New Zealand needs more wind energy

New Zealand needs more wind energy

“New Zealand needs more wind energy”, says Fraser Clark, New Zealand Wind Energy Association Chief Executive. “We must maximise the use of our world class wind resource if we want a secure and reasonably priced supply of electricity in the future.”

Tuesday is the first day of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association’s annual conference. New Zealand’s wind energy industry will be joined by international speakers to discuss how best to increase the use of wind energy in New Zealand.

“Investing in wind is common sense,” says Mr Clark. “Wind generation is commercially viable and has minimal effects on the environment. Just now wind meets about 2% of New Zealand’s electricity demand. The potential is there to develop more wind energy, as is the public support.” A survey conducted by the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development shows that 77% of people support wind energy.

Sixty-six countries, including all of the European Union states, have policy targets for renewable energy. “Other countries are committed to using their own renewable resources to ensure they retain control over their energy supply as fossil fuels become scarce and costly. The decisions we make today will affect our environment and economy for 20 years or more.”

In addition to economic benefits, wind has environmental benefits. Wind generation is recognised as having a lower impact on the environment than thermal generation. “There is no magic bullet for addressing climate change, but many small actions can make a significant difference. Increasing our use of wind energy is one easy step we can take,” says Mr Clark.

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Notes

2) The New Zealand Wind Energy Conference is being held on 8 and 9 April, Te Papa, Wellington. Over 270 delegates will attend the conference. The conference is accompanied by an exhibition, at which 28 companies will have displays. Media are welcome to attend the conference and exhibition.

3) Conference speakers include:

- Energy and Climate Change Minister David Parker
- Maria McCaffery MBE, CEO of the British Wind Industry Association
- Charlie Smith Executive Director or the US-Based Utility Wind Integration Group
- Brent Layton, Chief Executive, New Zealand Institute of Economic Research
- David Caygill, Chair of the Electricity Commission

4) The New Zealand Wind Energy Association (NZWEA) is an industry association that works towards the development of wind as a reliable, sustainable, clean and commercially viable energy source. We aim to fairly represent wind energy to the public, government and the energy sector. Our members include over 75 companies involved in New Zealand’s wind energy sector, including electricity generators, wind farm developers, lines companies, turbine manufacturers, consulting firms, researchers, lawyers, government agencies and local authorities. For more information visit www.windenergy.org.nz.

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