Meridian has today officially lodged consent for its latest wind farm development in the Wairarapa.
The wind farm known as Mt Munro is located eight kilometres south of Eketahuna and will comprise of 20 turbines, generating up to 300GWh of energy annually, enough to power about 42,000 homes.
Meridian Head of Renewable Development, Rebecca Knott says, “Investment in renewable energy assets is critical to achieve Aotearoa’s climate change, social and economic goals. Wind farms like this one have an essential role to play in ensuring that we are able to decarbonise and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.”
The turbines would have a blade diameter of up to 136m and a maximum height above ground level of up to 160m and an approximate capacity of 4.5 MW each.
Up to 14 turbines would be evenly spaced along the site’s main ridgeline, with two further groups – each comprising up to three turbines – on lower hills to the northwest of the main ridge.
“As New Zealand’s largest renewable energy generator, we are committed to continuing to develop and invest in renewable energy. Mt Munro will be the seventh wind farm we have built in Aotearoa”, adds Knott.
The total area of the wind farm site would be around 900 ha/9sq km and access to the site for construction and operation is via Old Coach Road.
“The community will have an opportunity to make a submission on the proposal once the relevant consenting authorities advise when the submission process has opened”, says Knott.
For more information visit: https://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/power-stations/wind/mt-munro