Meridian to Contribute Additional Share to New Zealand's Renewable Energy Generation

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources (Perth, Australia)--Meridian Energy Limited (Wellington, New Zealand), the leading renewable energy generator in New Zealand, is seeking approvals and land-use consents for a 260-megawatt (MW) hydro plant on the Waitaki River in South Canterbury, New Zealand. The proposed hydro plant will consist of up to six hydro turbines, each with a maximum capacity of 65 MW.

The North Bank Hydro project has a total investment value of $520 million and, if approved, will be capable of producing power for 140,000 average New Zealand homes. This is a very adolescent project proposed in 2006. Meridian received water consents and environmental approvals in 2009 and is now seeking land-use consents from the authorities. This project required extensive feasibility and engineering studies, resulting in several changes to the original proposal to allow proper intake and outflow of the water to Waitaki River, 34 kilometers downstream close to Stonewall.

The project still needs to receive New Zealand board and state approvals before it can proceed. If granted with approvals, this project will be built using four to six Francis 65-MW hydro turbines to generate approximately 260 MW of electricity. Meridian Energy is currently conducting a market study and economic evaluation, and expects major development work to begin in 2014. Detailed design will be performed during 2014, providing a base to Meridian to request for funding with a forecasted approval by February 2016.

According to the original plan, Meridian is looking to kick off project construction by June 2016, allowing a two-year construction time for the project completion in 2018. When completed, this project would be a major contribution to the New Zealand government's aspiration to produce 90% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2025.

In addition, Meridian is awaiting approvals on a 35-MW hydro project at Lake Pukaki, Hurunui. If approved, Meridian will begin the project construction in October 2013.

Industrial Info is tracking several other hydro and windfarm projects proposed by Meridian Energy that are at different stages.

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