The New Zealand Wind Energy Association (NZWEA) is extremely disappointed by the COVID-19 fast track consent panel’s decision to reject Contact Energy’s proposed Southland wind farm, a project that would have been a significant step toward Aotearoa New Zealand’s transition to a net-zero future.
While NZWEA respects the Panel’s decision, this simply delays Aotearoa’s energy transition at a time when urgent action is needed to meet our renewable energy targets and enhance our energy security. To achieve the Government’s goal of doubling renewable energy by 2050, we must build 9 GW – 15 GW of additional renewable electricity capacity over the next 25 years. In stark contrast, only 2.9 GW was built over the last 25 years. “Building three to five times more renewable electricity capacity than in the past means we must think and act differently,” said Kevin Hart, CEO of the New Zealand Wind Energy Association.
The rejection of the Southland wind farm consent is a missed opportunity to reduce our reliance on burning more fossil fuels at a time when the transition to net zero and addressing our energy security are among the country’s top priorities.
NZWEA hopes that this project, and others currently being considered, are not further constrained from being built. If Aotearoa New Zealand is serious about meeting its renewable energy targets, we must ensure that well-planned and environmentally balanced wind energy projects can proceed with haste.
