Business. Scoop » Meridian’s Waiinu Energy Park Referred For Fast-Track Consideration
Press Release – Meridian EnergyFast-track requires a lot of work to be done up front, so weve taken time to ensure the application is as detailed & well thought-out as possible”, says Meridian Chief. . .
Press Release – Meridian EnergyFast-track requires a lot of work to be done up front, so weve taken time to ensure the application is as detailed & well thought-out as possible”, says Meridian Chief Executive Mike Roan. Photo/Supplied23 June 2026Meridian Energy is pleased that its application for Waiinu Energy Park has been referred by the Minister for Infrastructure for consideration under the Fast-track consenting process. Waiinu Energy Park is a proposed wind farm, solar energy and battery development northwest of Whanganui. If approved, it will be one of New Zealand’s largest renewable energy developments, generating enough renewable energy to power up to 253,000 homes. “We know that New Zealanders want a strong, resilient and affordable electricity system, and projects like Waiinu will help deliver those outcomes” says Meridian Chief Executive Mike Roan. “Fast-track requires a lot of work to be done up front, so we’ve taken time to ensure the application is as detailed and well thought-out as possible, and that it picks up on feedback from iwi and hapū, and the local community. ”If the Waiinu substantive consent is approved and committed to, it will provide a boost for the local and regional economy by prioritising local employment before and during construction, through spending throughout the construction period, and it would create permanent roles at the completion of the project. Photo/SuppliedMike Roan says projects of this scale would be far less likely without strong, vertically integrated electricity companies. “Innovative, ambitious and large-scale developments like Waiinu are possible because of Meridian’s strong balance sheet. It’s through these sorts of investments that we’re delivering the new generation New Zealand needs to make power affordable. We are already seeing forward prices decline as new renewables replace the industry’s reliance on the country’s declining gas production, and that’s good news for consumers. ”Meridian plans to submit its substantive application later this year. Photo/SuppliedAbout Meridian EnergyMeridian Energy is New Zealand’s largest electricity generator, producing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources – hydro, wind and solar. Listed on the NZX (MEL) and ASX (MEZ), Meridian operates a portfolio of hydro stations and wind farms across Aotearoa, with further wind, solar and battery storage projects underway to support the country’s transition to a low-carbon future. For more information, visitwww. meridianenergy. co. nz. Content Sourced fromscoop. co. nzOriginal url