Australian Treasurer, Wayne Swan, dropped in to meet Meridian Energy’s new Chief Executive Tim Lusk today.
The visit followed Mr Swan’s day of bilateral talks yesterday with New Zealand Finance Minister, Dr Michael Cullen, and the release of Australia’s Emissions Trading Scheme Green Paper.
Meridian also briefed the Treasurer on its involvement in a project that will see the largest wind farm in the southern hemisphere being built by Meridian and AGL.
The wind farm, located on a 5,500 hectare site in Victoria, is being jointly developed by Meridian in partnership with Australian energy company AGL and will make a significant contribution to reducing Victoria’s and Australia’s CO2 emissions.
The project, named Macarthur, has been permitted to generate up to 450 MWs
of new renewable electricity.
Meridian Energy CE Tim Lusk said this was an example of Meridian sharing its
expertise in world class wind development and working collaboratively with AGL to build a sustainable future.
“Meridian is building a strong reputation as a leading developer of wind
generation with our projects throughout New Zealand and in Australia
and Antarctica,” said Mr Lusk.
“On the Macarthur project, Meridian will be responsible for the design and
construction of the wind farm and AGL, Australia’s largest electricity
retailer, will take the power from the project. Each party will
own 50 per cent of the completed wind farm.”
For further enquiries call:
Claire Shaw
External Relations Advisor
Meridian Energy
021 370 677
claire.shaw@meridianenergy.co.nz