The UK Government has unveiled plans to collaborate with New Zealand to develop the offshore wind energy sector.
A new report developed by energy consultancy Xodus has highlighted New Zealand’s significant opportunity to unlock its offshore wind industry.
With world-leading expertise in the field and being the world’s second-largest offshore wind market, the UK is uniquely positioned to help New Zealand reap the benefits of its abundant renewable sources.
Harnessing New Zealand’s offshore wind potential
With 15,000 km of coastline, New Zealand has immense potential to harness world-class wind resources, positioning itself to achieve its climate goals and foster a green economy.
According to the report, New Zealand has the key components to rapidly advance its offshore wind industry: abundant resources, rising demand, a supportive regulatory framework, and a strong social mandate.
Leveraging the UK’s wind expertise
With 13.9 GW of offshore wind energy fully commissioned by 2023, the UK has developed a highly capable supply chain.
The UK government is focused on meeting its own growing energy needs, which are projected to triple by 2030, while also exporting its expertise to countries like New Zealand.
By 2030, the UK Government has set the ambitious target of quadrupling its offshore wind capacity to 60 GW.
The UK can offer crucial expertise to support New Zealand’s offshore wind development. This includes financing strategies, price stability mechanisms, supply chain development, and regulatory alignment.
British High Commissioner to New Zealand, HE Iona Thomas OBE, explained: “Tackling climate change is an urgent need. And it does not need to result in an economic cost. Recently, the UK has shown that we can grow the economy while also halving emissions since 1990.
“Achieving the goals that both New Zealand and the UK have set ourselves requires unprecedented, transformational change.
“As the global shift towards sustainable energy accelerates, the offshore wind sector in New Zealand is ready to respond. The UK stands ready to use our experience to tackle the challenges and take a strategic approach needed to unlock the potential that New Zealand has.
“Together, in partnership with friends, New Zealand and the UK have an opportunity to showcase to the world what a world-leading offshore wind industry can look like.”
By combining New Zealand’s vast wind resources with the UK’s extensive offshore wind expertise, both nations can drive transformational change, addressing climate challenges while fostering economic growth.
Together, the UK and New Zealand are poised to showcase the future of renewable energy on the world stage.
