There’s more power in our wind

Figures released today by the Ministry of Economic Development showing growth in wind generation only hint at the power in New Zealand’s wind, says the New Zealand Wind Energy Association (NZWEA).

In the December 2008 quarter wind farms generated just over 3% of New Zealand’s electricity – a new quarterly record. In addition, 2008 was the first year in which over 1000 gigawatt hours of electricity was generated from wind.

2009 will see further growth in wind generation. Wind energy capacity is set to grow by over 50% this year, to nearly 500MW, with the commissioning of Meridian Energy’s West Wind, near Wellington, and stage two of NZ Windfarm’s Te Rere Hau, in the Manawatu. West Wind has begun to generate electricity and is expected to be fully commissioned by the end of this year.

“We are only just starting to harness the power of New Zealand’s wind,” says Mr Clark, CEO of NZWEA. Several proposed wind farms have recently received consent or are progressing well through the consent process.

“Over the next 20 years wind energy has the potential to meet as much as 15 to 20 percent of New Zealand’s electricity demand. This growth in wind generation will improve security of supply by bringing greater diversity to our electricity system and reducing our reliance on hydro generation,” says Mr Clark. Wind farms also create important benefits such as the suppression of spot electricity prices and reduced transmission losses while not creating greenhouse gas emissions.

“In addition, wind energy contributes to long-term economic growth through meeting growing electricity demand at a reasonable cost. Investment in new wind farms provides a short term stimulus of capital investment and job creation – helping us to ride through tough economic times,” says Mr Clark.

Wind energy projects can bring over $150 million of regional economic benefit, together with several hundred jobs, during their construction phase. Local economies also receive ongoing economic benefits of over $20 million per year together with the creation of a number of highly skilled, full time jobs.

ENDS

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