New Zealand Rejects Contact Energy’s Wind Farm Project Over Environmental Concerns
New Zealand’s regulatory authority disapproved Contact Energy’s application for its 330-megawatt, 55-turbine Southland Wind Farm Project. The independent Expert Consenting Panel that was working under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 rejected the project’s resource consent due to the project’s perceived environmental impact.
While recognizing the possible advantages of the wind farm such as assisting New Zealand’s ambition to double renewable electricity supply by 2050 and bringing up to 240 jobs, the panel was not convinced that the negative impacts on indigenous vegetation and the habitats of local animals could be adequately suffered. The Jedburgh Plateau, which contains substantial natural resources, would have been affected by the Southland Wind Farm project.
Contact Energy boss Mike Fuge said he was disappointed at the move, pointing to the economic benefits the project could have generated, estimated at NZ$230 million to NZ$280 million of domestic spend during construction. He also pointed out the setback of New Zealand’s decarbonisation objectives and the business’s goal to enhance electricity security.
The panel’s decision can be appealed to New Zealand’s High Court within 15 working days. Contact Energy will consider the decision and discuss possible next steps.
