Green light for another turbine project

Another wind farm will soon be seen from State Highway 1 near Ward after the Marlborough District Council approved resource consent for a second turbine project by Energy3.

Christchurch wind development company Energy3 and the Lulworth Family Trust applied for consent to build four turbines up to 47 metres high on the Lulworth family farm, 6.5 kilometres south of Ward. The consent application also includes excavation of 2600 cubic metres of dirt to widen the track up to the proposed turbines.

Following a hearing in early February, the council approved resource consent for the wind venture.

Lulworth Family Trust trustee Simon Henson and partner Shelley Beddingfield live on the 332-hectare sheep and beef farm.

Energy3 director and Awatere Valley vineyard owner Warren McNabb said he was "very pleased" with the council's decision, but expected it as the company had been mindful of the environmental impacts.

It will be the second site in Ward to house a wind farm. In June last year, resource consent was approved for Energy3 and farmers Carole and Nick Webby to build three turbines up to 75 metres high on the Webbys' Weld Cone farm, 3km southeast of Ward. Two of the three turbines are now fully operational and provide electricity to the Marlborough Lines Ward substation. The third is still waiting for its computer controller to be repaired, but should be running by next week.

Mr McNabb said the two turbines were producing about 10 per cent more energy than initially expected, but it was hard to estimate as they had only been working for a month.

The project will provide enough electricity to power nearly 500 homes, and is expected to be working by Christmas.

The wind, relatively easy access to the sites and close proximity to Marlborough Lines power lines meant Ward was an ideal site. "The wind has proved to be excellent – it's strong and consistent."

Another wind-related project in Marlborough was in the early planning stages for feasibility, while another project was being planned for Southland, he said.

Three parties have opposed the application: Marlborough Environment Centre, centre representative Steffan Browning and the Department of Conservation. They have 15 working days to appeal to the Environment Court if they choose to.

- The Marlborough Express

Newest First

Oldest First