8 June 2007

Wind energy capacity up nine-fold under Labour

Prime Minister Helen Clark today officially opened Meridian Energy's White Hill Wind Farm near Mossburn in the South Island.

The 29 turbine, 58 Megawatt farm can generate enough power for 30,000 homes – the equivalent to supplying all the homes in the Southland District and Invercargill City Council area.

"This project, which has enjoyed strong community support, shows just what can be achieved using New Zealand's wind power resources and shows why renewable energy is so important in meeting our power needs in a sustainable way," Helen Clark said.

"The Labour-led Government recognises this and our energy policies have seen a rapid increase in renewable energy generation projects in recent years.

"When Labour came into government in 1999, there were only three wind energy projects running, with a total capacity of 35.8MW. Today, there is a total of 328.8MW either operational – or under construction – which is over nine times as much. Projects with another capacity of another 1660MW have been applied for or received resource consent.

"The draft New Zealand Energy Strategy, which has been out for consultation in recent months, sets out a vision of moving to 100 per cent renewable energy for baseload generation. Wind power has a big role to play in realising the vision," Helen Clark said.

"I congratulate Meridian for the tremendous leadership the company has displayed within the energy sector on promoting renewable sources of generation.

"It’s also encouraging to see other electricity generators – public and private – stepping back from earlier plans for projects fired by fossil fuels and instead looking to invest in renewables, including geothermal.

"This commitment to renewable energy is right in line with the Labour-led Government's aspirations for New Zealand, and we value the energy sector's contribution to making a sustainable future possible," Helen Clark said.

ENDS

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