Mercury NZ : First power produced at Turitea Wind Farm

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First power produced at Turitea Wind Farm

2 August 2021 - Mercury, together with contractors Vestas and Downer NZ, celebrated a key point of progress when power was generated by a turbine at the Turitea Wind Farm for the first time.

"This is the first turbine of the sixty to stand on this hill and generate renewable electricity for more New Zealand homes and businesses," said Chief Executive Vince Hawksworth.

"Renewable electricity is the key to unlocking New Zealand's decarbonisation ambitions. The construction of Turitea, and the pipeline of renewable generation to come is a billion dollar-plus commitment to our future by the renewable energy sector."

Mercury is set to significantly expand its wind portfolio when it acquires the New Zealand operations of Tilt Renewables (five New Zealand wind farms and a pipeline of consented and other development sites). The acquisition is expected to complete on 3 August 2021, subject to the final conditions of the Scheme being satisfied.

While wind generation may be variable hour to hour, on average it provides a reliable source of energy to support hydro storage. Mercury's Hydro System on the Waikato River can be managed to respond to fluctuations in wind output.

"Wind power is a natural fit with Mercury's renewable generation portfolio, increasing the efficiency of our portfolio to provide more sustainable, reliable electricity to New Zealanders," said Mr Hawksworth.

Since ground was broken at Turitea on the $464m project in October 2019 the majority of the turbines in the northern section have been installed, along with significant earthworks and roading. A dedicated substation (Turitea North) built on site went live last month. The 60 turbines across the full Turitea Wind Farm will generate up to 840GWh per annum (powering the equivalent of 375,000 electric vehicles).

"As the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor for Turitea Wind Farm, Vestas is proud to work with Mercury and our subcontractors. It has taken over two years of construction, planning and expertise by the contractors in a dynamic environment to energize this first turbine, and now congratulations are due to all the parties involved in the project", said Kenn Wood, Vestas Senior Project Manager.

"We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone for our customer. Our expert team on the ground, and our project partners, have navigated through some challenging terrain to lay the wind farm's foundations and roads, as well as constructing the transmission substation and associated circuits," said James Kafanelis, Downer NZ Executive General Manager - Utilities.

ENDS

Howard Thomas

General Counsel and Company Secretary

Mercury NZ Limited

ABOUT MERCURY NZ LIMITED

Mercury's mission is energy freedom. Our purpose is to inspire New Zealanders to enjoy energy in more wonderful ways and our goal is to be New Zealand's leading energy brand. We focus on our customers, our people, our partners and our country; maintain a long term view of sustainability; and promote wonderful choices. Mercury is energy made wonderful.

Visit us at: www.mercury.co.nz