Meridian Energy has announced the full operation of the Harapaki wind farm in New Zealand with a capacity of 176MW.

The wind farm in the Maungaharuru range in Hawke’s Bay will supply clean energy to 70,000 homes.

The Harapaki wind farm is situated 35km northwest of Napier and features 41 SWT-DD-120 turbines from Siemens Gamesa.

The company supports the country’s goal of transitioning to a net zero economy and aims to deliver seven new renewable electricity projects by 2031. Harapaki is the first to be finished.

The facility, the second-largest wind farm in New Zealand, became operational within a month of its scheduled completion date and was delivered within the $448m capital estimation.

Meridian Energy Development general manager Guy Waipara stated: “We’re now right in the middle of winter and every bit of generation helps.

“Harapaki has been generating since last November and was around 90% capacity at 30 June, but reaching full capacity means this wind farm is doing everything it can to help maintain security of supply.

“Harapaki shows we have the capability to deliver. We’ve got a world-class renewable construction team backed by a great group of contractors. What they’ve achieved in the face of Covid-19 and multiple weather events is truly outstanding.”

Meridian Energy announced its plan to build the 176MW wind farm in February 2021. Its construction phase created 260 jobs.

National grid operator Transpower agreed to supply, install, and commission a substation, along with a 220-kilovolt grid connection.