Public to be briefed on Otago windfarm plan

Meridian Energy will be holding public consultations with Otago communities next week over its plans to build one of the biggest wind farms in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Lammermoor Range windfarm may have up to 176 turbines, which could generate up to 630 megwatts -- enough to power every home in the South Island.

Project Hayes, named in honour of Otago wind power pioneer Ernest Hayes, is expected to cost between $1.1 and $2 billion, and will be built in stages as power demands increase.

Meridian Energy chief executive Dr Keith Turner told National Radio that the five private landowners involved were "supportive" of the project, and discussions were currently underway with all of them.

The company wanted to consult fully with the communities affected now and throughout the resource consent process for the project, he told the Otago Daily Times this week.

The project would conserve water in the hydro lakes, assist with security of power supply, and create "significant growth opportunities for businesses and employment" in the region.

- NZPA