The Nordex Group has received its first order from New Zealand. Mercury, one of New Zealand’s leading power generation and energy distribution companies, has ordered 40 N133/4.8 wind turbines with a total capacity of 192 MW for a wind farm in the Otago region on New Zealand’s South Island. In addition, Mercury and Nordex have signed a comprehensive 30-year service contract.
The contract marks Nordex’s entry into the New Zealand wind energy market.
The Puke Kapo Hau wind farm is situated in the eastern foothills of the Lammermoor Range in the Otago region on New Zealand’s South Island. With an average wind speed of more than 8 metres per second, the site offers excellent conditions for wind power generation. Installation of the first turbine on a 90-metre-high steel tubular tower is due to begin in early 2028; the first turbine is scheduled to come on stream in mid-2028.
Stew Hamilton, Chief Executive of Mercury, said: “Mercury is looking forward to working with Nordex on its first wind farm project in New Zealand. Mercury has delivered five of the six wind farms built in New Zealand over the past five years. In doing so, we have demonstrated our ability to deliver large-scale renewable energy projects safely, on time and within budget. Puke Kapo Hau marks the next phase in the expansion of our wind energy activities, and we are delighted to be working with Nordex to create new generation capacity for New Zealand. Nordex has had a strong presence in Australia for many years, and we are pleased to support the entry of a new wind energy technology provider into the New Zealand market.”
Alberto Perez, Managing Director Australia at the Nordex Group, said: “Entering the New Zealand market with Mercury as our first customer is an important step for the Nordex Group. New Zealand has excellent wind resources and ambitious plans for the expansion of renewable energy, making it a very attractive market for us. We are particularly pleased with the trust that Mercury has placed in our technology and our team for this significant project. By combining the N133/4.8 turbine technology with our long-term service offering, we aim to support Mercury throughout the entire lifecycle of the wind farm.”
Mercury has an extensive portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities in New Zealand. For Nordex, the project offers an ideal starting point for establishing a presence in New Zealand. In preparation for the project’s implementation and subsequent operation, Nordex plans to work closely with local companies and build up its own capabilities in the country. According to current plans, local service providers will be engaged for crane work, the installation of the turbines and the final commissioning work. This will enable Nordex to combine its international experience with wind turbines and projects with local expertise as it expands its activities in New Zealand.
