Answer to power demand blowing in the wind

JULIA WADE

West Kaipara’s coastline could potentially be the site for a pod of giant towering wind turbines if a resource consent seeking to plant nearly 20 of the clean power-producing apparatus is approved.

Australian electricity-generation company Tilt Renewables is proposing to establish up to 19 turbines across a 315-hectare Omamari property, 10km north-west of Dargaville, which could provide enough renewable energy to power around 25,000 homes, Tilt’s project developer, Stephanie Cook says.

“The proposed Omamari Wind Farm will also contribute towards the decarbonisation of the country’s energy system to meet New Zealand’s climate change targets,” she says.

“Wind power is the lowest cost energy solution for New Zealand, and the Omamari Wind Farm would contribute towards Northland’s security of electricity supply and lower wholesale electricity prices.”

Located approximately 2-3km inland from the west coastline, the rotating three-bladed, 220m tall turbine towers will stand amid the rugged countryside between Babylon Coast and Maitahi Roads on land primarily used for pastoral farming and plantation forestry.

With a capability of producing an average annual generation of 230 GWhs (Gigawatt hours, a Gigawatt being a unit of energy representing one billion watt hours) the windfarm could potentially bring considerable economic benefits to the region.

“Studies show the wind farm could contribute nearly $19 million to the local economy, providing significant local employment opportunities with around 100 workers required during the construction phase,” Cook says.

“Also significant are the long-term opportunities during the 30-year-plus operating life of the project, and the contribution of nearly $1 million each year to the local economy.”

If consent is granted, Tilt states that once construction commences, around late 2021/early 2022, they will develop a community investment fund, Lend a Hand Foundation, ‘a community-led group, to support local initiatives, clubs, associations and needs in the region’, which will remain active for the life of the wind farm.

The publicly-notified section of the resource consent closed in May, with 16 submissions received showing a 50/50 support and opposition to the project. A hearing with Kaipara District councillor, Victoria del la Varis-Woodcock, Greg Hill and Sheena Te Pania assigned as commissioners, is scheduled for August/September.

A photo simulation of how Omamari Wind Farm could look from Babylon Coast Rd, north of Dargaville. IMAGE/SUPPLIED