Harapaki Wind Farm in New Zealand starts full operation

This is the second largest wind farm in the country.

Meridian Energy Limited announced that its Harapaki Wind Farm has commenced full operation, providing power to around 70,000 households in New Zealand. 

In a statement, the company said the plant was delivered within a month of its original completion date and inside its $448m capital forecast.  

“We’re now right in the middle of winter and every bit of generation helps. Harapaki has been generating since last November and was around 90% capacity at 30 June, but reaching full capacity means this wind farm is doing everything it can to help maintain security of supply,” said Meridian General Manager Development Guy Waipara.

The Harapaki Wind Farm, located north of Napier on SH5 in the Maungaharuru Range, has a capacity of 176 megawatts and utilises Siemens Gamesa SWT-DD-120 turbines.

Meridian is targeting to deliver seven new renewable electricity projects in seven years. Harapaki is the first to be completed.