The new Meridian Energy 26-turbine wind farm Mill Creek, near Wellington, will increase New Zealand’s wind generation by 10 percent.
This farm will help achieve New Zealand its target of 90 percent renewable electricity generation by 2025.
Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) reports an impressive 79 percent of electricity in New Zealand was generated from renewable sources through March 2014.
Work on the project began in late 2012. A total of 18km of road was laid on the site. The wind farm is an innovative and sustainable way to support the viability of beef and sheep farms owned by local farmers.
Wind patterns at Mill Creek means twice the amount of energy produced out of the turbines compared to the average global wind farm, said, Neal Barclay, general manager markets and production, Meridian.
The project is expected to commence full operation by late September. The farm generates 59.8MW of electricity enough to power around 30,000 New Zealand homes.
In addition, Mill Creek illustrates Meridian’s commitment to renewable generation and supports the view that wind energy is the leading technology in New Zealand’s renewable future, added Barclay.