Hon David Parker
Minister of Energy

27 June 2007
Media statement

Govt welcomes micro wind energy trial

The government is welcoming an announcement from lines company Vector, that it will undertake a trial of a wind turbine, suitable for home or small business use.

Energy Minister David Parker says Vector’s move is in line with a burgeoning number of companies taking steps towards carbon neutrality and improved sustainability.

"Micro wind generation has the potential to improve our energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It could also help interested consumers reduce their power bills through use of a free energy resource, in a similar way to solar hot water systems.

"I congratulate Vector on taking this initiative to test the viability of small-scale wind power in a New Zealand context, with a view to bringing it into mainstream use."

The Minister said the draft New Zealand Energy Strategy and draft New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy recognised the potential contribution that domestic-scale renewable generation, such as micro wind turbines, would be able to make in the future.

As part the development of these strategies the government is supporting an emerging domestic-scale renewable generation industry, by reducing regulatory barriers.

"The work we're doing in this area will make it easier to feed energy produced by distributed generation back into local lines networks," the Minister said.

ENDS

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