New Zealand lags behind Australia in Green Power Initiatives.
Green Power needs the Support of a Mandated Target for Renewable Energy

Statement from the New Zealand Wind Energy Association

"A mandated target for renewable energy generation in New Zealand, as introduced in Australia recently, is essential to support the market for greenpower and increase renewable energy" said Mr Alistair Wilson, chairperson of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association. Mr Wilson was speaking in support of Trustpower's launch of green power - an initiative to allow electricity users to purchase green power certificates to support the building of the second stage of the Trustpower Tararua Wind Farm near Palmerston North.

Independent research undertaken for the Wind Energy Association shows a small cost impact would arise from a mandated requirement for electricity retailers to buy a small amount of new renewable energy such as solar or wind power. But the benefits to New Zealand in reduced greenhouse gases and local jobs would be significant.

Generation of renewable electricity in New Zealand is slipping backwards rapidly: the government's business as usual forecasts are for renewable generation in New Zealand to be less than 60% by 2015. Most other countries of the OECD are taking measures to increase the percentage of renewables. Australia now has a legislated target for a 2% increase. New Zealand needs the same sort of measure, and it is needed with some urgency.

Wind energy is the fastest growing power generation source in the world - but New Zealand is stagnating and has now been surpassed by Australia. If New Zealand is serious about doing rather than just talking about climate change then a mandated renewable target that at least holds the share of renewable energy should be the top policy priority." said Mr Wilson.

ENDS

For more information on the research see www.windenergy.org.nz Contacts: Alistair Wilson, Chairperson, 04 472 8017 or 021 194 3083 Or Ian Shearer, Manager, 04 586 2003 or 025 306 004

-- Ian Shearer Manager New Zealand Wind Energy Association P O Box 553 Wellington, New Zealand [Courier:130 Hutt Rd, Petone] Phone: +64-4-586 2003 Fax: +64-4-586 2004 Mobile 025 306 004 Email: nzwea@windenergy.org.nz Web: http://www.windenergy.org.nz