New Zealand fast tracks geothermal, wind project

New Zealand environment minister Trevor Mallard announced plans to speed up the application process for two renewable energy projects in the country, a proposed 225 megawatt geothermal plant and a planned 102 MW wind farm.

"New Zealand's aspiration is to be carbon neutral. To help us get there, the Labour-led government has set targets to have 90 percent of our electricity generated from renewable sources by 2025 and therefore these proposals are of national significance," said Mallard.

The geothermal development is near Taupo and the wind farm is to be located in Hawke's Bay.

According to the minister's office, under section 141A of the Resource Management Act, the minister can call in a proposal and direct that the matter is referred to either a Board of Inquiry, or the Environment Court.

This means that the matter is decided by either of these two bodies instead of the relevant district, city or regional councils.

David Baldwin, CEO of Wellington, New Zealand-based Contact Energy, which is developing the geothermal project, welcomed the news.

"The government's intention to call in the resource consent application for this project under the RMA will streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays, increasing confidence that the plant could be generating electricity by 2011," he said.

The 34 turbine wind farm is being developed by Hastings, New Zealand's Unison Networks.

The two renewable energy projects are expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 235,000 homes.

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