The government of New Zealand is committed to sustainable energy generation and the country’s current energy mix is testimony to this. However, New Zealand must overcome the challenges of vast distances between where the power is produced and where it is actually needed as well as a mismatch between the timing of peak supply and peak demand. The Te Apita wind project is an important part of meeting these challenges.

At the moment, the energy mix in New Zealand is dominated by hydro generation, the majority of which is situated in the South Island and there is little storage capacity. Most of the load in New Zealand is based in the upper North Island, where it is most populated. Due to the variable availability of renewable energy sources, a set of flexible thermal plants is needed to assist in peak load management and contribute to meeting average demand. Currently, dual-fired gas and coal thermal plants provide the flexibility required for the variable inflows that are a fact of the New Zealand market.

Located in the Manawatu/Ruahine region, the Te Apiti wind project contributes to government strategy and reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources. By producing additional energy, the project lessens the need to burn gas or coal and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide, sulphur and nitrous oxide being released into the atmosphere. Apart from the obvious environmental advantages, the project also benefits the local economy during construction and operational phases.