Global Wind Day 2012 was New Zealand's opportunity to celebrate the role that wind plays in meeting our energy needs.
We live in a country with an exceptional wind resource. Our wind provides about 5% of our electricity. As wind energy is one of the cheapest forms of new generation, it is likely that wind will be providing 20% of our electricity by 2030.
Schools competition
We had hundreds of entries to the schools competition. Find out who won...
Did you know?
- Wind in NZ generates 5% of our electricity – that is enough to power over 10% of our homes
- Our wind will never run out, giving us an independent, secure and low cost source of electricity both now and for future generations
- Wind can help protect electricity prices from volatility in fossil fuel markets - the price and supply of wind is not dictated by political regimes in other parts of the world
- Our wind farms outperform the international average by about 100% because our wind resource is so strong and reliable
- Wind energy is growth industry creating jobs across the country
- Wind will provide a fifth of our electricity needs by 2030, and help us achieve the 90 per cent renewable electricity target
- Wind farms don't change how land is used. A farm continues to operate as a farm and farmers get an additional income stream that helps them to improve farming operations
- Wind energy embodies New Zealand's "100% pure" reputation – no pollution, minimal environmental effects, sustainable use of a natural resource. It supports NZ's desire for clean economic growth.
Find out more about how a wind turbine works and New Zealand's wind farms.