Genesis Energy chief executive Murray Jackson yesterday said his company was considering the commissioners’ ruling and might appeal to the Environment Court or pursue other options.
“Genesis has a growth policy for its renewable generation portfolio, including wind, and the Awhitu Wind Farm proposal comprises 19 wind turbines that would generate enough electricity for approximately 8000 homes. Several years’ evaluation has shown the proposed wind farm site has a very good wind resource.”
The company’s application was supported by the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA), Environmental Defence Society, Ministry of Economic Development and the New Zealand Wind Energy Association.
As well, commissioners Alan Watson and Norman Thom found the effects of the West Coast wind farm on human health, public safety, property values, noise, traffic, erosion and site stability to be acceptable. They also found there would be many positive effects including meeting increased power demand and harnessing renewable energy.
However, they considered the potential effect of the wind farm on Maori values, horse activities and any visual impacts would make the proposal inappropriate, despite Genesis Energy proposing mitigation measures to address these potential effects.
