Mystery of flashing red light solved

Flashing red lights in the night, which have proved difficult to photograph and pinpoint, have been mystifying Alexandra residents for the past couple of months.

However, the mystery has been solved.

A Pioneer Energy spokeswoman said the company had installed a wind mast in the Earnscleugh station area to gather wind data.

"The primary purpose of this mast is to collect long-term wind data, which helps us assess the potential for renewable energy projects both in the region and at other sites."

There are no immediate plans to develop a wind farm in the Earnscleugh area.

It would take several years of data collection to ensure accurate and comprehensive insights into the viability of a wind farm in the area, she said.

Alternative energy sources had been a hot topic of conversation in Central Otago. A proposed solar farm at Ranfurly attracted more than 170 submissions, more than 75% objecting to the plan.