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.
ENDS
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.
ENDS