Bullendale

Bullendale is an abandoned mining settlement in Otago, New Zealand. It is the site of New Zealand's first industrial hydro-electric power plant. Located in rugged and remote countryside, it has survived to become of historical significance, and several archaeological surveys have been conducted there.cite web | title = Gold and electricity Archaeological survey of Bullendale, Otago | publisher = Department of Conservation | author = P.G. Petchey | date = 2006 | url = http://www.doc.govt.nz/upload/documents/science-and-technical/sap237c.pdf | accessdate = 2008-09-30]

Phoenix Mine, Battery and Power Plant

The 20 stamp battery was originally powered by a water turbine, however the lack of water during dry weather prompted the call for an electric generating plant. The battery was upgraded to 30 stamps in anticipation of the increased power supplied by the electric system.

Electricity generation began in 1886 with two dynamos, giving a maximum combined capacity of 50kW. This early system proved to have many problems, and the mines inspector is quoted as saying "very little is yet really known about electricity". At first, the dynamos were incapable of powering the full 30 stamps and the water turbine was still needed to run the battery at full capacity. The dynamos were upgraded the following year, replacing the cast-iron armatures with laminated iron ones, and by 1888 the electric plant was capable of powering the 30 stamps as well as an air compressor and a stone breaker. In 1896 a new water race was built, enabling the water to be used directly for power once again. The electric system continued to be used as auxiliary until about 1901 when the dynamos were used for the last time.

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