UK and New Zealand to collaborate on offshore wind energy

Tanya Weaver Fri 16 Aug 2024

Collected at: https://eandt.theiet.org/2024/08/16/uk-and-new-zealand-collaborate-offshore-wind-energy

The UK government has unveiled plans to collaborate with New Zealand to develop the offshore wind energy sector.

A new report by energy consultancy Xodus has highlighted the significant opportunity to be gained from New Zealand harnessing offshore wind power.

With 15,000km of coastline, the report states that New Zealand possesses the essential ingredients to accelerate its offshore wind industry: one of the world’s best wind resources, regulatory framework, government support and social need.

While New Zealand is just past the starting gates of its wind power journey, the UK is the world’s second-largest offshore wind market with 13.9 gigawatts fully commissioned as of 2023 and boasting a highly capable supply chain.

Indeed, in July 2024 Great British Energy announced that it will partner with the Crown Estate to build up to 20-30GW of new offshore wind developments .

Building on the UK’s wind power capability, the UK government says that it not only wants to meet growing domestic needs, which are expected to more than triple by 2030, but also to export wind power expertise and capabilities to global markets such as New Zealand.

These include financing methods, price stability mechanisms, local and international supply chain development and regulatory alignment.

Iona Thomas, British high commissioner to New Zealand, said: “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.”

Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, added: “The UK has the expertise and experience to support New Zealand in offshore wind ambitions.

“The UK is a clean energy superpower, with the world’s second-largest offshore wind market. We are committed to supporting New Zealand’s clean energy goals, and I look forward to the innovations and partnerships to come.”

The hope is that by combining New Zealand’s vast wind resources with the UK’s extensive offshore wind expertise, both nations will be able to drive transformational change, address climate challenges and foster economic growth.