Contact Energy has gained approval to build a wind farm in Eastern Southland.
In a joint statement yesterday, Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop, Minister for Regional Development and Associate Minister for Energy Shane Jones and Minister for Energy Simon Watts announced the Slopedown wind farm near Wyndham had been given approval by a Fast Track panel.
The wind farm, which situated on hills about 30km southeast of Gore, would consist of 55 turbines and has the potential to generate up to 380MW and provide power for up to 150,000 households.
Mr Jones said the project would inject $13.5 million into the local economy and create up to 300 jobs during construction.
Once commissioned, it would employ about 10 to 14 full-time equivalent staff to operate the wind farm.
It was the country’s biggest wind farm.
Mr Jones said the real significance of this infrastructure lay in the ability to unlock further investment and attract new industry to the region.
‘‘The Fast Track process is about cutting through unnecessary delays to unlock the projects that matter. It gives regions the certainty and momentum they need to create jobs and drive long-term economic growth.”