West Wind

The West Wind wind farm is located at Terawhiti Station and Makara, west of Wellington, New Zealand.

It is the first wind farm for the capital city, and has a capacity of 143 MW. The project was approved by Wellington City Council in 2005 and construction began in September 2007, with completion in late 2009. The farm is operated by Meridian Energy, which is New Zealand's largest electricity generator and the country's largest renewable energy company.

The West Wind farm is situated on Terawhiti Ridge, which is a remote and rugged area that is only accessible by a winding road from Karori or Ohariu. The farm is located close to the shore of the Tasman Sea and is exposed to strong winds, which makes it an ideal location for a wind farm. The farm consists of 62 turbines, each with a height of 111 meters, and covers an area of 55 square kilometers.

The West Wind farm is a popular tourist attraction and visitors can take a guided tour of the farm to learn about the technology and the benefits of wind energy. The farm is also a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking, with several trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The farm is located in a rural area with sparse development, which makes it a peaceful and quiet place to visit.

The West Wind farm is a valuable addition to New Zealand's renewable energy portfolio, as it generates enough electricity to power around 70,000 homes. The farm is part of Meridian Energy's commitment to reducing New Zealand's carbon footprint and transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The West Wind farm is a testament to the power of wind energy and the potential for renewable energy to meet the world's growing energy needs.