Contact gets approval for $392M wind farm

Contact Energy has won its appeal to build a US$392 million wind farm near Dannevirke in a $147,000 legal battle.

After being denied consent by planning commissioners last year, the company significantly modified its proposal and took its fight to the Environment Court in October. The court has ruled in favour of the company building a wind farm on the Puketoi Range, southeast of Dannevirke, but has granted a lapse time of just five years – half that applied for.

Contact has been granted consent to build 58 turbines up to 125 metres high, or 52 turbines 150m high. The turbines would be the largest in New Zealand and the project would be capable of powering 70,000 homes.

The appeal was opposed by the Waitahora-Puketoi Guardians incorporated society and the owners of 10 properties close to the site.

Opponents were concerned about adverse effects on the landscape, potential contamination of underground waterways and the effect of traffic on farming operations during construction.