Global wind energy experts show NZ what it is missing
“New Zealand is stuck in the doldrums, missing the opportunity to sail into a sustainable future powered by renewable
wind energy,” says New Zealand Wind Energy Association Chief Executive Fraser Clark.
Steve Sawyer, Secretary General of the Global Wind Energy Council and Fernando Caller, General Manager Asia Pacific of
Iberdrola Renovables – the world’s leading wind energy generator and the fourth largest electricity company – are
visiting New Zealand this week to address the 2009 New Zealand Wind Energy Conference, in Wellington on 21 and 22 April.
With wind energy playing an ever increasing, international role in responding to energy security and climate change
concerns, the two experts are here to share their experience and to help New Zealand make better use of its
world-leading wind resource.
“A good wind resource on its own is not enough,” says Mr Clark. “Ongoing policy uncertainty is contributing to New
Zealand missing out on a greater share of the billions that are being invested in wind energy.” Last year alone US$47.5
billion (NZ$83 billion) was invested globally in new wind energy installations.
“We are also missing out on the benefits that investment in a free and renewable energy resource brings: certainty that
electricity will remain affordable into the future, increased security of supply, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”
Mr Sawyer will highlight the need for policy certainty and the missed opportunity. “Governments have the power to
fundamentally transform our energy system by opting for renewables. This would not only help the climate, but in the
process also build new industries and create millions of new jobs for the 21 century,” Mr Sawyer noted recently. “But
they are now paying the price for having wasted years in delay and indecisiveness.”
Mr Caller, whose company operates over 9,300 MW of wind energy generation (more than NZ’s total generation capacity from
all sources), will tell the conference delegates an adequate regulatory framework is needed to support wind energy
development, regardless of the quality of the wind resource. In New Zealand, this framework includes the Emissions
Trading Scheme – still the subject of a Select Committee review after years of reiteration and debate.
“When two noted global experts tell us what we are missing out on, we should pay attention,” says Mr Clark. “The need
for policy certainty is not lost on the New Zealand industry.”
“Last week’s announcement regarding New Zealand’s projected Kyoto liabilities points squarely to wind energy as an
important part of New Zealand’s response to climate change. Energy sector emissions are rising and there are massive
uncertainties around agricultural emissions and forestry offsets. Acting now to increase renewable wind generation is
one way
that we can be absolutely certain of achieving long-term reductions in emissions.
The New Zealand wind energy industry continues to grow strongly, as evidenced by the high conference turn-out and this
year’s 60% increase in installed capacity. “The Government must take steps now to ensure the benefits the industry can
deliver are fully realised,” says Mr Clark.
“The proposed RMA amendments are a step in the right direction, but it is absolutely essential that the Emissions
Trading Scheme and the entry of the electricity sector into the Scheme are not delayed.
“Care also needs to be taken to ensure the current plethora of electricity sector reviews do not create further
uncertainty and deter investment.”
Recent resource consent decisions are a reminder that wind energy development must proceed in a sustainable manner. “The
industry will discuss ways that it can take a stronger lead in this area,” concludes Mr Clark
Media are welcome to attend the conference.
ENDS