Expansion of Kaiwera Downs Windfarm Good News for Murihiku
Mercury NZ Limited confirmed on Friday 7 June that it will be proceeding with the expansion its Kaiwera Downs wind farm near Gore, following a long-term agreement signed with New Zealand Aluminium Smelters last week.
We’re excited to start another project that will help Aotearoa New Zealand move to a lower-carbon future.
We’re committed to playing our part, and increasing New Zealand’s renewables is a key way we can contribute,” said Mercury’s Executive GM Portfolio, Phil Gibson.
Mr Gibson said a strategic high-quality pipeline positioned Mercury well to help lead the transition to more renewables.”
“ We want to congratulate Mercury for this important milestone.They have been keeping Hokonui Runanga and Murihiku Regeneration informed on their progress, and shown a willingness to collaborate,” says Terry Nicholas, Hokonui Rūnanga Upoko and Portfolio Director for Murihiku Regeneration.
Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm - Stage 1 Map - Posted by Mercury on Issuu on Sep 12, 2022
“ We have developed a green energy plan for the region, that is based around creating a regional (green) energy zone (REZ). The Kaiwera Downs Stage 2 project is an important part of that. It signals the need for good coordination, better planning and to ensure that new industries and infrastructure can be developed in our region.
He also adds that, “reliable green energy for the region will be increasingly important to create much needed future capacity for the region, to give certainty to new development projects, and create new jobs and future opportunities.”
On the subject of the Tiwai decision, “We have worked hard with and on behalf of Rio Tinto to ensure the Smelter stayed in the long term, and committed to cleaning up its spent cathode linings industrial waste (SCL). Also that it will now consider new decarbonisation opportunities.”
“Overall, we also see the need to create a lower cost of energy to all consumers, that is how Murihiku-Southland will prosper.”
Mercury and Hokonui/ Murihiku Regeneration will be meeting in July to discuss this project and other collaboration opportunities.
Key Project highlights
- Capital expenditure of $486 million for the project.
- Once completed, the 155 MW project (525 GWh pa) will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of ~73,000 homes per year.
- It will bring the total capacity of the Kaiwera Downs wind farm to 198 MW, the second largest in New Zealand.
- Construction is expected to start in June 2024 and reach full generation by the end of calendar year 2026.
For more information see the Otago Daily Times news story ‘Smelter reprieve triggers Gore wind farm expansion’
Posted: 10 June 2024