New Zealand’s Expert Consenting Panel has declined Contact Energy’s consent application for its proposed 330 MW Southland Wind Project, located east of Wyndam in Southland (New Zealand).
Although the panel acknowledge the project’s potential to support the country’s goal to double its renewable energy production by 2050, it considered that the offered compensation for its impact on the area’s habitants and indigenous vegetation and fauna was insufficient. The project would include 55 turbines for a total capacity of 330 MW and a total investment ranging between NZD230m (US$133m) and NZ$280m (US$161m). The decision has a period of 15 working days to be appealed. Contact Energy plans to review the decision and assess its options regarding the project.
As of end-2023, wind power represented over 10% of New Zealand’s installed capacity with 1,059 MW and 7% of the power mix. The country targets 90% of renewables in the power mix in 2025 and plans to become carbon neutral by 2050.