December 11 2006
Government announcement delights wind farm CEO, who says NZ could generate 100% of its electricity from renewables
The Government’s strong backing for wind farming, outlined in the national energy strategy announced today, has been
welcomed by the CEO of NZ Windfarms, Chris Freear.
“We aredelighted with the emphasis on wind farming. It has been blowing a gale in these islands since before the moa and
it isn’t going to stop – the wind is free, non-polluting and relatively easy to harvest.”
He said the announcement reflected the reality that New Zealand could become carbon neutral in the future, as the Prime
Minister has called for.
“Indeed, my challenge for New Zealand is that we generate all of our electricity from renewables – wind, coupled with
hydro and geothermal generation, makes this prospect entirely feasible.”
Mr Freear said that while it was clear the wind was an abundant, economic and reliable fuel that would allow New Zealand
to grow its economy, the catch was where to locate wind farms.
“The debate goes on – and quite rightly. Wind turbines will always be visible on a skyline, because that’s where the
wind is. What’s important is that we decide which locations we want to keep in their natural state and which ones we are
happy to modify.
“It’s pleasing to us, our investors and our business partners that today’s announcement provides for an easier process
in deciding locations and building wind farms. Fortunately, we are blessed with so many windy hills in this country that
there are many choices of locations.”
Mr Freear added that NZ Windfarms favoured having a greater number of smaller wind farms, providing for geographic
diversity in addition to generating an appropriate amount of energy for the community in which the wind farm was to be
located.
NZ Windfarms is the only pure wind farming company listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZAX). It was established
in 2002 to develop economically feasible wind farms and sell the electricity generated. Te Rere Hau wind farm, near
Palmerston North, is the first in a portfolio of wind farms that NZ Windfarms is developing and will operate. Te Rere
Hau is an $80 million wind farm on land that will continue to be farmed for mixed cattle and sheep grazing. The first
stage of the wind farm is complete and exporting electricity to the regional grid.
For further information go to www.nzwindfarms.co.nz
ENDS