Waikato Offshore Wind Project
Port Waikato
Waikato Offshore Wind is an offshore wind project to be located off the coast of South Auckland and Waikato in the upper North Island of New Zealand, generating 810MW in Phase 1.
Phase 1 will utilise bottom-fixed offshore wind technology to provide new capacity to New Zealand’s electricity system - equivalent to powering over 400,000 homes in Phase 1. In Phase 2, floating technology will be deployed in deeper waters to add another 1,125MW of new generation capacity. With a world class wind resource, access to a skilled and experienced workforce and proximity to existing energy transmission infrastructure, Waikato Offshore Wind will help decarbonise the local industrial ecosystem, power New Zealand into a net zero future and support the growth of energy intensive industries in the South Auckland and Waikato regions.
Project location
The map below shows the proposed location of the Waikato Offshore Wind project which has been selected after extensive analysis by our team and consultants. The map also shows the potential onshore routes which would enable the project to be connected to Transpower’s transmission network.
In Phase 1, fifty-four bottom-fixed turbines will be installed to create 810MW of new power generation for the electricity system. In Phase 2, floating foundation technology will be deployed to the North of Phase 1 to add a further 1,125MW of new generation capacity to meet growing electricity demand in Aotearoa.
In order to help gain an understanding of what turbines may look like from various locations, we have prepared some early visualisations for Phase One. These visualisations are intended for indicative purposes only. The visual simulation is indicative of a project consisting of 54 turbines with a maximum height of 268m from sea surface to blade tip.
Click below to see what Phase One of the project may look like from shore.
Why South Auckland-Waikato?
The South Auckland-Waikato offshore area has an excellent offshore wind resource coupled with access to existing electricity transmission infrastructure and growing energy demand. Offshore wind in this region can support the transition away from high-emitting fuels like coal by for example, creating a green energy hub at Huntly power station and supply large energy users such as NZ Steel at Glenbrook and Fonterra with a new supply of renewable energy.
Waikato is a key energy producing region for Aotearoa and offshore wind can complement other natural resources including geothermal, hydro, solar and onshore wind across the region. Harnessing these natural resources can accelerate the diversification and decarbonisation of New Zealand’s energy supply, meet increased demands for electrification, improve security of supply and assist us in reaching our Net Zero targets.
Project timeline
We commenced work on the development of the Waikato Offshore Wind project in early 2021. Detailed site selection analysis has been completed by our local and global teams taking into a range of factors including offshore wind resources, bathymetry, cultural heritage, proximity to available transmission infrastructure and suitable ports and environmental factors and attributes. It is likely the site will sit outside the 12NM zone and the boundaries of the West Coast North Island Marine Mammal Sanctuary.
We are currently in the feasibility stage of development for the South Auckland-Waikato project. The development activities that are currently underway include:
Iwi partnership building
Coastal community and stakeholder engagement
Geospatial analysis
Wind resource assessment
Preliminary environmental assessment
Grid connection concept assessment with Transpower
Grid modelling study by third party expert consultants
Supply chain engagement and capacity building
Engagement of environmental specialists
Development of regulatory pathways and engagement with MBIE and other regulators
