KEY POINTS:
Meridian Energy has become a partner in Waikato electricity distribution company WEL Networks' proposed $200 million 28-turbine wind park east of Raglan.
WEL has gained resource consent for the project on the Wharauroa Plateau, near Te Uku, 7km from Raglan on the west coast.
Three submitters have appealed the consent to the Environment Court, and WEL said it was now working through a mediation process with the appellants.
A court hearing was expected early next year if the appeals could not be settled.
WEL chief executive Julian Elder said that if the court signed off the project, Meridian and WEL would form an alliance. That would enable Meridian to build and operate the turbines, estimated to cost $160 million.
WEL would own and manage the electrical lines and sub-station within the wind park and the high-voltage line connecting the wind park to the national grid, costing $40 million.
Meridian would own the electricity generated by the turbines while WEL would generate new revenues from its electrical works.
Discussions had been held with several potential partners but Meridian had proved to be the best fit with WEL, Elder said.
Meridian's experience in negotiating for turbines on the international market meant the 28 turbines for Te Uku could easily be added into Meridian's supply contracts.
- NZPA
