A controversial $2 billion wind farm proposal for Central Otago has been abandoned.
Meridian Energy said on Thursday it was giving up the battle to seek a resource consent for Project Hayes, a 176-turbine, 633 megawatt farm it wanted to build on the Lammermoor Range in Central Otago.
The project, first announced in 2006, had resource consents granted in 2006 and 2007.
The Environment Court overturned the decision in 2009, but the High Court allowed Meridian's appeal against that decision in 2010 and referred it back to the Environment Court.
Meridian said the project was a high priority when the consent application was first lodged in 2006 but it dropped the project after reviewing its position with other portfolios of renewable development options.
"Our portfolio has developed considerably and our review showed us that other projects now are a higher commercial priority than Project Hayes," Meridian chief executive Mark Binns said.
Mr Binns said the decision was prudent commercially and avoided prolonged uncertainty about the project, but said it was disappointing for the company and all those who had an interest in it proceeding.
"Meridian has worked closely with landowners, the community and a range of stakeholders throughout the resource consent process.
"We value the relationships we have developed in Central Otago, and acknowledge and thank everyone who has been involved in the project."
The project was planned to be big enough to power every South Island home but residents wanted the tussock-clad ranges protected from 160m-tall turbines and 12m-wide access roads.
Among those to speak out against the project were former All Blacks front rower Anton Oliver, poet Brian Turner and artist Grahame Sydney.
NZN