Summit Overview

Enabling wind energy growth in a bi-partisan world

Kia ora koutou katoa,

With over 82% of Aotearoa New Zealand’s electricity derived from renewable sources, it is already ahead of many countries as each strive toward their respective renewable energy targets. While we are in a privileged position, our commitments to obtain net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and our abilities to stretch toward 100% renewable electricity by 2035 represent a challenging road ahead. In recent times, four industry-led studies assessed our long-term energy forecast needs, and while each convey differing electricity growth projections, they all agree on one thing; our rate of renewable electricity growth needs to be significantly greater than it has been in the past.

To meet the forecast Accelerated Electrification demand forecast of 22 GW installed capacity by 2050, it is estimated that Aotearoa New Zealand must build at least 220 MW of additional wind capacity every year for the next 27 years. This would equate to almost 6 GW of wind capacity on the power system, up from just over 1 GW today. The task is ambitious, but achievable and exciting.

With 15 new onshore wind projects representing over 2 GW already consented or seeking consent, plus a growing pipeline of offshore wind representing an additional 4 GW, the future of wind energy is cemented in our future. Enquiries to Transpower for new wind energy development connections out to 2050 have also surpassed expectations, with a reported 13 GW of wind energy projects in early investigation. Aotearoa New Zealand has an incredible opportunity to be world leaders in renewable energy penetration, and wind energy, both onshore and offshore, is our pathway to achieving this outcome.

This year’s Summit will be a two-day event, with day one focusing on the strategic aspect of the broader wind energy sector, while also noting it is an election year. Day two will focus on offshore wind energy, as a progression of the February 2023 Offshore Wind Energy Forum. NZWEA is proud to present the day 2 offshore agenda in partnership with Are Ake, as we take a unified industry-wide approach to further develop the offshore wind energy industry in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The NZ Wind Energy Summit 2023, is a great opportunity for you to engage with all industry, government, Iwi, and community stakeholders and partners regardless of your interest in the wind energy sector. Enhancing and building new relationships and collaborating for a sustainable future is how we will all be successful.

On behalf of the NZ Wind Energy Association Board, and our offshore wind partner Ara Ake, I welcome you to join us on 12th & 13th September in Wellington. I hope you have an inspiring two-day event and that you each learn something new.

Let’s grow our industry together!

Ngā mihi nui

Kevin Hart
Chief Executive - New Zealand Wind Energy Association