Viability of wind farms

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

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