Decision recognises place for large wind farms

15 May 2007

Decision recognises place for large wind farms

An Environment Court decision in favour of Meridian’s West Wind Project near Makara in Wellington has demonstrated that large wind farms do have a place in New Zealand, the Wind Energy Association (NZWEA) chief executive Fraser Clark says.

The decision from the Environment Court today is a major step forward for wind energy generation in New Zealand, Mr Clark said.

“The fact that the Environment Court has found in favour in this case is recognition that projects of this size are appropriate in New Zealand,” Mr Clark said.

“This project has great potential to be amongst the world’s best performing wind farms. It is a good thing for New Zealand, and Wellington in particular, and recognises the excellent resource that we have here.”

The decision allows for construction of all but four of the 70 turbines planned by Meridian.

“It would have been great to get all of them, but the fact that the Court decision has identified the many benefits of the overall project clearly demonstrates that wind energy projects are being developed in an appropriate manner,” Mr Clark said.

The West Wind site is considered one of the best in the world for wind power and Meridian's plan could produce enough electricity for more than 100,000 homes.

Mr Clark said there was significant potential for New Zealand wind projects to help meet the Government’s objectives of sustainability and carbon neutrality.
Despite having a world class wind resource, currently less than 2% of New Zealand’s electricity is generated by wind. Meanwhile, globally wind generation capacity has been increasing by nearly 25% per year over the past 5 years.
Installed capacity of wind turbines in New Zealand has now reached 170 MW. A further 151 MW is currently being commissioned in Southland and the Manawatu, nearly doubling capacity to 321 MW – enough electricity to supply over 140,000 typical households.

ENDS

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