The Offshore Renewable Energy Bill (the Bill) establishes a legislative regime to govern the construction, operation, and decommissioning of offshore renewable energy developments. The regime aims to fill a gap in the current legislative environment, which does not provide potential developers with sufficient certainty to invest in offshore renewable energy projects. The Bill seeks to:
1. Give greater certainty for developers to invest in offshore renewable energy developments;
2. Allow the selection of offshore renewable energy developments that best meet New Zealand’s interests;
3. Manage the risks to the Crown and the public from offshore renewable energy developments.
A bespoke legislative regime is considered the most efficient way to achieve these objectives. The Government has committed to the introduction of this regime as part of its Electrify NZ work.
NZWEA’s submission can be viewed below.
