Hearings began in Westport on Monday, 17 May about Solid Energy’s application for resource consent for a hydro-electricity generation system integrated into its Stockton Opencast Coal Mine in Buller. The scheme would produce 176GWh of renewable electricity a year, sufficient to power 22,000 homes and enabling the West Coast region to become a net exporter of electricity.
A local source of renewable electricity will enable Solid Energy and other businesses to invest with confidence on the West Coast and create long-term employment. The proposal fits neatly into the environment, reduces the likelihood of flooding in the Hector township and will further improve the water quality in the Ngakawau River above the improvements already coming from Solid Energy's extensive water quality programme at Stockton.
Evidence presented to the commissioners on behalf of Solid Energy is available on the consenting page.
