New Zealand Wind Energy Association

Over the past two and a half decades, wind technology has made significant strides. Wind turbines have become larger, more efficient, and more reliable, while the cost of wind-generated electricity has reduced.

To meet our ambitious net-zero targets by 2050 and to at least double the renewable electricity we produce, Aotearoa must accelerate its collective efforts, aiming to build six times more wind energy capacity in the next 25 years than in the last 25 years. 

Aotearoa’s wind energy sector is uniquely positioned to rise to these challenges that will require us to generate an additional 37,000 GWh/y. To deliver this amount of additional renewable energy, we estimate that between 11 GW – 15 GW of ‘new’ renewable generation capacity will need to be built over the next 25 years. By comparison, 2.9 GW in total new generation was built over the last 25 years.  With strong partnerships, continued collaboration and stakeholder support, the NZ wind energy sector looks forward to enabling these crucial goals.

Both onshore and offshore wind energy offer promising avenues to tackle these challenges, necessitating a unified approach for success.