Developing a Wind Farm

Wind generation is one of the cleanest ways to generate electricity

Manawa Energy is committed to building more renewable energy generation assets across Aotearoa New Zealand, and one of the areas we are focusing on developing is wind energy.

 

What is a wind farm?

 

A wind farm is a large collection of turbines that capture wind energy with their blades. When wind causes the blades to spin, an electrical generator within the turbine produces electricity which is then transferred into the national power grid, which distributes electricity to homes and businesses across Aotearoa New Zealand.

 

Why wind?

 

Aotearoa New Zealand is working towards the ambitious target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. To meet this goal, large parts of our economy and our everyday activities that use fossil fuels will be replaced with electric alternatives. This means we need more renewable electricity generation than ever before!

By harnessing the energy of the naturally occurring wind, wind farms are one of the cleanest ways to generate electricity, and is the lowest cost source of large-scale renewable energy.

Wind generation currently represents about 5% of Aotearoa New Zealand’s overall electricity generation, but in order to meet our goals for a thriving, low-emissions and climate-resilient future, we need to build more of it.

Key benefits include:

  • No greenhouse gases are emitted from the generation of electricity using wind

  • Clean generation means that emissions generated during a turbine’s manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning, are typically offset within the wind farm’s first year of operation

  • There are limited environmental impacts from the construction of a wind farm when compared with other forms of generation, such as hydro

 

What is the life span of a wind farm?

 

Well maintained wind farms have the capability to operate for 25 – 30 years before significant equipment overhaul or replacement is required. When it comes time to evaluate the wind farm’s future, a number of options will be investigated which can include replacing the turbines or equipment that is at the end of its useful life, or decommissioning the wind farm. It is likely that we will need to re-visit our operating consent at this time, which will provide opportunity for the local community to have their say on the future of the wind farm.

 

Building a Wind Farm

 

  • There are several stages when it comes to developing, building and operating a wind farm. Please see Building a Wind Farm Stage Guideline for more info.

 

Wind Farm Operations

 

  • The wind farm will be owned and operated by Manawa Energy, which means we will have a long-term presence and a strong interest in the local community around the wind farm.

  • Wind turbines do create some noise, which is described as a cyclic whoosing or swishing sound when in operation. Noise levels vary depending on the lay of the land, the location of the person hearing the sound, and the speed and direction of the wind.

    During the project development phase, comprehenstive noise studies will be undertaken to ensure that noise will not negatively impact on the local community. Our resource consent to operate the wind farm will have strict noise requirements for us to meet, and these will be regularly monitored to ensure we are complying with our consent conditions.

  • New Zealand television broadcasts operate on digital transmission signals, which are far less susceptible to interference from wind farms than old analogue signals.

    As some interference is possible in areas of low signal strength, we study the existing television and radio signal strength in the area before construction starts so that we can assess whether any later reception issues are being caused by the wind farm and work with people to resolve these.

  • Much of Aotearoa New Zealand is situated in the area of a westerly wind belt known as the ‘Roaring Forties’ so there is plenty of wind available to operate wind farms. If there is not enough wind, or the wind is too strong, the wind farm will not operate.

  • Wind farms use overhead transmission lines to transfer electricity from the on-site substation to the national grid. The size and design of the poles that support the lines will depend on the natural landscape topography and vegetation, size of the wind farm, voltage of the electricity being generated, and the distance from the wind farm to the national grid entry point. The route that the transmission lines take will be determined as part of the development phase of the project in consultation with landowners, with consideration given to potential environmental, safety and social impacts the route may have.

  • Transmission lines are usually located above ground due to the distance they cover. Underground lines are less cost effective, have a greater environmental impact due to the size and length of trenches required, and are difficult to service and maintain.

 

Wind Farm Decommissioning

 

  • When a wind farm reaches the end of its life (approx 25 – 30 years), the owner needs to decide on whether the farm will be decommissioned and the land returned to its previous use, or if it will be re-powered and equipment upgraded to continue electricity generation. The decision will be made by weighing up several factors and will require consultation with the local community.

  • The wind farm owner is responsible for decommissioning, and requirements for what needs to be done – such as reinstating the land – are agreed in contracts with landowners as part of the planning and development phase of the wind farm.

 

Communities

 

  • The planning, development and operation of wind farms can bring a number of benefits to local communities, including employment opportunities, boosts to the local economy, investment in community initiatives and assured income for landowners.

  • We are committed to meaningful engagement with the local community throughout all stages of the wind farm project’s life. We engage with local council, landowners, neighbours and local communities as early as possible in the project to make sure we are keeping people informed and involved in the planning and development from the start.

  • We will share progress and announcements about the wind farm project through a number of channels, including in-person meetings, email newsletter updates and social media. Landowners will and community leaders will have a dedicated contact person, who questions or concerns can be raised with directly.

    There are also a number of ways to contact us here.