Wind confirmed as preferred form of electricity

2 June 2005

Wind confirmed as preferred form of electricity generation

The New Zealand Wind Energy Association (NZWEA) today welcomed Meridian Energy’s announcement of a 210 MW wind farm in Wellington, saying it is further proof that wind is now New Zealand’s preferred form of electricity generation.

NZWEA Chief Executive James Glennie said West Wind provides yet more evidence that the wind industry is now a credible, substantive and competitive force amongst New Zealand’s various electricity generation options.

“West Wind alone will contribute more than two per cent of New Zealand’s annual electricity supply. This project, in conjunction with operational wind farms and those now under construction, will meet 4.5 per cent of our annual electricity demand,” Mr Glennie said.

A recent MED study stated that wind energy has the potential to deliver 20 per cent of New Zealand’s electricity needs.

Mr Glennie said that by generating electricity close to where it was needed it would be possible to avoid significant losses which occur during the transmission of electricity to Wellington from other parts of the country.

“The new wind farm will improve security of electricity supply, lower prices in the long-term and benefit the natural environment.

“By generating more of our electricity from the wind we can limit New Zealand’s dependence on hydro and thermal forms of generation. This means that we will be able to reduce dry year risk while at the same time decreasing our exposure to increasingly expensive and volatile hydrocarbon prices.

“This announcement is a win-win for electricity consumers across the country, with a significant added environmental bonus. As a country we need more sustainably generated electricity and this project is one of several wind energy developments that will deliver a significant portion of it,” said Mr Glennie.

There have been a number of public opinion polls conducted around New Zealand over the last year which have consistently shown strong public support for wind energy, both at a conceptual level and also for specific projects within communities.

In 2004 the wind industry was the fastest growing energy sector in New Zealand with growth of 360 per cent. Seventy MW of new capacity has been consented in the last six months and more than 450 MW, not including the West Wind project, is now in the consent process.

The NZWEA has more than 60 members including some of New Zealand’s largest electricity generators, retailers and distribution companies.

ENDS

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