TrustPower plans to start construction on a new $13m hydro electricity generation scheme in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

Using special Pelton turbines designed specifically for use on high-head pressure, the scheme will deliver 3.8 MW of power for the equivalent of 1800 average households.

The scheme under the name Esk Hydro, will consist of two separate generating stations that lie on separate tributaries of the Esk River and will have an expected annual output of 15GWh, when commissioned in June 2013.

The project will directly support the company's retail business including those customers in Wairoa and Poverty Bay, reports scoop.co.nz.

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