Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm

The planned Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm is situated approximately 15 kilometres southeast of Gore on 2,568 ha of farmland.

TrustPower has a resource consent to install a maximum capacity of 240 MW generated by a maximum of 120 turbines. The turbines will be no higher than 145 metres. The resource consent was granted by the Gore District and Environment Southland in June 2008.

The final design of the wind farm is yet to be confirmed. TrustPower’s resource consent for the wind farm enables the company to best optimise the final design through the choice of turbine. For example, the wind farm could include 83 2 MW turbines or 80 3 MW turbines, with the choice made according to turbine availability, performance, and economics, prior to construction.

A short 4 km 220kv transmission line, constructed as part of the project, will allow connection to the existing North Makarewa to the Three Mile Hill National Grid Line.

TrustPower is currently awaiting favourable economic and other conditions before proceeding with development of the wind farm, including the resolution of issues regarding the imposition of HVDC transmission and upgrade charges upon new South Island generation projects.

Please click on the headings below for more information:

Kaiwera Downs Wind Farm – Detailed Overview

Resource Consent Application