Wind: Genesis Proposes Whopper Wind Farm At Castle Hill
August 3rd, 2010
Genesis Energy is to seek resource consents to instal up to 600MW of new wind capacity at its northern Wairarapa site, Castle Hill, an increase from previously announced plans of up to 400MW of new generation. The company has plans to instal up to 300MW of new wind capacity at unspecified sites by 2015. The Castle Hill project is one of the largest proposed in NZ, and compares with Meridian’s so far unsuccessful bid for a 630MW plant in the South Island’s Maniototo region, and Contact Energy’s stalled application for a 540MW wind farm north of Raglan, named Hauauru ma raki. The proposed Castle Hill site is 20km north-east of Masterton and 20km east of Eketahuna. Genesis has signed land use agreements with 27 owners of 30,000ha, with around 4,000ha suitable for wind farm development. The site lies across two district boundaries and two regional council boundaries, so consents will be required from Horizons Regional Council, Tararua District Council, the Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Masterton District Council.
Genesis CEO Albert Brantley says monitoring has confirmed an attractive wind prospect with a potential generating capacity of up to 600MW. The exact number of wind turbines, their precise location and size is yet to be determined, and construction would be likely to take years, and undertaken in stages. The resource consent application will contain details on the turbines, site layout, construction and operation activities and a complete assessment of environmental effects and is expected to be lodged before mid 2011 following consultation with the community. Open days with affected communities are now being scheduled.
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