New Zealand offshore renewable energy bill passes first reading, laying the groundwork for windfarm development

The New Zealand Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind farms has passed its first reading in Parliament, said Energy Minister Simeon Brown.

The bill introduces two dedicated offshore renewable energy permits. Feasibility permits will give greater certainty to undertake feasibility studies in a specified area and commercial permits will enable construction and operation of controversial and expensive offshore renewable energy infrastructure in the face of reliability and environmental concerns.

"Establishing a regime is an important step that will give investors the confidence to construct generation assets to help power New Zealand’s increasingly electrified economy," said Brown.

“Offshore wind is one of our country’s great untapped sources of renewable electricity. This legislation is a key part of helping to unlock its potential, and to support the government’s goals of doubling renewable energy and ensuring New Zealand has internationally competitive energy prices.

“Our Offshore Renewable Energy Bill will give greater certainty for developers to invest in offshore renewable energy developments by providing an exclusive ability to construct and operate offshore wind developments in offshore areas.”

Brown said he expected that the offshore renewable energy regime would be in place by mid-2025 and that a first round of feasibility permits would be open for applications by late 2025.