At a Glance
LOCATION:
Takaka/Cobb Rivers
Commissioned
1944
Max Capacity
32 MW
Annual output
192 GWh
Cobb Power Station was commissioned in 1944. Water is taken from the Cobb River, which runs from the Tasman Mountains into the Cobb Valley. The water is stored in the Cobb dam at 794 metres in altitude. Water then passes through a tunnel system and two steel penstocks, travelling 4 kilometres to the Power Station.
Electricity is generated from six single-runner Pelton turbines, four of which produce 3 MW and two of which produce 10 MW. Because of the 595 metre head (height difference) between stored water and the Power Station, 32 MW of power is generated from only 7.25 cubic metres a second, of water.
Environment and recreation
The dam is surrounded by magnificent tussock and beech forest. The area is popular for tramping, fishing and other outdoor recreation.
In 2004, Resource Consents were granted for a further 35 years, with expiry scheduled for 2039.
Cobb Lake level
Please click here to view Cobb Lake levels.
Cobb Power Station