The New Zealand Government is seeking public feedback on the development of offshore renewable energy infrastructure such as offshore windfarms, Energy and Resources Minister Dr Megan Woods has announced
“Offshore renewables have the potential to produce the electricity needed to replace fossil fuels and support New Zealand’s transition to net zero by 2050,” said the Minister.
“Technology such as windfarms set off the coast of New Zealand can deliver a clean, stable source of renewable energy to help us become more energy-independent and avoid the fluctuations in the cost of fossil fuels like oil and coal.
“The proposals we have released set out potential approaches to manage feasibility activity, with consideration of environmental and cultural factors alongside commercial viability.
“This delivers on our commitment to regulate this promising area of renewable energy production, so investors have certainty and can get assessments underway as soon as possible.”
Potential environmental and cultural impacts will be closely examined before decisions are made about what projects could be constructed. This will require developers to work closely with iwi to understand these impacts.
“We firmly see Taranaki’s future as still being an energy future. New Zealand has high levels of renewable resources – so we are well positioned globally to create a sustainable energy system for generations to come,” said Minister Woods.
“Ensuring we have the right settings in place to encourage development of offshore renewable infrastructure will enable us to deliver net-zero emissions by 2050.”
The Minister also announced the Government is deferring decisions on future petroleum block offers. This means there will be no further petroleum exploration permits granted until early in the next Parliamentary term.
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