Tidal-turbine project generates a green light

Imran Ali | 22nd August 2008

Crest Energy has been given the green light for an ambitious tidal power station in Kaipara Harbour which will generate enough electricity for 250,000 homes.

A Northland Regional Council hearings committee released its decision yesterday, almost three months after considering 242 public submissions, almost evenly split between supporters and objectors.

The council's recommendation now goes to the Minister of Conservation for a final decision.

Crest Energy plans to spend $600million setting up underwater turbines in the harbour to generate 200 megawatts. Northland's maximum power use is 180MW.

Supporters said the project would use a naturally renewable resource, cut greenhouse gas emissions and make Northland's electricity supply more secure.

Opponents were worried about the turbines' effects on marine life and fishing.

In its decision, the committee granted 11 resource consents, subject to several conditions - including that the project is built in four stages to manage environmental effects.

The committee also recommended the Conservation Minister grant two extra consents, allowing Crest Energy to occupy the harbour seabed with 200 generating units and bury two 7km-long cables.

Committee chairwoman Lorraine Hill acknowledged some environmental effects were as yet unquantifiable. However, she said Crest Energy had proposed a staged, cautious approach so impacts would be minor.

"The hearing committee accepts that the proposal is appropriate because of the renewal and sustainable nature of power generation, its valuable contribution to the national and regional power supply," she said.