Meridian brings live 131-MW Aussie wind farm

Dec 24, 2014 - New Zealand state-run utility Meridian Energy Ltd said yesterday it had completed its 131.2-MW Mt Mercer wind park in South Australia.

The AUD-250-million (USD 203m/EUR 166m) project was wrapped up on time and on budget, the developer noted. Local engineering and infrastructure group Downer EDI Ltd (ASX:DOW) was responsible for the construction works.

The wind complex, situated in the state of Victoria, comprises 64 turbines of 2.05 MW each, made by the German arm of India’s Suzlon Energy (BOM:532667). According to Meridian Energy’s estimates, the plant's output will be enough for about 80,000 homes and will help offset nearly 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year.

Meridian Energy explained that the Mt Mercer scheme was implemented under the country’s existing 2020 Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) that stands at 41,000 GWh. The developer called for support of the scheme and said it is “clearly achievable.” “Further benefits of lower energy prices, enhanced retail competition and regional jobs can be unlocked if the Government recommits to the LRET in its existing form,” Meridian Energy Australia’s CEO Ben Burge added.

Earlier this month the Clean Energy Council (CEC) warned that the continued uncertainty surrounding Australia’s RET may reduce the annual revenue for existing plants by up to AUD 500 million and lead to the default and collapse of businesses.

(AUD 1.0 = USD 0.811/EUR 0.665)

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