Wellington, New Zealand [HydroWorld.com] New Zealand’s Meridian Energy has been granted resource consent for a hydropower project on the western coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
The hydro project proposal plans for the construction of a dam and power station on the Mokihinui River north of Westport.
The hydropower project would have a capacity between 65 and 85 megawatts. The dam would create a narrow, 14-kilometer-long lake.
The consent contains many conditions and is subject to appeal to the Environment Court, reports indicate.
Meridian said the $300 million hydro project would supply power for about 45,000 homes, local media reported.
Meridian, a state-owned electricity generator in New Zealand, generates power solely from renewable sources, including hydro and wind power.
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