Meridian makes capital out of Wellington’s wind

Embargoed until: 2pm, Wednesday 29 April 2009

Meridian makes capital out of Wellington’s wind

The capital’s first wind farm goes ‘live’ today (Wednesday 29 April) when Prime Minister John Key switches on turbines at Meridian Energy’s Project West Wind, on farm land at Makara, west of Wellington.

“It’s a very proud day for us to be showcasing what will be one of the most productive wind farms in the world. West Wind is going to be a stellar performer as it harnesses the resource our capital city is famous for,” says Meridian Energy Chief Executive Tim Lusk.

“The predicted capacity will be double that of the world’s average wind farm, which highlights the outstanding wind characteristics of the site.

“Very few cities in the world have the opportunity to have a highly efficient source of renewable power so close to where it’s needed.” From today, West Wind will have the capacity to generate clean energy to power the equivalent of approximately 17,000 homes, as 15 turbines connect to the national grid.

When fully operational at the end of 2009, the 62-turbine development will have a capacity of 143 megawatts and will power the equivalent of 70,000 average New Zealand homes: that’s all the homes within the territorial boundaries of Wellington City.

“West Wind will make a significant contribution to securing electricity supply to the lower North Island – this is great for the capital and for the country,” said Tim Lusk.

The consent process started in May 2005, with construction getting under way in September 2007. The first turbines were installed in February this year.

“The project team had to overcome many challenges including the steep and rugged terrain, and difficult access to the site. To help resolve this, a temporary wharf has been built at nearby Oteranga Bay so the turbines could be transported by sea. Meridian has also had to create 33 kilometres of access roads on the 53 square kilometre site.

“The project has been of tremendous benefit to the local economy. For example, the civil engineering works involved in building the roads has required an investment of $100 million.

“I would like to acknowledge the competence and professionalism of our partners Siemens Wind Power and the many local contractors who helped ensure we reached today’s milestone,” says Tim Lusk.

“It is an exciting and significant occasion not just for Meridian Energy but for the Wellington region and the country.” Note to journalists: No private vehicles are allowed on site because the West Wind project is still a construction site. Journalists wanting to attend the First Power ceremony will be transported to the event from a collection point at the South Makara Rd entrance, which is two kilometres from the junction with Makara Rd, at 10.20am on Wednesday 29 April. Attendees must notify Meridian in advance of arriving at the ceremony. To register your attendance, please contact Claire Shaw, Meridian’s External Relations Manager, on 021 370 677 or Heather Church on 021 782 923.

About Meridian Energy Meridian is a 100 per cent renewables generator and nationwide retailer of electricity.

Meridian began in April 1999 (following the split of ECNZ into generating, transmission and retail components). As a State-Owned Enterprise it operates as a commercial entity in a de-regulated market. Meridian is ultimately owned by all New Zealanders.

Sustainability is at the core of Meridian’s business and it considers social, economic and environmental impacts when making decisions.

Meridian is New Zealand’s largest electricity generator and currently owns and operates nine hydro stations and two wind farms within New Zealand:

*Manapouri power station and eight hydro stations on the Waitaki River in the South Island

*Te Apiti wind farm near Palmerston North

*White Hill wind farm in Southland.

*West Wind near Wellington will be completed by December 2009.

Meridian puts significant investment into new renewable energy sources from Wellington’s first wind farm West Wind, through to our most southern wind farm Ross Island (Antarctica).

Meridian retails electricity to around 188,000 customers throughout New Zealand, which includes households, farms and businesses. It also provides electricity to Rio Tinto Alcan New Zealand Limited (formally Comalco New Zealand Limited) an aluminium smelter, in Bluff, which is New Zealand’s single largest electricity user.

Meridian is committed to improving the lives of New Zealanders through its investments in a number of business units and subsidiaries such as Arc Innovations, Right House, DamWatch Services, EFI and Whisper Tech.

Through its sponsorship and community funding, Meridian supports the development of projects and activities that provide real benefits to New Zealand. Meridian’s support varies widely, from local kids’ events to The Royal New Zealand Ballet, Project Crimson through to grassroots rugby.

Wellingtonians can also choose from a range of great offers when they switch their electricity to Meridian. See www.meridian.co.nz or call 0800 496 496 for more information.

ENDS

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