New Zealand utility Meridian Energy has confirmed it is withdrawing its applications for the proposed Amuri hydro project on the Amuri Plains reach of the Waiau River.
Ngai Tahu Property and Meridian applied for resource consents for a proposed hydro power scheme on the Amuri Plains in October 2011. When applications were lodged Environment Canterbury (ECan) put the applications on hold until the Regional Plan was finalised.
"Meridian and Ngai Tahu Property’s decision to withdraw from the project was made after carefully considering the demand outlook, the need to invest in new projects and the commercial attractiveness of projects Meridian already holds consents for," said Chris More, Renewable Options Manager at Meridian. "Rather than keep the community wondering if we’ll develop the project Meridian, together with Ngai Tahu Property, has decided to withdraw its consent applications for Amuri."
The Amuri hydro scheme proposed to take water from around the Leslie Hills Road Bridge area by a canal. The water would then pass through the power scheme before being returned to the Waiau River up to 29km downstream, below the Waiau Bridge.
Meridian has also been working with Ngai Tahu Property to assess the Balmoral project, a hydro option on land owned by Ngai Tahu Property on the Hurunui river. An application for resource consents was made in January 2013. Ngai Tahu Property will continue to pursue this project independently.
