As anticipated by many commentators, Contact Energy has announced that it is deferring work on the planned Hauauru ma raki (HMR) wind farm at Te Akau, North of Raglan Harbour.
Although Contact says that a decline in demand for electricity has put on hold plans to construct Waikato’s largest wind farm, commentators had earlier pointed out that Contact had other better options available for meeting increasing demand. The project has also not been included in Contact’s forward investment plans. Because of these factors it many always considered that it seemed likely that this project would proceed later rather than sooner if at all.
In May 2011 Contact Energy won consent to build the Hauauru ma raki (HMR) wind farm but yesterday said it could be years before development begins.
Contact spokeswoman Janet Carson said electricity demand had dampened over the past three years and the outlook for wind development was not economic. She said, “We are closely monitoring the external drivers that influence HMR’s economics so that we can proceed with the project when the economic outlook is more favourable.”