Wind Energy

Wind Power New Zealand: Siemens’ wind turbines for newest wind farm

Wind energy had grown over 25% a year over the last few years to supply about 5% of New Zealand’s electricity, and was likely to be supplying 20% by Y 2030, said Mr. Pyle.

Energy and Resources Minister Phil Heatley said the role of wind energy for electricity generation was steadily increasing.

“Unlike many countries, New Zealand’s wind energy does not require subsidies. It is one of the cheapest sources of generation for New Zealand to develop,” Mr. Heatley said in a statement.

“Renewables already play a significant role in our energy mix with 77% of New Zealand’s electricity coming from renewable sources last year. The government has a target of 90% by Y 2025.” About 2,400 megawatts of other wind farm projects were already approved, Mr. Heatley said.

Siemens will supply and erect the wind turbines for New Zealand’s newest wind farm, to be built for Meridian Energy Ltd at Mill Creek north of Wellington. The Mill Creek wind farm will comprise 26 2.3MW turbines able to provide the equivalent energy to power 30,000 average New Zealand households.

Paul Ravlich CEO of Siemens New Zealand says the Mill Creek site, located 10km north of West Wind, is an ideal location, utilising Wellington’s most famous natural resource – consistent and powerful winds that are widely regarded as some of the best conditions for energy generation in the world.

“Mill Creek will draw on exceptional wind speeds, similar to that experienced at West Wind which has a capacity factor of more than 46 per cent, well above the world’s average of 30 per cent,” said Mr Ravlich.

Wind power in New Zealand

1997: 4 MW
1998: 24 MW (+500 %)
1999: 35 MW (+45.9 %)
2000: 35 MW (- %)
2001: 35 MW (- %)
2002: 35 MW (- %)
2003: 36 MW (+2.9 %)
2004: 168 MW (+366.7 %)
2005: 168 MW (- %)
2006: 171 MW (+1.8 %)
2007: 322 MW (+88.4 %)
2008: 325 MW (+1 %)
2009: 497 MW (+53 %)
2010: 530 MW (+6.7 %)
2011: 622 MW (+17.4 %)

By José Santamarta, www.siemens.com