New Zealand Wind Energy Association

The Wind Energy Association says confirmation that TrustPower’s Tararua Wind Farm has become carbon neutral only a few months after commissioning provides evidence that wind energy can help make nuclear energy a non-starter in New Zealand.

Fraser Clark, head of the Association, says the carbon neutral status of the Tararua Wind farm shows that New Zealand’s own natural resources such as wind energy can enable us to meet our goal of sustainability rather than relying on a nuclear fuel source that must be imported from (and probably disposed of) overseas.

An independent study of the Tararua Wind Farm project using internationally agreed protocols showed it will generate 55 to 60 times more energy over 20 years than the energy consumed in its manufacture, construction and de-commissioning.

“Nuclear energy is not necessary in New Zealand, and this study shows why – we have plenty of our own, commercially viable renewable energy options, including wind energy.

“Wind energy is a clear solution if the nation wants its future energy sources to be renewable and carbon neutral while also ensuring that we do not become dependent on overseas countries for our electricity in the same way that we are for our petrol,” Mr Clark said.

Notes

1. The related announcement from TrustPower celebrating the opening of the wind farm can be found here.