Awhitu Wind Farm
| Awhitu Wind Farm | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country |
|
| Coordinates | 37°16′S 174°40′E / 37.27°S 174.67°E |
| Status | proposed |
| Owner | Genesis Energy |
The Awhitu Wind Farm is a renewable energy project in New Zealand planned by Genesis Energy. This development is proposed to be located on the Awhitu Peninsula near Waiuku on the west coast south of Auckland.
It is planned for up to 18 wind turbines with a capacity of up to 25 MW [1]. Maximum height to the tip of the blades is 90m.
In 2004, the wind farm received carbon credits from the New Zealand government[2], under a scheme to promote renewable energy for electricity generation. However, local councils denied the application for resource consents. This project is notable in being one of the few power projects to be denied resource consents.
Genesis Energy appealed to the Environment Court, which, in 2005, granted the resource consents, overturning the decision of the local councils. This decision is considered to be important is setting a precedent in how the benefits of the use and development of renewable energy should be considered in an RMA context. For example, this was cited in the decision on the Makara Wind Farm in 2005[3].
Currently, Genesis Energy considers the project is uneconomic[1], and has placed this project on hold until market conditions improve.