Creating a Greener Future with Offshore Wind Farms
Wind Quarry Zealandia, Limited develops offshore wind power projects that provide Zero Carbon electricity for consumers and industry, reducing fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions that contribute to global climate change. We create jobs by generating sustainable energy that coexists with local communities and industries. Our mission is to reduce the environmental impacts of energy production, empower and involve iwi in the energy industry, and make the communities we operate in more healthy, prosperous, and secure.
Offshore Wind Power in New Zealand
New Zealand Needs More Clean Renewable Electricity
New Zealand is one of the world leaders in clean electricity production with around 84% of the country’s requirements coming from renewable sources. While that’s good, it’s only about 40% of New Zealand’s total energy use. The other 60% of the country’s energy is mostly from oil, gas and coal. The energy provided by these fossil fuels needs to be replaced by renewable electricity if New Zealand is to become a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. To help achieve that 2050 goal the New Zealand Government has set a target of 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
In 2018 Transpower released Te Mauri Hiko – Energy Futures. This report suggested that by 2050 New Zealand’s electricity demand will grow from 43TWh/year to 88TWh/year. As some existing generation will be retired this forecast suggests New Zealand will need more than twice as much renewable energy as it currently produces. To do this New Zealand will need to average about 300MW of new renewable electricity generation every year through 2050, and offshore wind can provide the majority of this additional power.
An exciting time for new energy investment in New Zealand
As a country rich in renewable resources New Zealand has the opportunity to produce even more electricity than it needs for domestic purposes and become a net energy exporter. The production of green urea, methanol, hydrogen (splitting water into H2 and O2), and other synthetic fuels using renewable electricity are poised to become major global industries. If New Zealand enters the green energy export market, it will need much more than 300MW of new generation per year to satisfy the additional demand.
“Together, I know that we can become a country that is really showcasing what’s possible when it comes to becoming clean, green and carbon neutral”
Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand
The Benefits of Offshore Wind Farms in New Zealand
Wind Quarry Zealandia is focused on the opportunity to supply New Zealand’s electricity needs by establishing the country’s first offshore wind farms.
The reasons for focusing on offshore wind are simple:
- New Zealand has a great offshore wind resource due to its location in the “Roaring Forties”
- The wind resource offshore is better than onshore. The wind at sea is more consistent and stable without the interruptions to flow caused by hills and trees.
- The landscape impact is much less than onshore and there is no disruption to immediate neighbours.
- Much bigger turbines can be used offshore than onshore. Offshore wind farms currently being built will use 14MW turbines whereas onshore projects are limited to around 5MW
- Producing electricity using offshore wind is well established internationally, particularly in Europe but increasingly in Asia. The first projects are underway in the USA and offshore wind projects are also being explored in Australia. International supply chains are now developed.
- As the scale of the offshore wind industry increases the costs of offshore wind generation are declining rapidly. New offshore wind projects being developed in the UK will provide that country’s cheapest electricity. It is expected that New Zealand won’t be far behind.
About Wind Quarry Zealandia
Wind Quarry Zealandia, Limited is a privately held wind development company based in New Zealand. It is affiliated with US based Wind Quarry, LLC which was founded in 2008 by Patrick and John O’Meara. Wind Quarry Zealandia’s primary objective is to increase New Zealand’s Zero Carbon energy portfolio with offshore wind power plants, moving Aotearoa one step closer to an economy with zero carbon emissions.
About Wind Quarry Zealandia
Wind Quarry Zealandia, Limited is a privately held wind development company based in New Zealand. It is affiliated with US based Wind Quarry, LLC which was founded in 2008 by Patrick and John O’Meara. Wind Quarry Zealandia’s primary objective is to increase New Zealand’s Zero Carbon energy portfolio with offshore wind power plants, moving Aotearoa one step closer to an economy with zero carbon emissions.
Join Our Efforts
Contact us today to find out more about how you can get involved in helping us create a cleaner, secure, and renewable world.
