4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Meridian Energy T T Karen Phelps Setting the pace in renewable energy Industrial • Commercial • Residential “Quality Solutions delivered on Time” INVERCARGILL QUEENSTOWN DUNEDIN CHRISTCHURCH In the race towards a sustainable future, Meridian is emerging as a frontrunner, aiming to reshape New Zealand’s energy landscape with a series of ambitious renewable energy projects. “By 2030 Meridian will see seven of its own major developments consented, construction underway and several generating electricity,” says Rebecca Knott, Meridian’s Head of Renewable Development. She says Meridian’s visionary approach aligns with Aotearoa’s long-term target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To contribute significantly to this goal, Aotearoa will need to invest around $30 billion in new renewable generation. Meridian’s deep pipeline of 4.7GW (11.1 TWh) of development options underscores its dedication to this cause. Of this capacity, 1.5GW is already secured, with 3.2GW in advanced prospects, spanning 2.4GW in solar, 2.1GW in wind, and 0.2GW in battery storage. The cornerstone of Meridian’s commitment to renewable energy is the $448 million Harapaki wind farm, currently under construction in Hawke’s Bay. Despite facing the challenges of Cyclone Gabrielle, the project remains on track, with the first power achieved in November 2023. Harapaki is set to become New Zealand’s second-largest wind farm, featuring 41 turbines generating 176 MW of renewable energy. The project is anticipated to power over 70,000 average households by 2024, contributing to the country’s clean energy objectives. As part of the Ruakākā Energy Park development near Whangārei, Meridian has initiated the construction of a grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). As part of the Energy Park, Meridian has also lodged consent for a grid-scale solar farm, reinforcing its commitment to a holistic renewable energy approach. The company has also submitted consent applications for the 300GWh Mt Munro wind farm in Wairarapa. The Mt Munro wind farm is poised to consist of up to 20 turbines, generating approximately 300 GWh of renewable energy annually, sufficient to power around 42,000 average homes. Another pivotal project for Meridian is the partnership with NZ Wind Farms to repower and extend the Te Rere Hau wind farm, located near Palmerston North on the Tararua Ranges. The project involves the design, construction, and operation of up to 39 new turbines, with a generation capacity of up to 170 MW. If successful, this initiative will mark New Zealand’s first wind farm repowering project, potentially generating seven times the annual renewable energy production of the existing fleet, says Rebecca. With a long-standing presence in the region, Meridian has owned and operated the Te Āpiti wind farm since 2004, contributing to New Zealand’s overall progress towards a greener energy grid. “Wind and solar are the cheapest and lowest footprint of energy we can build. The challenge is where you locate them and that’s a question people often ask us. “They need to be close to the transmission Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz Your Business, Your Industry, Your News. DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST? grid; otherwise, it’s too expensive to build the transmission lines, and the grid tends to be nearer to population centres.” Renewable energy derives from natural environmental resources such as wind, water, sun, and geothermal elements. For a source to be considered renewable, it must not deplete when utilized—essentially, it is self-sustaining and not prone to running out in the foreseeable future. Rebecca says that Meridian exclusively generates energy from 100% renewable sources, specifically harnessing the power of wind, water, and sun. “In New Zealand, our electricity grid is predominantly powered by renewable energy, with approximately 85% sourced from sustainable means. By way of comparison, our counterparts across the Tasman Sea have achieved a lower renewable energy generation rate, currently standing at around 30%,” says Rebecca. She says that in essence Meridian’s renewable energy projects play a critical part of moving Aotearoa towards a more sustainable energy future.
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