At least 20 renewable energy projects in pipeline

More than 20 renewable energy projects including solar and wind farms are to be included in Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Bill.

The 22 renewable energy projects across the country will collectively add up to 3GW of generation capacity, says Infrastructure minister Chris Bishop, adding that Auckland’s peak demand is about 2GW.

Bishop says the move is helping strengthen the electricity grid and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

“Each project will be reviewed by an expert panel, which will assess its environmental effects.

“The panels will contain expertise relevant to the project, environmental issues, and Treaty considerations. They will balance environmental protection with the need for growth, and if the environmental impacts are deemed excessive the panel can decline the project.”

The projects include Energy Farms’ Wellsford Solar Farm in Auckland (219ha), The Point Solar Farm in Canterbury (670ha), The Balmoral Station Solar Farm project in Canterbury, Genesis Energy’s Tekapo power scheme replacement resource consents, Lodestone Energy’s Haldon Station solar project (320ha), Tauhara North No.2 Trust Rotokawa Solar Farm in the Waikato, Harmony Energy’s Hinuera Solar Farm in the Waikato, Mercury’s Tararua Wind Power’s Waikokowai Wind Farm in the Waikato, Kaimai Wind Farm (24 turbines on 1304ha) in the Waikato, Mahinerangi Wind Farm in Otago, Lochindorb Wind and Kaihiku Wind Farm (2000ha, 10 properties) between Balclutha and Clinton in Otago, Manawa Energy’s Kaimai hydro-electric power scheme re-consenting in the Bay of Plenty, Transpower New Zealand’s high voltage direct current (HVDC) inter-island cable replacement and capacity project in Wellington, Mercury’s Tararua Wind Farm repowering project in the Manawatu (disestablishing 134 turbines and installing 43 new ones), Mercury’ Puketoi Wind Farm in the Manawatu (53 turbines near Pahiatua), SolarGen’s joint venture Foxton Solar Farm (400ha) in the Manawatu, Manawa Energy’s Huriwaka Wind Farm in the Manawatu, Harmony Energy’s Bunnythorpe Solar Farm in the Manawatu, Eastland Generation’s Waihi hydroelectric power scheme reconsenting, Westpower’s Waitaha hydro project on the West Coast (about 12,000 households), and Harmony Energy’s Huirangi Solar Farm in Taranaki.

Click here for the full list of projects.