The New Zealander government has approved fast-tracking the 380 MW Southland wind project in eastern Southland (New Zealander Government press release, 02/04/2026). The project was submitted by Contact Energy in August 2025, and it consists of 55 wind turbines, each with an approximate capacity of 7 MW, to be installed across 58 km2 in eastern Southland, New Zealand. Construction is expected to start in August 2027, pending final investment decision (FID) in June 2027. According to the announcement, the project is expected to become the country’s largest wind project, aiming to unlock further investment and attract new industry to the region.
At the end of 2024, New Zealand had a total installed capacity of 10 GW, of which 11% came from wind (1.1 GW).
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