November 26, 2013
New Zealand

Planning permission sought for taller wind turbine in Brooklyn – up to 77m high

Wellington.Scoop | November 26, 2013 | wellington.scoop.co.nz

The Wellington City Council today called for public submissions on Meridian Energy’s plan to build a new, bigger, taller wind turbine in Brooklyn.

The proposal states that the replacement of the Brooklyn Wind Turbine will require the following activities:

The removal of the existing 45-metre high turbine and the construction of a new turbine with a height of up to 77 metres (from ground to blade tip)

Earthworks of 220m³ to create a foundation for the replacement turbine and cuts of up to 1 metre in height along the access road to the site to allow for transportation of turbine components

The continued use of the existing interpretive centre, carparking, vehicle manoeuvring area and automated gate

Replacement of the existing transformer, underground cables and overhead transmission lines.

The deadline for submissions is 14 January.

Wellington.Scoop – November 5
Meridian has applied for resource consent to build a bigger, taller wind turbine in Brooklyn. Due to increased maintenance activities and costs, and aging technology, the existing turbine is reaching the end of its life.

The company has advised Brooklyn residents that the replacement will be a fully supported, reliable turbine from which greater electricity generation can be achieved. The current turbine produces about 870MWh a year. The new one would generate around 3900MWh a year – enough to power around 490 average New Zealand homes.

The proposed turbine would be bigger than the existing one. The current turbine is 45m tall and Meridian is applying for resource consent for a replacement turbine of up to 77 metres. This increase takes in to account that modern turbines have generally increased in size and generation capability since the original Brooklyn wind turbine was introduced 20 years ago. West Wind turbines are 111 metres.

Meridian says it has been talking to the Brooklyn community and to stakeholders. It also held an Open Day and attended the Brooklyn Community Showcase, which attracted several hundred people.

It says it found that interest in the replacement wind turbine was high. Most people expressed support for a turbine to remain in Brooklyn, as they felt it was now an icon. Some people were concerned at the potential to remove the turbine altogether.

The next stage: the Wellington City Council will consider the application and is likely to call for submissions.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/11/26/planning-permission-sought-for-taller-wind-turbine-in-brooklyn-up-to-77m-high/