New Zealand Wind Energy Association

The Environment Court’s interim decision to approve TrustPower’s proposed Mahinerangi Wind Farm indicates growing recognition of wind energy’s benefits for the environment and energy security, says the New Zealand Wind Energy Association.

“The Environment Court’s decision further reinforces the significant benefits that wind energy has for New Zealand,” says NZWEA Chief Executive Fraser Clark.

“It’s pleasing to see the Court acknowledge that renewable electricity generation reduces the need for thermal generation and that arguments regarding lack of wind generation during times of peak demand miss the key point,” says Mr Clark. Wind energy provides diversity in New Zealand’s electricity system, and on a quarterly and annual basis it is much more consistent than hydro. As energy sources are managed over annual cycles, it is this long-term reliability that matters, not short-term fluctuations in generation.

Should Mahinerangi Wind Farm be built, it will contribute to meeting increasing electricity demand. Generation from Mahinerangi will provide greater choice for how and when hydro generation is used, for example utilising hydro generation to meet peak demand, or conserving stored water during dry years.

“The decision recognises that wind farms have visual effects, but that these effects are not necessarily significant,” says Mr Clark. “The decision clearly reflects that the proposed wind farm is appropriate in the rural landscape, and that its effects on the local environment can be managed.”

“Wind energy receives strong public support, and people recognise that it is making a positive contribution to New Zealand. The Mahinerangi decision brings us one step closer to growing wind energy’s contribution to New Zealand’s electricity supply and security of supply,” concludes Mr Clark.

Notes

1. For more information please contact: Sarah Vaughan, Communications Adviser, 04 4995047 or 027 212 2296, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
2. The New Zealand Wind Energy Association (NZWEA) is an industry association that works towards the development of wind as a reliable, sustainable, clean and commercially viable energy source. We aim to fairly represent wind energy to the public, government and the energy sector. Our members include about 80 companies involved in New Zealand’s wind energy sector, including electricity generators, wind farm developers, lines companies, turbine manufacturers, consulting firms, researchers and law firms. For more information visit www.windenergy.org.nz.