Contact Energy Proposes 250-350MW Wind Farm in Southland Amid Opposition
Contact Energy plans to develop a 250MW to 350MW wind farm in Southland, expected to power 110,000 to 150,000 households. The project is undergoing a fast-track consenting process but faces opposition regarding its size, location, and claimed efficiency.
Contact submitted a 78-page document addressing concerns, emphasizing the need for increased wind power in New Zealand. If not approved, costs to consumers could rise by $1.2 billion to $2.6 billion, with emissions increasing by 0.6 to 1.5 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Contact warned that delays could lead to power outages and greater reliance on coal and gas, negatively impacting carbon emissions. The project is estimated to cost $1.1 billion and aims to break even quickly.
The Ministry for Energy projects peak demand in Otago/Southland will rise from 556MW to 900MW by 2038. The project has received government support, while the Department of Conservation is reviewing species surveys. A decision date from the hearings panel is pending.
