Edison’s Young Leaders network (known as the LEDs) swapped drawings and computer screens for turbines and generators during this year’s LEDs Grand Day Out.
The LEDs visited Mercury’s Karapiro Power Station first, followed by Genesis’ Huntly Power Station, gaining valuable first-hand insight into contrasting forms of generation.
At Karapiro, the group saw hydro generation in action and gained a behind-the-scenes view of infrastructure that plays a vital role in New Zealand's electricity system and has done on the Waikato River for nearly 80 years. Seeing the turbine and generator up close gave the team a better understanding of the generation assets that sit upstream of the networks they work with every day.
At Huntly, the focus shifted to one of New Zealand's most recognisable power stations and the role it continues to play in supporting electricity supply in Aotearoa. Touring the site gave the group valuable insights into the scale, complexity and asset management challenges involved in operating critical infrastructure. The visit also provided a rare opportunity to see one of New Zealand's long-serving generation assets up close and gain insight into the engineering expertise required to maintain its performance, reliability and safety.
“For many of us, the opportunity to get inside these facilities and speak directly with the engineers who operate them was invaluable. It gave us insights that are difficult to gain from a classroom, textbook or design office.” said LEDs Chair Oscar Kippenberger.
Alongside monthly speaker sessions, the Grand Day Out helps our young professionals expand their technical knowledge, build confidence and strengthen their professional networks.
