Contact Energy buys into Kaihiku wind farm
Contact Energy is doubling down on its wind farm ambitions, after buying into a further large-scale project in the South.
In March, the energy giant suffered a setback in its goal of building a $1 billion, 300MW wind farm near Wyndham after a consent panel decided it could not go ahead due to environmental and other concerns.
Yesterday, Contact head of wind and solar business development Matthew Cleland said the firm was continuing to pursue that project, and had also acquired an interest in a second
Matthew Cleland. PHOTO: ODT FILES
planned southern wind farm, on Friday.
Mr Cleland said Contact had bought Manawa Energy, which is partnering with Pioneer Energy to build a 300MW wind farm at Kaihiku, near Clinton.
Each project would have capacity to power an estimated 135,000 to 150,000 homes if commissioned.
He said the purchase underlined Contact's commitment to renewable energy.
"Contact's acquisition of Manawa completed on Friday last week. The combination of Contact and Manawa is an important step forward in Aotearoa New Zealand's energy transition. It will enable a greater ability to invest in future renewable energy generation, enhance market security and ultimately contribute to reducing wholesale prices long term," Mr Cleland said.
The latest Pioneer/Manawa Kaihiku project report said Contact had acquired 100% of Manawa, making it a 50% partner with Pioneer in the project.
The acquisition was not expected to affect consents for the project, it said.
The Kaihiku wind farm had been accepted into the new fast-track consenting process, the report said.
Consultants had completed ecological surveys, including assessment of skinks, birds and bats.
Mr Cleland did not raise any concerns regarding potential consenting challenges at the Kaihiku project.
Contact continued to pursue consent for its Southland wind farm, he said.
"When our consent application was declined in March, we filed an appeal to the High Court. No date has been set for that hearing yet. We've also lodged a referral application under the government's new Fast-track Approvals Act 2025, and that application is being assessed."
richard.davison@odt.co.nz
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