Transpower welcomes wind farm development

Transpower welcomes wind farm development

Transpower, the owner and operator of the national grid, is welcoming Meridian Energy’s announcement that it is intending to develop a significant wind farm in the Manawatu.

“Transpower is pleased to see a renewable energy project progressing to the stage of seeking resource consent,” said Transpower’s chief executive, Dr Ralph Craven.

Te Apiti would be the first wind farm to be directly connected to the national grid. “Transpower recognises that it plays an important role in supporting the development of renewable energy,” Dr Craven said. “Interconnection of renewable generation through the grid provides security benefits which cannot be realised by stand-alone projects.

“Renewable generation is by its very nature somewhat unpredictable, given its reliance on natural resources – in this case, wind. But as part of a diverse range of generation options, wind power can play an important role in New Zealand’s energy portfolio. Transpower is committed to working with Meridian Energy to find the most appropriate technical solutions.

“Transpower recognises that developing new generation sources is of vital national importance,” Dr Craven said.

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