Meridian advances 172 MW wind farm repowering in New Zealand

Project will replace a 45.5 MW wind farm with up to 40 new turbines.

Meridian Energy has secured the final major resource consent needed to repower its 172 MW Te Rere Hau Wind Farm in Manawatū.

The consent, granted by Palmerston North City Council, allows the relocation of an Airways communication facility. Additional approvals are still required for minor road upgrades.

The Te Rere Hau Wind Farm, located on the Tararua Ranges near Palmerston North, currently operates 91 turbines with a combined capacity of 45.5 MW.

The repowering project will replace the existing facility with up to 40 new turbines capable of generating up to 172 MW, subject to final approval.

Meridian said the repowered wind farm is expected to generate seven times more annual energy than the existing facility, making it New Zealand's first wind farm repowering project.

The company expects to make a final investment decision in early 2027. Access road upgrades are already underway to speed up construction if the project proceeds.