Apr 1 2019
Vestas has signed an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with Mercury, an electricity generator and retailer based in New Zealand, for the 119 MW Turitea Wind Farm.
The new project will be the first wind asset of Mercury, on a global scale, supplementing a novel source of renewable generation to its existing geothermal and hydro renewable portfolio.
Located at Turitea, close to Palmerston North, the Turitea Wind Farm has state-of-the-art wind resources. In addition, its 33 Vestas V112-3.45 MW turbines have a hub height of 69 m and will be supplied in 3.6 MW Power Optimized Mode. This hub height was particularly designed for the site to boost the yearly energy production and supply one among the world’s largest generation outputs for each turbine.
New Zealand has outstanding wind resources, and we look forward to capturing some of this potential in the Turitea wind farm project. Mercury is 100 percent committed to renewable energy, and we share a vision of energy freedom with our customers, their communities and our country. We are proud to add another renewable resource to our portfolio through a contract that leverages Vestas’ global experience and wind turbine technology.
Fraser Whineray, Chief Executive, Mercury.
We are proud that Mercury has selected Vestas as its supplier for its first wind project, and we look forward to continuing this relationship as Mercury expands its portfolio. With our rich wind asset management experience, strong Palmerston North presence and the latest in turbine technology, we will capture the full potential of these wind resources, driving down the cost of energy and delivering commercial value for our customer.
Peter Cowling, Head, Vestas Australia and New Zealand.
Once the project is completed, Vestas will initiate a 25-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement, developed to boost energy production for the project’s lifetime. A yield-based availability guarantee will cover the turbines as well as the balance of plant assets, thereby allowing Vestas to provide long-term business case certainty to Mercury.
It has been planned to initiate the commissioning of operations at Turitea Wind Farm in the second half of 2020.