Decision broadens options for low cost electricity

25 February 2011

“The Board of Inquiry’s draft decision for the proposed Hauāuru mā raki wind farm will help to ensure that New Zealanders continue to benefit from low cost, renewable electricity,” says Fraser Clark, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association.

“If this draft decision is confirmed, the proposed wind farm will become a viable option that can be considered against other projects as and when new generation is required,” says Mr Clark.

There is strong recognition that wind provides a viable source of electricity generation. Wind already provides around 4% of New Zealand’s electricity. Installed wind capacity will increase by around 25% this year as new projects like Te Uku and Mahinerangi come online.

New Zealand’s electricity demand is expected to grow on average 1.4% each year to 2030, even with electricity efficiency measures.

“Strong global competition between wind turbine manufacturers and ongoing improvements in turbine technology are making a wider range of wind energy projects such as Hauāuru mā raki increasingly attractive for meeting this growing demand.” says Mr Clark.

“As wind farms have no fuel costs and create no carbon emissions, New Zealand’s new wind farms and potential projects such as Hauāuru mā raki will result in cost-effective generation for the next 20 years and beyond,” concludes Mr Clark.

ENDS

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