms of reference

This report has been compiled in the pursuit to gather more information on the various

electricity generation schemes (Benmore-Hayward Island HVDC link upgrade Project),

engagement of the Iwi, kaitiaki, and its impact on the Mana Whenua.

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Contents
Terms of reference...................................................................................................................ii

List of figures..............................................................................................................................iv

1.0 Introduction............................................................................................................................5

1.2 Sustainability in Electricity Generation.................................................................................6

1.3 Main components of LCC-HVDC Converter Stations..........................................................7

2.1 New Zealand’s Electricity Generation System......................................................................8

2.2 Auckland’s Electricity Network............................................................................................9

2.3 Securing Power Supply for the Future...................................................................................9

3.1 Application HVDC..............................................................................................................11

3.2 Heritage Recognition of the project.....................................................................................12

4.1 Iwi, Kaitiakitanga and Mana Whenua.................................................................................12

4.2 Reason to engage Mana Whenua.........................................................................................13

4.3 Proceed of Engagement.......................................................................................................13

5.0 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................13

References......................................................................................................................................15

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List of figures

Figure 1: Submarine HVDC link connection, Auckland.................................................................5

Figure 2: Sustainability of electricity generation systems...............................................................6

Figure 3: Expansion of Clean energy of New Zealand since 2001-2019........................................6

Figure 4: HDVC power conversion station (Cole & McCallion, 2018)..........................................7

Figure 5: Typical schematic for electricity generation and distribution system..............................8

Figure 6: Taranaki geothermal plant................................................................................................9

Figure 7: Modular multilevel converter 1) half-bridge submodule, 2) full-bridge submodule

(Walker et al 2019)........................................................................................................................11

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1.0 Introduction
The first high voltage direct current HVDC link connection was established in the early

1970s to link Haywards and Benmore. The system was developed to produce approximately 600

MW with over 500 kV transmission links supplying New Zealand’s North and South Islands

(Inwumoh et al 2020). Benmore-Haywards HVDC Island electricity link was the longest and

largest inter-island electricity connectivity in the world until 2009 when the Rio Madeira HVDC

link was commissioned by ABB in Brazil. Auckland’s inter-island power connection was based

on the submarine transmission line as one of the strategies to power islands and promote a 24-

hour economy in all regions of New Zealand (Inwumoh, et al. 2021).

Figure 1: Submarine HVDC link connection, Auckland

For centuries, the power connectivity between Southern Island and the Northern Island

had been a challenge, with the development and installation of the submarine transmission cables

linking the South and the North, cheap and reliable electricity generated on Southern Island

could easily be exported to the Northern Islands. Besides, lighting up the ever-dark Northern

Island, the Benmore-Hayward HVDC project aided the integration of the New Zealand energy

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generation resources. Though the current country’s energy system utilized more advanced

transmission systems and shifting to clean energy systems, the foundation of the rural

electrification was founded by Latta Bill, who at the time was the Chief Engineer at State Hydro-

Electric Department (Jackson, et al 2017).

1.2 Sustainability in Electricity Generation

Following the world’s shift on the source of energy from fossil sources to renewable

(clean) sources, the New Zealand Department of Electricity and Power Supply scheduled an

upgrade program to face-lift and equip the submarine transmission cables to accommodate the

supply of the geothermal, wind and hydro-power generated the South Island to the North Island

(Cole & McCallion, 2018). The execution of the upgrade project has ever been the most efficient

and satisfying infrastructural development witnessed in Auckland. The figure below shows

sustainability in electricity generation in Australia and New Zealand

Figure 2: Sustainability of electricity generation systems

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 Figure 3: Expansion of Clean energy of New Zealand since 2001-2019

1.3 Main components of LCC-HVDC Converter Stations

i. DC and AC side filters

ii. Converter transformers

iii. AC/DC and DC/AC converters

iv. STATCOM Reactive Power compensations system

v. DC connectors

vi. Control System

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 Figure 4: HDVC power conversion station (Cole & McCallion, 2018)

2.1 New Zealand’s Electricity Generation System

New Zealand is generally an isolated island country, thus makes its electricity generation

and distribution landscape unique. By its geographical location, exportation or importation of

electricity is near impossible, therefore it had to be self-reliant on power and electricity supply.

In the early 1960s (Li et al 2020), the government heavily invested in energy infrastructures such

as wind power plants, geothermal and hydroelectric dams among other power sources in the

South Islands. Then in the 1960s, the North Islands remain kinda isolated with no power

distribution and supply network (Cole & McCallion, 2018). High Voltage Direct Current HVDC

link project was then launched for the first time to create the connection between two islands of

New Zealand. Today, North Island is as bright as the South Island due to the reliable power

connection between the two islands.

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 Figure 5: Typical schematic for electricity generation and distribution system

2.2 Auckland’s Electricity Network

Auckland is one of the economically vibrant towns in New Zealand and this is due to the

secure and reliable electricity supply within the town. Though Aucklanders rely on the electricity

generated in other parts of the country, their supply and connection network has been so effective

and efficient, thanks to the government’s HVDC upgrade project. the supply in the Northern

Islands is predominantly done by Transpower’s transmission network system. Electricity from

South Island is transferred to the local HVDC transmission lines through exit points such as

Penrose and Otahuhu substations. Since 2011, the HVDC link project has imparted substantial

improvements to the country’s connection and transmission network, therefore this infrastructure

investment is sustainable in providing adequate and reliable electricity supply between Benmore

Island and Hayward Islands (Li et al 2018).

2.3 Securing Power Supply for the Future

Design for sustainability has been at the center of almost all infrastructural developments

initiated in Auckland, New Zealand. For instance, the Department of Electricity thrives to

establish generation and supply schemes that positively impact the environment. Initially, the

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HVDC transmission system was based on hydroelectric power generated on waterfalls. Due to

the fluctuation of climate conditions, that could see the region go for months without rainfall

affected the power distribution to the two islands (McCallion et al 2018). While on the geotherm

plants, the abrupt heavy storms affected the circulation of natural gas thus hindered the power

generation from these sources. For instance, in 2017, large storms were experienced on the

shores and it disrupted the flow of natural gas thus Taranaki geothermal plant could not generate

power for days. When such a phenomenon disrupts natural power generations, coal or fossil fuel-

powered generators are used as a contingency mechanism, the combustion of these fuels to

generate electricity has adverse effects on climate and the environment (Stanojev et al 2019).

Figure 6: Taranaki geothermal plant

The supply and distribution of electricity in Auckland is influenced by the prevailing

demand, therefore, the national grid must have sufficient demand to meet the country’s demand

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whenever there’s a need. To provided an uninterrupted power supply, the government has

extended the upgrade of the HVDC systems to the North Island since it has the highest

population (majority of New Zealanders (77%) reside in the North Island) (Tailor, & Ukil,

2019). The government is in the process of shutting down major production plants that consume

high power ratings and are involved in activities that negatively impact the surrounding

environment. This implies that the electricity produced through clean sources will be in surplus

enough to meet the demand of Aucklanders from both Islands.

3.1 Application HVDC

i. Connecting two asynchronous alternating power systems with different

frequencies

ii. Submarine electricity transmission between two islands or mainland and island

iii. Distribution of high voltage (bulk) electricity overextended (long) distance

iv. Provision of ancillary power services through interconnectors

Figure 7: Modular multilevel converter 1) half-bridge submodule, 2) full-bridge submodule (Walker et al

2019)

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3.2 Heritage Recognition of the project
The completion of the first phase of the HVDC link project opened the inaccessible

regions and transformed the quality of life in North Island as well as other islands that never had

any form of electrical infrastructural network. It is the contribution to the transformation and

betterment of the lives of the natives that gave the project national heritage recognition (Tailor,

& Ukil, 2019). By 1990, the Benmore-Hayward Island electricity distribution was recognized as

part of IPENZ Engineering's top projects. The high voltage direct current (HVDC) upgrade

project is one of the most ambitious heavy infrastructural projects considered in Auckland and

the world. The project cost was estimated to be $45million and the cost was a bit high since it

incorporated modern aspects of electric power transmission systems (Webbe 2020).

4.1 Iwi, Kaitiakitanga and Mana Whenua

The Māori notion is a common phrase in Auckland with a unique structural organization

with main moral value embedded in environmental sustainability. For every infrastructural

development project undertaken within the region, the Kaitiakitanga concept has to adhere. In a

simple definition, Kaitiakitanga refers to guardianship or resource management. This implies that

the natives take development projects seriously and therefore offer guardianship to the projects

with the aim of environmental conservation (Webbe 2020). In other words, Kaitiakitanga is an

inclusive ethos used in maintaining a balance between people, surrounding environment, and

spiritual as mana whenua uphold this mandate.

As mentioned earlier, Māori and kaitiakatanga concepts are vital in development projects

in Auckland as it is the approval consent. As a custom, the initial stage of every infrastructural

project in Auckland, Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) must be undertaken with the

involvement of the Iwi. This process is vital in that any aspect of a development plan that

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contravenes the kaitiakatanga concepts are scrutinized and an appropriate solution is devised for

the sake of environmental protection.

4.2 Reason to engage Mana Whenua

i. To have a sufficient understanding of the history of the area

ii. To fully involve the community in the development project

iii. To avoid the possibility of litigations on contravention of communal laws

iv. To help in the completion of the Assessment of Environment Effect (AEE) for the

upgrade project

4.3 Proceed of Engagement

Involving the kaitiaki in the HVDC upgrade project proved beneficial in the completion

of the project. it brought an inept environment where stakeholders exchange ideas for the

betterment of the community and environment sustainability. Electricity generation and its

distribution have a differing impact on the environment, hence the sessions provided developers

with the perfect understanding of the kaitiaki history and connection with the proposals,

therefore, enhanced upgrade outcomes.

5.0 Conclusion
Early inhabitants of the developing city of Auckland depended on hydropower as the

main source of the electricity supply for domestic and economic operations. However, the Island

areas such as Benmore and Hayward were disadvantaged for a long time since there was no

established distribution system to connect them with power generated in the South Islands. In the

early 1960s Latta Bill, who at the time was the Chief Engineer at State Hydro-Electric

Department pioneered the construction of the HVDC submarine link project to connect the

isolated islands. Following the advanced technological innovations and campaigns on

environmental sustainability, the Department of Energy commissioned the infrastructural

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upgrade on the HVDC systems linking Benmore and Hayward Islands to improve power

reliability and efficiency in these regions. The project was a success since the contractor fully

engage and involve the Iwi of the kaitiaki community.

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 References
Cole, A. O., & McCallion, A. (2018). Community-based monitoring and the expression of

kaitiakitanga: similarities and differences. Korero Māori report, 13.

Inwumoh, J., Baguley, C., & Gunawardane, K. Intelligent Fault Localization for Meshed HVDC

Transmission Systems. In 2020 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference

(AUPEC) (pp. 1-6). IEEE.

Inwumoh, J., Gunawardane, K., & Baguley, C. (2021, May). Impact of Superconducting

Resistive-FCL on MMC-HVDC Fault. In 2021 IEEE 12th Energy Conversion Congress

& Exposition-Asia (ECCE-Asia) (pp. 1088-1092). IEEE.

Jackson, A. M., Mita, N., & Hakopa, H. (2017). Hui-te-ana-nui: Understanding kaitiakitanga in

our marine environment. The University of Otago.

Li, J., Yin, J., Guan, Y., Wang, Z., Niu, T., Zhen, H., ... & Guo, X. (2020). A Review on

Topology, Operating and Control Methods of HVDC Transmission System for Offshore

Wind Farms. In E3S Web of Conferences (Vol. 165, p. 06012). EDP Sciences.

Li, Z., Zhan, R., Li, Y., He, Y., Hou, J., Zhao, X., & Zhang, X. P. (2018). Recent developments

in HVDC transmission systems to support renewable energy integration. Global Energy

Interconnection, 1(5), 595-607.

McCallion, A., Cole, A. O., Hardy, D., & Patterson, M. G. (2018). Enhancing the expression of

kaitiakitanga with the aid of information technology and systems. Kōrero Māori

report, 12.

Stanojev, O., Garrison, J., Hedtke, S., Franck, C. M., & Demiray, T. (2019, June). Benefit

analysis of a hybrid HVAC/HVDC transmission line: a Swiss case study. In 2019 IEEE

Milan PowerTech (pp. 1-6). IEEE.

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Tailor, K., & Ukil, A. (2019, December). Fault detection and locating using electromagnetic time

reversal (EMTR) technique for HVDC transmission network. In 2019 IEEE PES Asia-

Pacific Power and Energy Engineering Conference (APPEEC) (pp. 1-5). IEEE.

Walker, E. T., Wehi, P. M., Nelson, N. J., Beggs, J. R., & Whaanga, H. (2019). Kaitiakitanga,

place and the urban restoration agenda. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 43(3), 1-8.

Webber-Dreadon, E. (2020). Theoretical research: Kaitiakitanga: A transformation of

supervision. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work, 32(3), 68-79.

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