Being globally recognised as one of the most sustainable forms of electricity generation and with New Zealand topography lending itself to the generation of considerable amounts of wind, windfarm development across Aotearoa continues to advance with another large development now underway. However windfarm locations are not always conveniently placed near the infrastructure required for their construction, which is where Firth comes in, having extensive experience in supplying concrete to some of the remotest and most rugged parts of New Zealand.
Following on from the successful completion in 2021 of the Waipipi Wind Farm in Taranaki that Firth worked on with Higgins for Mercury Energy, our team has once again been asked to supply concrete to Mercury’s newest project, stage one of a windfarm at Kaiwera Downs, being built 15km southeast of Gore in the South Island.
“Stage one of the windfarm consists of 10 x 4.3MW Vestas wind turbines which are being built with the associated infrastructure, including a transmission line, for Mercury Energy by Higgins Construction,” says Dominic Sutton, Head of Southern for Firth. “We have installed a temporary plant at Kaiwera Downs which was used at the Waipipi Windfarm in Taranaki. We are expecting to supply approximately 4,000m3 in total for stage one with the first pours planned for the beginning of March.”
“We do have a couple of mobile plants that can be positioned around the country if required for projects such as this,” says Dom. “We have been supplying windfarm projects for many years and understand what is required. Higgins of course has extensive experience in wind farm development.”
Higgins Project Manager Douglas Hall says Higgins is delighted to be working with Mercury on its Kaiwera Downs project and supporting its commitment to building more renewable generation. “Kaiwera Downs will be the sixth wind farm project undertaken by Higgins who has been involved in the construction of 50% of New Zealand’s total 1045MW of wind energy production.”
As lead contractor Higgins will be supported by the Fletcher family of brands including Brian Perry Civil for site work and ground improvements and of course Firth who will provide the concrete. “Our businesses know each other well having worked on many projects together, not just windfarms,” says Douglas. “We have every confidence in Firth’s experience and capabilities.”
Stage one of Kaiwera Downs wind farm will be operational by the end of 2023. Stage two will consist of a further 50 turbines with project commencement planned at this stage for 2024.
The Waipipi Wind Farm produces enough clean energy each year to power about 65,000 homes and save the emission of roughly 250,000 tonnes of carbon!
Kaiwera Downs (stage one) will consist of 10 wind turbines that will generate a combined average of 148 GWh in renewable power each year - enough to power more than 20,000 homes or 66,000 electric vehicles!
Principal: Mercury Energy
Main Contractor: Higgins Construction
Location: 15kms east of Gore in Southland
Product: Firth Certified Concrete