Contact Energy has received the final decision from the Environment Court regarding the company's proposed Waitahora wind development in the Puketoi range, New Zealand. The decision grants all the consents and turbine locations sought by Contact Energy. The parties have been asked to prepare a final set of conditions for Court approval by 17 December.

Contact Managing Director, David Baldwin, said Contact's portfolio of development projects includes a range of renewable energy initiatives, which in addition to wind energy, includes geothermal and hydro development projects. 'Renewable energy developments will play a major role in the company's future growth, and we are pleased to have obtained consents for this project' he said.

The proposed Waitahora wind development project will be located upon the Puketoi Range, south-east of Dannevirke in Southern Hawke's Bay and will generate enough clean, renewable electricity to power up to 70,000 average homes; more than enough electricity to power every home in Napier, Hastings and Dannevirke. The wind resource on the Puketoi Range is world-class and the decision of the court confirms that the relatively remote site is ideal for a wind farm in nearly every respect.

Tags: Contact Energy