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Consented wind farms

Once a developer has thoroughly investigated a potential wind farm site, they may apply for resource consent.

Not all projects with a consent will be built. Many consented projects are currently on hold as the developer waits for market conditions and demand for renewable electricity to increase to make the wind farm commercially viable.

As a wind farm consent ages, it may need to be varied to take advantage of advancements in wind turbine technology. For example, the consent build envelope may not provide for newer model turbines that are available and in this situation the consent holder would need to apply for a consent variation.  A consent variation would involve an assessment of the scale of effects limited to the change requested.

The Association notes that the rapid improvement in wind turbine technology, including the increase in wind turbine rotor diameter, has seen an increase in turbine annual energy production by over 50% since 2010. We consider that for a number of existing consents the wind farm owner would achieve an improved commercial return from a successful consent variation.

In addition, some consented wind farms will require a further consent to build transmission infrastructure to enable development.

The following table lists projects that developers have wind farm consents for but have not begun construction.

 

Site

 

Developer

 

Region

 Capa-city (MW) RMA Application publicly notified
Consent Expiry Date
Mahinerangi
(Stage 2)
 Mercury NZ  Clutha 160   November 2009  
Mt Cass  MainPower Hurunui up to 93    June 2008 2025 
Central Wind  Meridian Ruapehu & Rangatikei up to 130     July 2008 2020 
Puketoi  Mercury Tararua District up to 318    2012 May 2023 
Titiokura (Harapaki)  Meridian Hawke's Bay up to 60   April 2005 2023 
Castle Hill Genesis Energy Northern Wairarapa 860 August 2011 2023
Hurunui
Meridian Energy
Hurunui
up to 75.9
 November 2013
2023
Kaiwera Downs (Stage 2) 
Mercury NZ
Gore
up to 197
Not applicable
2024
Taumatatotara Ventus Waikato  up to 10.0   2024