Vestas lands turbine order for landmark wind and green hydrogen refuelling network in New Zealand

A landmark renewable energy and green hydrogen project in New Zealand has reached financial close and placed an order for four 6.4-megawatt (MW) wind turbines from Danish wind energy manufacturer Vestas.

New Zealand-based Hiringa Energy says it has reached financial close on the Kapuni green hydrogen project, which it says is the first project in New Zealand to integrate wind, industrial renewable electricity supply, and green hydrogen production at scale.

The Kapuni project will consist of a 25.6 MW wind farm capable of generating approximately 100-gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year and a 5 MW capacity hydrogen electrolyser, which will be integrated with a nearby nitrogen fertiliser production facility and produce up to two tonnes of green hydrogen per day.

The green hydrogen will support Hiringa Energy’s national green hydrogen refuelling network, which already has refuelling stations in Wiri in South Auckland, Te Rapa in Hamilton, Palmerston North, and Tauriko in Tauranga.

In addition to fuelling the production of green hydrogen, the Kapuni Project, located in the Taranaki region on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, will also supply renewable electricity to the national grid as well as the plant and site operations.

“Reaching Financial Close is a major milestone for the Kapuni Project and for the wider energy sector in Aotearoa,” said Catherine Clennett, Hiringa Energy co-founder and chair.

“Kapuni is not just a wind farm – it’s a collaborative and integrated energy project that demonstrates how strong partnerships between industry, Māori, and government can drive innovation, economic opportunity, and a successful energy transition,” said Catherine Clennett, Hiringa Energy co-founder and chair.

“It shows how we can decarbonise industry, strengthen regional economies, and build new low-emissions energy systems that generate long-term regional value through local construction, operations, and supply chain opportunities for communities and for Aotearoa.”

The four V162-6.4 MW EnVentus wind turbines are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2026 and commissioning is currently planned for the second quarter of 2027.

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