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- Release Date: 15/06/12 12:20
- Summary: GENERAL: MEL: Meridian to build Mill Creek wind farm
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MEL
15/06/2012 10:20
GENERAL
REL: 1020 HRS Meridian Energy Limited
GENERAL: MEL: Meridian to build Mill Creek wind farm
Meridian to build Mill Creek wind farm
For immediate release: Global Wind Day - Friday 15 June 2012
Meridian Energy will soon start to construct Mill Creek, a 26-turbine wind
farm north west of Wellington city.
Meridian Chief Executive Mark Binns says the time is right to build the
project. "We have a strong pipeline of development options in New Zealand.
Mill Creek will make a valuable contribution to our renewable generation
portfolio and is another example of renewable energy meeting the country's
future energy needs.
"At an estimated $169 million to construct and with an annual average
operating cost of $3.3 million, Mill Creek is a very strong commercial
proposition," says Mr Binns.
"We believe the combination of the wind farm's relatively small size,
location and compelling economics sets a benchmark for the industry."
Meridian's wind development team was able to take best advantage of a number
of external factors to advance the project, including the strong kiwi dollar,
an easing of steel prices and highly competitive turbine technology and
construction industries.
The Mill Creek site benefits from a world class wind resource, harnessing the
'roaring 40s' wind from the Cook Strait. The funneling effect of Cook Strait
means the site has strong and consistent wind speeds, making it an ideal
place for a wind farm.
"Mill Creek will earn its place alongside its neighbouring West Wind farm as
one of the most productive wind farms in the world," says Mr Binns.
"The project will extend the contribution of renewable energy from the city
to the wider Wellington region. Between West Wind and Mill Creek we will
produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 100,000 average New Zealand
homes.1
"Mill Creek will also make a contribution to the forecast 1.2% 2 per annum
growth in electricity demand over the next 10 years," adds Mr Binns.
Mill Creek wind farm will be located on privately-owned farms in Ohariu
Valley. The landowners selected Meridian to develop and operate the wind farm
due to its strong track record of developing and constructing renewable
projects.
Meridian applied for resource consents in 2009, which were granted by the
Wellington and Porirua City Councils and Wellington Regional Council in 2010.
The consents were appealed to the Environment Court in 2011 and gained
approval in August 2011.
Mill Creek will produce on average 235 GWh of power per annum, that's enough
electricity to power the equivalent of 30,000 average New Zealand homes each
year. Preparatory civil works will start in the next two months with full
power expected mid- 2014.
ENDS
For more information contact:
Michelle Brooker
External Communications
Meridian Energy
021 225 9624
End CA:00223893 For:MEL Type:GENERAL Time:2012-06-15 10:20:09
