The bill is part of a series of measures introduced by the New Zealand government to accelerate the electrification of the country’s energy system.

THE These measures will make it easier and less expensive to authorize, construct and maintain renewable electricity generation systems as well as electricity distribution and transmission systems.. It is the culmination of a discussion and consultation process initiated by the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment in December 2022.

New Zealand has significant potential sites for bottom-mounted offshore wind power and what has been described as almost unlimited potential for the floating wind.

New Zealand Minister for Transport, Energy and Local Government Simeon Brown said: “New Zealand does not currently have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy. We are advancing legislation to solve this problem and enable this exciting new form of energy production.

“Establishing a scheme is an important step that will give investors the confidence to build generation assets to help power New Zealand’s increasingly electrified economy.

“Offshore wind is one of our country’s large untapped sources of renewable electricity. This legislation is a key part of helping to unlock its potential and supporting the Government’s goals to double renewable energy and secure internationally competitive energy prices for New Zealand.

The Minister continued: “Our Offshore Renewables Bill will provide greater certainty for developers to invest in offshore renewable energy developments by providing an exclusive ability to build and operate offshore wind developments in offshore areas. »

The bill introduces two permits dedicated to offshore renewable energy: feasibility permits will provide greater certainty to undertake feasibility studies, in a specified area; while commercial permits will enable the construction and operation of offshore renewable energy infrastructure.

The minister said the bill also includes provisions for security zones around infrastructure to protect people and assets, as well as safeguards to ensure decommissioning is done at the developers’ expense.

“I have directed officials to begin drafting the regulations required under this bill while it is still before Parliament in order to expedite the implementation of this legislation and enable the development of offshore renewable energy in New Zealand,” the minister explained.

“I expect the offshore renewables regime to be in place by mid-2025 and a first round of feasibility permits to be open for applications by the end of 2025.

“New Zealand has significant untapped offshore wind resources, and the regime put in place by our Offshore Renewable Energy Bill will help unlock investment in offshore wind power generation to grow our economy.