Welcome for approval of the Mount Cass wind farm in Canterbury
The approval of resource consent for a wind farm in Canterbury has been welcomed by Eric Pyle, Chief Executive of the NZ
Wind Energy Association. “The approval of the Mount Cass wind farm by the Environment Court is a much needed boost for
the supply of electricity to northern South Island and the environment,” he says.
The responsible plans for development of the wind farm with conservation benefits by local electricity lines company
MainPower have also been supported by Mr Pyle. “The Environment Court has recognised that MainPower put a lot of effort
into improving biodiversity as part of the project plans.
“The Mount Cass wind farm will be a big win for the environment and the people of Canterbury. It proves that the wind
industry can deliver renewable energy together with conservation benefits and cheaper, more reliable electricity.”
The proposed Mount Cass wind farm is 5.5km from Waipara in north Canterbury. It would form part of MainPower’s
electricity supply to North Canterbury and Kaikoura. “It is the first major wind farm in this area to achieve resource
consent and an important source of clean energy for local homes and businesses,” said Eric Pyle.
“It is too early to say when construction might go ahead, but MainPower can now look closely at their plans and review
the best choice of current models to generate cost effective electricity,” says Eric Pyle. “We welcome the addition of
Mount Cass to the list of available wind farm sites around New Zealand.”
Background
Resource consent allows MainPower to choose the final wind turbines to be used, allowing for 26 to 67 turbines depending
on the size chosen. The electricity lines company applied to Hurunui District Council for resource consent in 2007 and
the decision was subsequently appealed to the Environment Court MainPower significantly redesigned the proposal through
a process of Environment Court sponsored mediation, which was then taken to a hearing in August 2011.
There will be a net gain in biodiversity if the project goes ahead. As part of the project, MainPower will protect 127
Hectares of predominantly native shrubland and forest in a limestone based ecosystem. The Environment Court decision
recognises that there may be an increase in native bird populations as a result.
The plan for the Mount Cass wind farm, approved by the Environment Court this week, includes three alternative turbine
layouts depending on the final model chosen;
• 67 turbines of 500kW capacity each, total capacity 33.5MW
• 40 turbines 1MW capacity each, total capacity 40MW
• 26 turbines 3MW capacity each, total capacity 78MW
Wind generated electricity is now very cost effective and costs are continuing to improve. Wind generated electricity
also tends to reduce electricity prices in New Zealand as it operates without subsidy and with low operating costs
displaces more expensive electricity from the wholesale market.
The wind farm would link in to the electricity network near Waipara.
The consent has a time limit of 8 years, within which construction must be started. Before construction can commence,
MainPower will monitor hydrology and bird populations for 2 years.
Wind farms already generate over 4% of New Zealand’s electricity. The Mount Cass wind farm would produce approximately
½% of New Zealand’s electricity, 40% of North Canterbury’s electricity needs.
NZ Wind Energy Association is an industry body that supports the continuing 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
ENDS