Energy boost for Chatham Islands

Funded by a $10 million grant from the Climate Emergency Response Fund and a $500,000 grant from the Provincial Growth Fund, the project includes the installation of 3 refurbished wind turbines, a storage battery, and supporting electricity distribution infrastructure.

The new wind turbines will provide a more stable and reliable electricity supply and significantly lower electricity costs for households and businesses, with expected savings of around 40 cents per kilowatt per hour.

The project will also reduce diesel use by up to 68%, saving approximately $1.2 million annually, and will cut carbon emissions per person by more than half – from 3.34 tonnes to 1.37 tonnes per year.

Construction began in October 2023 and was completed over 24 months, overcoming significant logistical challenges including crane transport, foundation design without a concrete mixing facility, and tight shipping schedules.

Before the wind turbines came into operation electricity generation relied almost entirely on diesel shipped in by an ageing vessel prone to mechanical issues. This led to electricity costs around four times higher than the New Zealand average and left the small community vulnerable to supply disruptions.