Genesis Energy’s Hau Nui Wind Farm is located in the hills south of Martinborough in the Wairarapa. Its location is ideal for a wind farm, as wind currents are funnelled and accelerated through the nearby Cook Strait and over the Rimutaka Range.
The wind farm’s 15 turbines have a combined capacity of 8.65 megawatts. They supply enough electricity into the local network to meet the annual needs of about 4,200 homes in the Martinborough area, and depending on demand and output, as far north as Greytown.
Hau Nui’s original seven Enercon E-40 wind turbines, installed in 1996, are third generation wind-energy technology. The additional eight turbines installed in December 2004 are the latest versions of this model.
Turbines
The E-40 is a variable-speed machine. The rotor, driven by three blades, is directly linked to the generator, allowing for rotation at speeds varying between 18 to 38 revolutions per minute. The gearless generators are designed with as few moving parts as possible and the absence of a gearbox means limited possibility of oil leakages and need for oil changes.
Each blade has its own electronic pitch control system, which automatically adjusts the angle of the blades to the wind to maintain a constant power output.
The turbines will generate electricity in wind speeds between 10 kilometres per hour (kph) and 120 kph. When wind speeds exceed 120 kph the turbines automatically shut down to avoid damage.
Visit
The wind farm is 20 kilometres from Martinborough and is signposted from there.
To find the wind farm, leave Martinborough's central square heading south west to Dyerville. Turn left about 1.5 kilometres from Martinborough. Follow White Rock Road for about 15 kilometres and then turn right into Range Road. Hau Nui is on your right several kilometres up this road. The viewing platform and information display are about 300 metres from the nearest turbine.
Key facts
Operator: Genesis energy
Wind farm installed capacity: 8.65 megawatts
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | |
| Year installed: | 1996 | 2004 |
| Number of turbines: | 7 | 8 |
| Turbine capacity: | 0.55 megawatts | 0.6 megawatts |
| Installed capacity: | 3.85 megawatts | 4.8 megawatts |
| Blade length: | 20 metres | 20 metres |
| Tower height: | 46 metres | 46 metres |
More information
- Genesis Energy website
Location
To see the wind turbines, change the view to satellite and zoom in.