Transmission upgrade might not accommodate all wind farms

The variant nature of wind energy generation could be costly to power users, and it is possible a $100 million transmission upgrade will not accommodate all wind farms currently proposed, an Environment Court appeal hearing was told yesterday.Upland Landscape Protection Society counsel Nick Russell, of Wellington, told the Project Hayes hearing in Cromwell constant variations in wind energy generation would strain the national transmission grid, which would in turn cost system operators.Those costs would be handed down to power consumers, . . . Complete story »

TrustPower asked to look again at project

The Environment Court wants TrustPower to look again at its $400 million Mahinerangi wind farm project, saying it is not confident 100 turbines can be accommodated on the 1723ha site.In its interim decision released yesterday, the court rejected the appeal against the project by the Upland Landscape Protection Society but asked TrustPower to do more homework on how many turbines it needs and where they should go.However, the court said it accepted the wind farm would benefit the district, the . . . Complete story »

Project Hayes and global warming

Press Release: Roch SullivanMEDIA RELEASEProject Hayes And Global WarmingWhen the Environment Court reconvenes this month for Meridian's Project Hayes case, it will hear from leading international climate scientists whose evidence will challenge the credibility of the popular view that man made carbon dioxed causes dangerous global warming.Aucklander Roch Sullivan, who is calling the scientists to give evidence in support of his appeal, says that Meridian and Government rely heavily on the benefits of mitigating the effects of manmade global warming . . . Complete story »

National wind farm noise standard to be reviewed

National noise standards that govern wind farms are to be reviewed.Fraser Clark, chief executive of industry group the Wind Energy Association, said a committee of experts had been set up to review the 10-year-old NZS6808, which sets limits for all environmental noise.Members would include representatives from the health and environment ministries, local government, community boards and universities.Wind farm opponents complain that the noise standard is inadequate for measuring the types and levels of noise created . . . Complete story »

Against the wind

Wind power is the most environmentally sound way of meeting New Zealand's expanding energy needs. Right, says a Government struggling to meet its Kyoto commitments to reduce carbon emissions. Wrong, say opponents of the plan to build the southern hemisphere's largest wind farm in a remote corner of Central Otago.Snow flakes are swirling across the top of a hilltop plateau carpeted with snow and stumpy clumps of tussock. Facial muscles and fingers stiffen in the . . . Complete story »