The Nordex Group has received its first order in New Zealand, with electricity generation and retail company Mercury ordering 40 N133/4.8 wind turbines with a combined capacity of 192 MW for the Puke Kapo Hau wind farm in Otago, on New Zealand’s South Island.
The order marks Nordex’s entry into the New Zealand wind energy market. The agreement also includes a 30-year service contract, covering the turbines over an extended operating period.
The New Zealand wind farm is located in the eastern foothills of the Lammermoor Range in the Otago region. With average wind speeds exceeding 8 metres per second, the site offers conditions for wind power generation. Installation of the first turbine, mounted on a 90-metre tubular steel tower, is scheduled to begin in early 2028, with commissioning of the first unit planned for mid-2028.
Nordex Supplies 40 Wind Turbines for Puke Kapo Hau
The order comprises 40 Nordex N133/4.8 turbines, providing a total installed capacity of 192 MW. The project represents the company’s first supply agreement in New Zealand and establishes a commercial relationship with Mercury, a major electricity generation and retail company in the country.
The accompanying 30-year service agreement forms a key part of the deal. Nordex will provide long-term service support for the turbines, while the agreement is intended to support Mercury throughout the wind farm’s operating lifecycle.
The Puke Kapo Hau development adds to Mercury’s wind energy activities and gives Nordex an entry point into a new national market. The company plans to combine its turbine technology and project experience with local expertise as it prepares for project execution and subsequent operations.
Installation Planned to Begin in Early 2028
The Puke Kapo Hau wind farm is planned for the eastern foothills of the Lammermoor Range in Otago. The site has average wind speeds of more than 8 metres per second, according to the project announcement.
Installation of the first turbine on a 90-metre tubular steel tower is scheduled to start in early 2028. Commissioning of the first unit is planned for mid-2028. The announcement does not specify a full wind farm completion date or provide a detailed schedule for installing the remaining turbines.
The project will require coordination across turbine installation, crane services and final run activities. Nordex plans to work with local companies in these areas as it prepares to deliver the project.
Mercury Expands Its Wind Energy Development
Mercury Chief Executive Officer Stew Hamilton said the company was pleased to work with Nordex on its first New Zealand wind farm development.
“Mercury has delivered five of the six wind farms constructed in New Zealand over the past five years, demonstrating our ability to execute major renewable energy projects safely, on time and on budget. Puke Kapo Hau marks the next phase of our wind energy development, and we’re pleased to be partnering with Nordex to help deliver new generation for New Zealand. Nordex has had a significant presence in Australia for many years, and we’re happy to support a new wind technology supplier into the New Zealand market.”
Mercury has an established renewable electricity generation portfolio in New Zealand. The Puke Kapo Hau project marks the next stage of its wind development programme and introduces Nordex as a new wind turbine supplier in the country’s market.
Nordex Plans to Build Local Project Capabilities
For Nordex, the Mercury order provides an opportunity to establish its presence in New Zealand. The company has operated in Australia for many years and plans to develop its local capabilities in preparation for project delivery and ongoing service operations.
Alberto Perez, Managing Director Australia of the Nordex Group, said entering the market with Mercury as its first customer was an important step for the company.
“Entering the New Zealand market with Mercury as our first customer represents an important step for the Nordex Group. New Zealand has excellent wind resources and ambitious renewable energy opportunities, making it a very attractive market for us. We are particularly pleased that Mercury has placed its confidence in our technology and our team for this significant project. With the combination of the N133/4.8 and our long-term service offering, we look forward to supporting Mercury over the full lifecycle of the wind farm.”
Nordex’s current plans include working with local contractors on crane services, turbine installation activities and final run activities. This approach is intended to combine the company’s international turbine and project experience with local expertise.
Long-Term Service Agreement Supports Project Operations
The 30-year service agreement extends the relationship beyond the initial turbine order and covers a substantial part of the wind farm’s operating lifecycle. The agreement accompanies the supply of the 40 turbines and forms part of the overall arrangement between Mercury and Nordex.
The 192 MW Puke Kapo Hau project establishes Nordex’s first position in New Zealand’s wind energy market. With initial turbine installation scheduled for early 2028 and commissioning of the first unit planned for mid-2028, the project will progress through preparation, installation and operational stages in the coming years.
For Mercury, the order supports its next wind farm development. For Nordex, the agreement creates an entry point into New Zealand while its plans for local contractor involvement help prepare the company for project execution and long-term service delivery.