New Zealand: Meridian switches on two new wind farms

Mill Creek has been generating since May, when Prime Minister John Key switched on the first turbine. Mt Mercer has been producing electricity since November last year.

Meridian’s Acting CEO Neal Barclay says it’s exciting for the company to have the two wind farms fully operational and connected to the grid. “A lot of hard work has gone into building both wind farms and it’s a proud day for Meridian and the teams who have worked on these projects.

Mt Mercer, near Ballarat in Victoria has a capacity of 131 MW, bringing Meridian’s total operating portfolio in Australia to 201 MW.

Mill Creek has a capacity of 60 MW, and will increase the amount of electricity Meridian produces using wind from 10 to 12 percent of the company’s total annual production in New Zealand. Mill Creek and the neighbouring West Wind wind farm will power roughly the equivalent of all the homes in Wellington and most of Lower Hutt.

Mt Mercer is the third wind farm project that Meridian has developed in Australia and complements its existing Mt Millar wind farm in South Australia.

“The Mt Mercer development also supports the entry of Powershop into the Australian retail market in Victoria,” says Neal. Powershop is a great opportunity for Victorians to support renewable energy and experience Powershop’s unique online offering. Mt Mercer is a demonstration of how the Renewable Energy Target supports investment, jobs, and lower electricity prices for consumers.”