RMA reforms welcomed by Wind Energy Association
The New Zealand Wind Energy Association welcomes the Government’s intent to improve the processes for consenting large
infrastructure projects.
“Wind farm developers have experienced significant delays through the RMA’s processes. These delays are having a very
real impact on developers’ decisions to proceed with new projects once consent is granted,” says Mr Clark.
TrustPower’s recently consented Mahinerangi wind farm has been postponed because the economic climate deteriorated while
an appeal was considered. Delays caused by appeals of Meridian’s Project West Wind, now under construction near
Wellington, have been estimated to have added over $100 million to the project’s costs.
“Facilitating investment in renewable electricity generation is vital if the Government is going to achieve its goals of
improving infrastructure, creating jobs and increasing economic growth,” says Mr Clark.
A wind farm can bring over $150 million of regional economic benefit, together with several hundred jobs, during their
construction phase. Local economies also receive ongoing economic benefits of over $20 million per year together with
the creation of a number of highly skilled, full time jobs.
Wind farms have the added benefit of enhancing New Zealand electricity supply, through reducing our reliance on hydro
generation and also reducing the price risks associated with thermal generation. Improved security of supply will enable
economic growth and help to improve productivity.
“Consent and Environment Court hearing for projects of national significance, such as wind farms, tend to be very
complex and involve significant amounts of expert evidence regarding a wide range of environmental impacts. The intent
of the reforms should see that this evidence receives careful consideration in a timely fashion and without duplication
in process or compromising the ability of local communities to participate.
“We look forward to seeing the detail of these amendments, but note that the they are only the first step towards
ensuring the New Zealand economy and environment receives the full benefit of wind energy’s potential,” says Mr Clark
“Having recognised the need to improve national guidance, the Government should move quickly to implement a strong
National Policy Statement on Renewable Electricity Generation and adopt the New Zealand Standard 6808 (the standard for
measuring and assessing sound from wind turbines) as an National Environmental Standard.”
ENDS