Factsheets
NZWEA's factsheets explore a range of issues to do with wind energy. Click on the titles to download and read these factsheets.
Wind Turbine Technology (PDF, 68kb)
Since the earliest times, humans have used the power in the wind. Maori and other early settlers used wind power, harnessed by sails, to reach New Zealand. Over the years wind has been used to pump water, grind grain, power sawmills provide transport and, most recently, generate electricity. Wind turbines are now one of the fastest growing forms of new electricity generation worldwide.
Electricity supply and wind generation (PDF, 58kb)
Maintaining a secure, reliable supply of electricity at a reasonable cost is essential for New Zealand's economy. Greater amounts of wind generation will bring with it benefits such as increasing diversity in sources of generation and minimising the effect of rising fossil fuel cost on electricity prices.
Wind Energy and Climate Change (PDF, 75kb)
Wind energy plays an important, global role in addressing climate change.
Wind Farms and Public Opinion (PDF, 69kb)
New Zealand's first wind turbine - the Brooklyn wind turbine on the hills above Wellington - was built in 1993. Since then, a lot of people have had a lot to say about wind energy and wind farms. Today, wind energy is a frequent topic in both daily news and community papers.
Considering a Wind Farm on Your Land? (PDF, 108kb)
Wind farms co-exist with other rural activities and have many benefits for farmers and landowners, including a new income stream and improved site access. If you would like to host a wind farm on your land, you will need to consider a range of factors such as the suitability of the site, legal agreements, construction impacts and the effect of the wind farm on other activities.
Wind Energy and Your Community (PDF, 121kb)
Wind farm developers are investigating sites throughout New Zealand. Like any other form of development, wind farms have effects on the local community and environment.
Publications
Wind's Up: Planning the future now, Mark Ashby, 2004
This report questions how, in the context of the New Zealand planning system, we can positively plan for wind energy - while taking care to address environmental impacts.
Wind energy - the facts
The 'Wind Energy – The Facts' publication is widely considered to be the most important wind energy reference in the world. It presents a detailed overview of the wind energy sector, with the most up-to-date and in-depth information on the essential issues concerning wind power today. 'Wind Energy - The Facts' is implemented by a consortium led by the European Wind Energy Association.