Hynds was engaged to support the infrastructure expansion of the Ngā Tamariki Geothermal Power Station, operated by Mercury Energy.
Located 17 km northeast of Taupo, this project involved the addition of a fifth generating unit, boosting the station’s renewable output by 46MW – enough to power approximately 55,000 additional households.
The expansion reflects a long-term commitment to sustainable, intergenerational energy solutions for mana whenua and all New Zealanders.
Challenges & Solutions
Initially, Mercury Energy requested products from our standard precast range, intending to carry out modifications onsite. This approach posed logistical and time constraints, as onsite alterations are often labour-intensive and less efficient.
To overcome this, Hynds mobilised our engineering and technical teams from to provide a tailored, cost-effective alternative. We proposed a bespoke solution using modified moulds – eliminating the need for onsite adjustments while maintaining high-quality standards.
Additionally, we introduced our Low Carbon Concrete range, aligning with Mercury’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. A certified low-carbon material option was supplied to further support their sustainability goals.
This project featured 13 distinct types of 1.5mW x1.7m H x 1.8m Long & 0.75mW x 0.70mH x 1.5m Long precast concrete channels, all crafted from our innovative low-carbon concrete range. Each bespoke channel was meticulously designed by our skilled technical design team to meet the specific needs of the site.
The project involved high-traffic areas with heavy crane movement, which was a key factor in the design process. Our team tailored the design to segregate these units from other areas, ensuring lighter traffic footprints meet to their specific design requirements and ultimately reducing costs for the client.
To further streamline the process, Hynds fabricated bends for quicker and easier installation, eliminating the need for in-situ work. This not only saved significant time on-site but also improved overall efficiency for the contractor.
The quality of both the products and the workmanship from our Pōkeno factory team was exceptional, with zero defects and all units delivered on time. The client couldn’t be more satisfied with the results.
Results
- Avoided 40.9 t CO2e emissions through the use of low-carbon concrete and efficient product design
- Achieved 15% overall project cost savings
- Length increased from 1.5m to 1.8m (~8%) for efficiency in production and installation
- Customised precast solution developed to meet client needs
- Enhanced trust and loyalty – client has named Hynds as their preferred supplier
“We were impressed by the tailored solution Hynds offered. The cost savings and smooth delivery exceeded our expectations – Hynds is now our go-to supplier.” – Mercury Energy Project Manager
Why Hynds
At Hynds, we combine deep technical expertise with a commitment to innovation and sustainability. The Ngā Tamariki project demonstrates our ability to deliver value-driven, future-focused infrastructure solutions that support both our clients’ needs and New Zealand’s renewable energy targets.
