Windfarm touted as winter power solution
A windfarm planned for North Canterbury will help avoid winter power shortages, a hearing has been told.
New Zealand Wind Energy Association chief executive Fraser Clark said MainPower’s proposed Mount Cass scheme would make an important contribution.
‘‘Ongoing issues have highlighted a need for investment in new electricity generation projects, especially in the South Island, and for diversification away from our reliance on hydro generation.
‘‘The use of wind energy enables water to be stored behind our hydro dams for future use.’’
MainPower proposes to build a windfarm on a ridge about 6km east of Waipara that will generate up to 69 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 24,000 average homes.
The Hurunui District Council resource consent hearing began last week before commissioners Paul Rogers, Dean Chrystal and Paul Thomas.
There were concerns a windfarm at Mount Cass would affect the unique ecological values of the limestone landscape.
Clark said any ecological impact needed careful consideration.
‘‘As with any form of development, and especially for energy development, some level of ecological impact from a windfarm project is typically unavoidable. Consideration must then be undertaken of the significance of these effects (and) the project’s benefits.’’
Paul Gorman
Energy Reporter
The Press
3 December 2008
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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