Impediments to wind power development in New Zealand : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Resource Studies (Honours) at Lincoln University

Abstract

Wind power is currently the fastest growing energy technology in the world. But New Zealand is struggling to establish a wind power industry, in fact many people don't even know what wind power is. This research has collected, collated and analysed information on wind power in an attempt to identify what the impediments to wind power development in New Zealand are. The legal framework for wind power development seems supporting under the Resource Management Act 1991. There can be no doubt that wind power ranks high in its ability to provide sustainable management of energy. Yet the implementation and interpretation of the Act can result in overwhelming concern for the somewhat minor effects of wind power. To add to this the New Zealand energy market undervalues fossil fuel generation and its impact on the environment. Thus fossil fuel generation is a tough competitor for wind power. The present energy market is partly a result of the government's inability to apply the 'polluter-pays' principal, or take climate change seriously. Government intervention could smooth out the inconsistencies in implementation and interpretation of the RMA. It could also create a 'level economic playing field' for wind power making penetration into the market easier by giving value to the environmental benefits.