Agreement reached for Awhitu Wind Farm

Agreement reached for Awhitu Wind Farm

The final legal barrier to building the Awhitu Wind Farm has now been removed following the withdrawal of an appeal to the High Court. Genesis Energy has reached agreement with the two community groups who had appealed the Environment Court decision to grant resource consents for the Awhitu Wind Farm.

As a result of the agreement, the Karioitahi Equestrian Environmental Protection Society Inc. (KEEPS) and the Waiuku Windfarm Information Group (WWIG) have withdrawn their High Court appeal enabling the wind farm project to proceed.

Genesis Energy Chief Executive Murray Jackson said he was extremely pleased that the groups had been able to work together to find common ground and reach an agreement.

“The initiatives and conditions of consent that we have agreed are in the long run good for the environment in the Karioitahi-Taurangaruru area of the Awhitu Peninsula. We look forward to working closely with the local community and making a positive difference to the local environment through the building of a new source of renewable energy in a region that is seeing a growth in demand for electricity,” he said.

As part of the agreement, Genesis Energy will establish a Community Trust, which will promote environmental enhancement in the Karioitahi-Taurangaruru area. The Trust similar to initiatives at other Genesis Energy power schemes, will be made up of representatives of the community and Genesis Energy. It will commence work once Genesis Energy proceeds with construction of the Awhitu Wind Farm.

Genesis Energy will not be pursuing costs against any parties.

The 18 turbine Awhitu Wind Farm is planned to be commissioned in November 2007. It will provide enough electricity to power approximately 7,500 homes.

ENDS

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