Meridian Energy is disappointed consents for its proposed $2
billion Project Hayes wind farm have been declined by the
Environment Court, but has not yet decided whether to appeal
to the High Court, a spokesman says.
A decision on an appeal opposing the wind farm was issued to
parties involved in the Environment Court hearing yesterday.
It upheld the appeal and cancelled consents for the project
first issued in 2007 by the Otago Regional Council and
Central Otago District Council.
Meridian spokesman Alan Seay, of Wellington, said the company
was "obviously disappointed" about the decision and would
study the 350-page document in depth.
"It's a lengthy decision and it will require a bit of study
so we will assess it in detail and consider our response
after that," he said.
Mr Seay said Meridian was able to make an appeal to the High
Court, but only on points of law.
"It's a possibility, but I am not going to speculate what we
may do," he said.
Meridian would also consider implications the decision would
have on its portfolio of other proposed electricity
generation projects, he said.
"We will consider all implications of this decision, not just
for Project Hayes but for the rest of our development
portfolio.
We've got other wind-farm and hydro developments that we are
either seeking consents for or will be," Mr Seay said.
Meridian has spent about $8 million on its Project Hayes
plan. Costs include pre-feasibility planning, consent
applications, the appeal and land.
