Siemens and Meridian Energy have been chosen to supply 28 SWT-2.3-101 wind turbines for the Te Uku wind power project near Hamilton, New Zealand; the project could save 145,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
The wind farm is scheduled to be operational in 2011 and will have a 64 MW capacity, which is enough power to meet the needs of 30,000 households. It is estimated that the project will save approximately 145,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
According to Siemens, the New Zealand landscape is perfect for wind farms as it offers an abumdance of natural wind resources.
The Te Uku project will represent the first time Siemens SWT-2.3-101 wind turbines have been installed in the Asia-Pacific region.
Siemens will deliver and install the 28 SWT-2.3-101 wind turbines, with Meridian Energy and Siemens together singing a two-year service and maintenance contract for the project.
Siemens’ wind turbines have a diameter of 101 meters; the rotor of the new SWT-2.3-101 has a swept area of 8,000 square meters. The new turbine is based on the design of Siemens’ 2.3 MW family.