Fonterra + Transpower – Fonterra Edendale Electrode Boiler & Special Protection Scheme

Transpower, PowerNet and Fonterra collaborated on an innovative energy security solution at Fonterra’s Edendale site, enabling Fonterra to install and commission a new electrode boiler in a critically short timeframe. To overcome electricity infrastructure constraints, Transpower developed a novel, temporary automated Special Protection Scheme (SPS) to respond to possible grid instabilities. This approach utilised existing electrical infrastructure capacity in a repeatable process and deferred significant investment. The SPS enabled Fonterra to install its first 20MW electrode boiler, delivered by Windsor Energy, successfully mitigating plant risk and supporting decarbonisation for New Zealand.