Meridian Energy and NEG Micon sign agreement

Meridian Energy and NEG Micon sign agreement for five-year wind programme

Meridian Energy’s trans-Tasman wind development programme has been greatly boosted this week with the signing of contracts with Danish turbine manufacturer NEG Micon.

Agreement has been reached between the companies, which covers up to 600 megawatts of wind for installation in Australasia over the next six years.

The first contracts are for NEG Micon to supply turbines for two sites: one north of the Manawatu Gorge (Te Apiti) and the other in South Australia (Wattle Point) on the Yorke Peninsula. The New Zealand site will have 55 NM72 turbines and the Australian order is for 50 NM82 turbines with an option for nine further units.

The two orders total almost NZ$300 million and will be delivered next year.

“The ability to do a deal for turbine supply to two sites has made a significant impact on wind farm viability in Australasia,” Meridian Chief Executive Keith Turner said.

Meridian Energy and NEG Micon have developed a close relationship over the past year and this has resulted in an innovative approach to the wind development programme.

“NEG Micon brings international expertise, manufacturing capability and on-site installation direction to our wind development programme on both sides of the Tasman. This, coupled with Meridian’s ability to offer suppliers projects of substantial size, has resulted in a significant commercial result for both companies.

“This agreement is very exciting for us as it places Meridian and NEG Micon at the forefront of wind development opportunities in Australasia and it demonstrates the value of working together with a top-performing supplier,” Dr Turner said.

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