Mercury’s Kaiwera Downs windfarm opens

Mercury has opened stage one of the Kaiwera Downs windfarm.

The 10 turbine 43MW wind farm will have147GWh annual generation, adding enough renewable energy to power more than 20,000 households or 66,000 EVs.

Project construction began October 2022 and has been completed under budget and to schedule, says Mercury which is now considering stage two as it nears a final investment decision and would bring capacity to 228MW.

“Kaiwera Downs Windfarm is part of Mercury’s premium renewable growth pipeline,” says Mercury portfolio general manager Phil Gibson.

“Building more renewables is one of the most meaningful ways Mercury can support New Zealand to meet its climate change goals,” he says.

“This milestone marks the completion of a great project in terms of safety, time, cost and quality – it’s been a great project for us and our partners.”.

Mercury expects to commit $1 billion in FY24 to renewable generation development to be constructed over the next three years, including the expansion of a fifth generating unit at its Ngā Tamariki geothermal station.

Gibson says delivery of this project is a result of the hard work by Mercury people and delivery partners, Vestas, Higgins, Electronet and Powernet and their contractors.

“Gore District Council and community, Transpower and the landowners have also been incredibly supportive and accommodating during the development and construction.”