Awhitu Wind Farm

Awhitu Wind Farm
Location of Awhitu Wind Farm in New Zealand
Location near Waiuku, New Zealand
Coordinates 37°16′S 174°40′E / 37.267°S 174.667°E / -37.267; 174.667Coordinates: 37°16′S 174°40′E / 37.267°S 174.667°E / -37.267; 174.667
Status proposed
Owner(s) Trustpower
Power generation
Units operational 17
Nameplate capacity 15MW

The Awhitu Wind Farm is a renewable energy project in New Zealand planned by Trustpower. This development is proposed to be located on the Awhitu Peninsula near Waiuku on the west coast south of Auckland. As of October 2013, it was estimated that this project could come online in the 2016 to 2020 time frame.[1]

History

The project was initially developed by Genesis Energy with plans for up to 18 wind turbines with a capacity of up to 25 MW.[2] Maximum height to the tip of the blades was 90m.

In 2004, the wind farm received carbon credits from the New Zealand government,[3] under a scheme to promote renewable energy for electricity generation. However, local councils denied the application for resource consents. This project is notable in being one of the few power projects to be denied resource consents.

Genesis Energy appealed to the Environment Court, which, in 2005, granted the resource consents, overturning the decision of the local councils. This decision is considered to be important is setting a precedent in how the benefits of the use and development of renewable energy should be considered in an RMA context. For example, this was cited in the decision on the Makara Wind Farm in 2005.

Genesis subsequently sold development rights to a landowner, who approached Trustpower to progress the project.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Generation update – October 2013". Electricity Authority. 24 October 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
  2. ↑ "Awhitu". NZ Wind Energy Association. Archived from the original on 2012-10-26.
  3. ↑ Duynhoven, Harry (23 February 2004). "Extended wind farm wins carbon credits". NZ Government.
  4. ↑ White, Edward (18 June 2012). "TrustPower may build 15MW Awhitu wind farm this year". Energy News. External link in |publisher= (help)


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