Murihiku Southland Regional Energy Development Plan - Supporting the energy transition for the region
As a part of Murihiku Regeneration’s energy transition programme, we are pleased with the release of the Transpower and PowerNet discussion document around the development of a Murihiku-Southland Regional Development Plan.
“We are very pleased that Transpower, working with PowerNet, have kicked off this process. It speaks to the need for urgent action around the energy transition and decarbonisation.”
“They both spoke at our recent Energy and Innovation Wananga on 24 May, and have picked up on our comments for the need for infrastructure investment, based around a sensible plan that enables growth and economic and social development”, confirmed Terry Nicholas on the release of the initial discussion document.
Transpower has confirmed they have received 23 enquiries for new generation projects in the Southland and Southern Otago regions totalling over 4,400 MW recently. Almost 1,200MW has progressed beyond the enquiry stage. They have also received 18 enquiries for potential non-generation connections, such as load connections for new electrified process heat 10 of these are embedded within PowerNet’s network. This sort of interest requires coordination and alignment and good engagement with communities.
“We have been talking about the need to support new major energy projects that bring jobs, investment and create other opportunities for our communities. We will be taking this process seriously and support it as a part of our own programme of work.”
The process of creating a regional development plan links various businesses, community groups, iwi, local and central government to capitalise on the region’s abundant renewable energy resources, both to increase renewable generation and support the decarbonisation of existing industries, alongside supporting potential new growth.
For those interested in engaging here is a summary of the process.
Murihiku Regeneration wants to ensure that Transpower hears from the Murihiku-Southland community as its create its Regional Development Plan and will be supporting early discussions over the coming months.
We welcome your input to ensure that a wide view is considered. We have a workshop planned with them and key stakeholders on 17 August and we will update our comments after that meeting.
We encourage you to also reach out to Transpower at to register your interest in being part of these discussions, and to share this document with others you know who may have an interest. Fir those of you who wish for us to represent or consider your views and inputs, please contact us at or visit our website.
We also enclose the full discussion document release for you to download.
Key Contact Information:
• Transpower –
• Murihiku Regeneration –
Posted: 27 July 2023