05 August 2004
Speed of establishing wind farms increases viability says EECA
The speed with which Meridian Energy’s Te Apiti Wind farm is being built shows wind energy is a quick solution for
energy generation, says Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Chief Executive, Heather Staley.
“Myths surrounding the viability of wind as a renewable energy source, suggest that one of the problems with building
wind farms is the length of time this takes. Te Apiti is now generating energy and it’s less than a year since the
process got underway.
Located in the Manawatu Gorge, Te Apiti opens today and takes wind generation in New Zealand to a new level.
“The Te Apiti wind farm will make a major contribution to energy supply. With more than 55 (1.65 MW) turbines, Te Apiti
will have the capacity to supply as many as 32,0000 homes depending on consumption and location. “Now people understand
the speed with which wind farms can be built, I am confident other communities around New Zealand will recognise the
potential of wind farms and consider this important source of renewable electricity. There is potential for wind to
supply half a million homes in New Zealand.” Ms Staley said research recently commissioned by EECA suggests 82% of New
Zealanders approve of wind energy, more than any other source of generation.
“The public perceive wind to be a viable source of energy generation. Not only did wind achieve the highest approval
ratings across the five electricity generation methods, wind power was also identified as the most preferred type.”
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is implementing the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Strategy which sets a target of 30 petajoules of additional energy from renewable sources - enough for around one
million homes - by 2012. For information on EECA or renewable energy visit www.eeca.govt.nz
ENDS