NZWEA Media Release
15 August 2012
Wind energy powering ahead with Mill Creek
The New Zealand Wind Energy Association today congratulates Meridian Energy on turning the first sod at Mill Creek wind
farm, near Wellington.
“Construction of Mill Creek is an important step towards New Zealand’s renewable energy future,” says NZWEA chief
executive Eric Pyle. “Wind will be a key part of a safe and secure electricity system, generating at least 20% of New
Zealand’s electricity by 2030, up from 5% of generation today.
“Projects such as Mill Creek will provide cost-competitive generation as older thermal plants are phased out of the
electricity market,” notes Mr Pyle.
“The technology for harnessing wind has advanced significantly in recent times, with capacity factors increasing
alongside efficiency and reliability. This all combines with our tremendous wind resource to make wind energy one of the
lowest cost options for new generation in New Zealand.”
Once Mill Creek is complete, New Zealand’s installed wind capacity will increase from 623MW to 683MW.
ENDS