The hum of turbines a ghost in the air. Southdown Power Station. A behemoth now silent. Once a vital artery for Auckland’s energy.
Southdown Power Station was New Zealand’s northernmost power station exceeding 50 MW. For years it fueled the city. It was a joint venture between TransAlta and Mercury Energy. It used natural gas. Three LM6000 gas turbines roared. One steam turbine added to its power. This powerhouse churned out 170 MW.
Mighty River Power later took over. They added a third gas turbine in 2007. This one ran in open cycle mode. Southdown not only generated electricity. It provided steam too. Think of it 180 tonnes of steam per hour. This fed local industries at high pressure. The steam hissed and pulsed. A constant supply vital to the factories near the station.
Southdown’s strategic location was key. It provided voltage support to Auckland. It helped during dry periods when hydroelectric power struggled. The Waikato River’s eight stations faltered. Southdown stepped in. It helped meet peak demand. A reliable backup. Essential to Auckland’s lifeblood.
Yet progress marches on. In 2015 Southdown was decommissioned. Its role diminished. Renewable energy sources rose. Hydro and geothermal power became more prevalent. Southdown’s high running costs proved unsustainable. The decision was made. It closed its doors for good.
The giant now stands still. A monument to a time of different energy needs. A testament to Auckland’s industrial past. A reminder of the changing tides of energy production. Southdown Power Station. A silent giant. A piece of Auckland’s history.