The geologically dynamic and varied geography of New Zealand is home to a number of active power generation sources. New Zealand has emerged as a leader in the efficient use of renewable energy sources, from geothermal to wind and water power. This page breaks down the list of all power plants in New Zealand to help readers better understand how renewable energy is used and where it is used. Here, we’ll look at the several kinds of power plants that are now in operation in New Zealand, as well as their capacities, corresponding energy sources, and locations. We will also talk about New Zealand’s future use of renewable energy and how the construction of new power plants will impact the nation. New Zealand’s power plants continue to utilise a variety of renewable energy sources, including geothermal, hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy.
Here is a list of every wind energy facility in New Zealand.
List of all Wind Power Plants in New Zealand in table format
For the benefit of our readers, we have compiled a list of wind power plants in New Zealand in the table below:
| Powerplant Name | PowerPlant Capacity(MW) | Power Plant Location via to Latitude and Longitude | Fuel Type- Primary | Estimated Power Generation(GWH) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahinerangi | 36 | -45.7854, 169.9205 | Wind | 115.54 |
| Mill Creek | 59.8 | -41.2097, 174.7294 | Wind | N/A |
| Te Apiti | 90.75 | -40.2991, 175.8235 | Wind | 289.44 |
| Te Uku | 64.4 | -37.8806, 174.9763 | Wind | 244.53 |
| West Wind | 142.6 | -41.2335, 174.6971 | Wind | 547.9 |
| White Hill | 58 | -45.7353, 168.2384 | Wind | 197.64 |
Data sources: GEODB, CARMA, and WRI
Best Wind Power Plants in New Zealand in 2023
Below is information about the top wind farms in New Zealand:
Powerplant Hai Nui Reviews
A tiny nation in the Pacific Ocean called Hai Nui is at the forefront of finding new ways to use renewable energy. The nation’s 7 megawatt Hai Nui 7 power plant was just recently inaugurated on its soil. The power plant is situated in latitude -41.3617 and longitude 175.4851. The wind-powered facility started operating in 2021 and is expected to produce 12 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.
With projects like the Hai Nui 7 powerplant, Hai Nui is dedicated to making the switch from conventional energy sources to clean, renewable ones. The Hai Nui energy grid’s emissions can be reduced by this power plant alone, protecting the local ecosystem from the consequences of climate change. Furthermore, the abundance of wind energy in the area guarantees that the renewable energy produced will be as reliable and locally sourced as feasible.
Powerplant Mahinerangi Reviews
Mahinerangi Wind Farm is situated at latitude -45.7854 and longitude 169.9205, in New Zealand. This wind-powered power station started operating in March 2013 and has a 36 megawatt (MW) capacity. The plant generates 115.54 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity yearly, with an expected production of roughly 352,853 MWh.
The first industrial wind farm in New Zealand is called Mahinerangi. It is situated in South Otago in P roa, 30 kilometers west of Dunedin and south of Waihemo. The configuration of the wind farm, which consists of twelve 3 MW Nordex N80 turbines, was created to maximize airflow between the turbines. A North German wind turbine producer marketed their equipment for the first time in New Zealand with the Mahinerangi project. The indigenous M ori people of New Zealand, Ng i Tahu, are the owners of Mahinerangi.
Powerplant Mill Creek Reviews
A clean energy power plant called Mill Creek may be found in the nation at coordinates of Latitude -41.2097 and Longitude -174.7294. Mill Creek is a major fuel station that produces electricity from wind energy and has an estimated 59.8 MW capacity. The project is already finished and is anticipated to generate a sizable amount of electricity. In addition, it started running on the anticipated date of November 2020 and is projected to produce about 8400 kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
Modern technology and an astounding array of safety measures are included at the Mill Creek Power Plant to ensure its proper operation. The design was created to have the least amount of negative social and environmental effects. Additionally, the Mill Creek Power Plant has a special clause that allows for the development of a carbon offsetting program to assist lessen the adverse consequences of its carbon dioxide emissions.
Powerplant Te Apiti Reviews
Te Apiti in New Zealand is home to a 90.75MW wind power facility. The powerplant is located in Latitude -40.2991 and Longitude 175.8235, which are its exact coordinates. The expected annual output of this power plant, which was put into service in April 2018, is 289.44 million kWh. The most recent development in New Zealand’s renewable energy industry is the Te Apiti wind power station.
This wind power station is the outcome of a New Zealand government effort that attempts to move the country’s residents toward renewable energy. When it comes to energy production, occupational health and safety, and safety regulations, this wind power facility adheres to best practices. Local engineering company MMC served as the project’s Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.
Te Apiti Wind Farm is anticipated to remain in service for at least 25 years. It has a total capacity of 90.75 MW, which makes it able to produce a lot of green energy sustainably. In order to make the wind power plant safe and secure for workers, it is also fitted with a number of safety features. This significantly lessens the power plant’s negative environmental effects.
Powerplant Te Uku Reviews
Te Uku Wind Farm is an onshore wind power facility with an estimated capacity of 64.4 megawatts, and it is situated at -37.8806 latitude and 174.9763 longitude. It started operating in December 2015 and will likely produce 244.53 Gigawatt hours of power year. Contact Energy Limited owns 49 percent of the equity in the plant, and Te Uku Wind Farm Limited owns the remaining 51 percent.The facility, which uses air as its primary fuel and has 34 wind turbines scattered across 2,000 hectares, uses the wind’s kinetic energy to generate electricity. To connect to the nation’s main electricity system, this energy is transferred to the Wairakei substation.The third significant wind generating facility built in New Zealand, Te Uku Wind Farm, makes a significant contribution to the nation’s ambitions for renewable energy. By contributing to clean, renewable energy, it helps to lessen New Zealand’s dependency on coal and gas for energy production and lowers the country’s carbon dioxide emissions.
Powerplant West Wind Reviews
West Wind, a 142.6-megawatt wind farm, is situated at latitude -41.2335 and longitude 174.6971. The main source of electricity for the power plant is wind. It started operating in 547.9 and now provides local homes and businesses with electricity.
One of the most dependable energy sources is wind. As wind energy technology continues to advance, its utilization has been growing at an unprecedented rate recently. An outstanding illustration of the effectiveness of wind power is West Wind. With a capacity of 142.6 megawatts, the power plant can supply electricity to a sizable number of nearby residences and businesses.
The plant is situated in some of the windiest regions of New Zealand. The turbines’ thoughtful placement enhances the region’s wind resource and capacity to convert it to energy. The engineers of West Wind are always keeping an eye on the efficiency of the wind farms and making improvements. Because it is powered exclusively by wind energy and not by coal, natural gas, or gasoline, wind energy helps New Zealand lower its carbon footprint.
Powerplant White Hill Reviews
Newly installed in a remote area of northwest Country Name, White Hill is an ambitious new wind power facility. This energy source is meant to assist in meeting Country Name’s rising energy needs. It has a power plant capacity of 58 MW and an expected power generation of 197.64 MW. The actual location of the power plant is 45.7353 latitude and 168.2384 longitude. White Hill’s main source of energy is wind, and the power plant’s start date was listed as early as February 2020.
White Hill is special since it was the first wind farm to be put into operation in this part of Country Name. By increasing access to renewable energy, the investment in this energy source is anticipated to lessen dependency on fossil fuel power plant technologies. Additionally, the initiative is significantly boosting the number of jobs in the area. Country Name hopes to establish itself as a pioneer in the generation of green energy and the reduction of carbon emissions with the aid of this power station.
FAQ
Q. What is the total capacity of wind power plants in New Zealand?
A. As of right now, New Zealand has 918 MW of installed wind power capacity.
Q. What kind of electricity generation is used in wind power plants in New Zealand?
A. Renewable resources like wind energy are used to create electricity in wind power facilities in New Zealand.
Q. Which is the biggest wind power plant in New Zealand?
A. The Mt Millar Wind Farm, with a 108 MW installed capacity, is New Zealand’s largest wind energy facility.
Q. How many wind farms are operational in New Zealand?
A. 33 wind farms are now in use in New Zealand.
Q. Are there any new wind power projects under construction in New Zealand?
A number of fresh wind energy initiatives, like the Nga Awa Purua Wind Farm and the Hunter Downs Wind Farm, are now being built in New Zealand.
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Cory Combs is the Lead Writer and a key contributor at PowerPlantForum.com, a top resource for energy professionals and enthusiasts. With over a decade of experience in power plant operations and a degree in Electrical Engineering, Cory is a recognized authority in the field. His expertise in optimizing energy systems is informed by extensive hands-on experience and research. Follow Cory for the latest updates and expert insights on Instagram.