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2021 Wind Energy Conference

Rising to the Challenge - 12 May 2021, Intercontinental, Wellington NZ

The 2021 Wind Energy Conference was held on Wednesday 12 May at the InterContinental in Wellington with 165 attendees.

The Conference Theme was Rising to the Challenge to reflect the need to build both new large stand-alone wind generation development and opportunity to widen the reach of wind with smaller scale developments.

Registration numbers were up on previous years reflecting significant new build activity and the exceptional outlook, given wind energy’s key role in enabling decarbonisation of the energy sector.

 The Association would like to thank speakers, those that attended the Conference, and our sponsors -  Meridian, Tilt Renewables, Ara Ake, EECA, Elemental, Goldwind, Vestas, Boffa Miskell, GE, Higgins and Sika.

 

 

     

 


  
 
 


  
 

 

After the disappointment of having to postpone in 2020 we were very excited to advise that the 2021 Wind Energy Conference was held on Wednesday 12 May. Delegates could attend either in person at the InterContinental in Wellington or on-line.

The electricity sector is experiencing real change with the transition to a low-emissions economy driving future demand growth and innovation transforming business models.

The call for the accelerated electrification of the energy sector is strong with wind energy having an essential role in enabling decarbonisation. The wind industry is responding with over $1 billion of new investment in the last two years. 

In recognition of the current and future investment needed in new wind development the theme for the 2021 Conference is Rising to the Challenge. We’re off to a great start but will need to build at least one large new wind farm every year to meet the draft emission reduction budgets proposed by the Climate Change Commission.

The programme builds on the 2019 Conference where the theme was Breaking new Ground. Key areas for discussion include unpicking the decarbonisation opportunity, progress updates on NZ and international developments, showcasing innovation and addressing the scale of new wind development required and developing a roadmap to make it happen.

The Conference day will again comprise four sessions with presentations grouped in each session:
 Session 1 - Decarbonising the energy sector
 Session 2 - Building new wind
 Session 3 - New opportunities
 Session 4 - Rising to the challenge, a future roadmap

Registration for the Conference includes a “stand up” dinner and networking.

To manage COVID-19 risks, and recognise speaker and delegate preferences, the Conference is being held with the option of either attending in-person or on-line. Should COVID restrictions prevent an in-person event being held the Conference will move to being fully virtual.

As always, the Conference is also a great opportunity to share knowledge, be inspired and network with industry colleagues. 

The wind industry is committed to taking action on climate change and accelerating the transformation of the energy sector.  It’s going to be a big day with a fantastic line-up of speakers. We hope you can join us to share an exciting future for the wind industry as New Zealand targets a net zero economy.