An agreement between BlueFloat Energy, Energy Estate and Elemental Group (the consortium), Beach Energy New Zealand (Beach) and other offshore wind developers is a significant step forward to developing the offshore wind industry in New Zealand.

Beach have agreed to the installation of a Doppler Light Detection and Ranging system (LiDAR) on the Beach operated Kupe platform, offshore South Taranaki. The LiDAR measures a number of key data points that are critical for developers in planning their projects such as wind speed, direction and consistency. Beach has agreed to share this data with multiple offshore wind developers, reducing the need for duplication, and bringing a new collaborative dimension to this nascent energy sector.

“This initiative will allow us to assess wind resources in South Taranaki and reduce uncertainties for the future development of offshore wind in the region,” said Carlos Martin, Chief Executive Officer of BlueFloat Energy on a recent trip to New Zealand.

“It opens the door for a new spirit of collaboration where we can discuss the potential for shared infrastructure, transmission corridors and offshore transmission networks.

“Our consortium is interested in creating an inclusive offshore wind energy industry – not just projects. This means directly contributing to the community and the local economy, generating jobs, skills and training and opportunities across the supply chain. We appreciate Beach demonstrating leadership in this area and we are optimistic there is a bright future for the industry in Taranaki,” added Martin.

The consortium has spent the last two years studying the feasibility of offshore wind and engaging with key stakeholders and is confident that Aotearoa offers great potential for offshore wind energy. Subject to the regulatory framework being in place and obtaining all necessary approvals, the first turbines are expected in the water before the end of the decade.

“New Zealand is blessed with world class offshore wind resources and the potential to develop the offshore wind industry here is enormous,” said Energy Estate Co-founder Simon Currie presenting at the New Zealand Wind Energy Wānanga on delivering enduring benefits from offshore wind.

“Having met with Government, businesses, mana whenua and industry I feel very confident that there is a genuine need and desire to develop the industry here in a way that benefits the whole community,” added Currie.

“The advantage of creating an offshore wind energy sector here in New Zealand is clear,” says Elemental Group Director Nick Jackson.

“Offshore wind energy can provide a clean source of renewable energy to power businesses and homes throughout the country. It will be instrumental in helping New Zealand meet its net zero commitments and will provide considerable investment in new jobs, training, and skills development. Following on from our report Haumoana: Offshore Wind Capacity Building in New Zealand released last year, we view this collaboration as a continuation of necessary whole of industry development initiatives.”

The consortium unveiled today at the 2022 Wind Energy Association Wānanga its plans to develop four offshore wind projects across Aotearoa in Taranaki, Southland and Waikato with the potential to generate up to 5GW of power.

Th consortium believes that offshore wind energy can help achieve 600% renewable energy in Aotearoa and will complement other renewable energies like hydro, onshore wind, solar and geothermal, opening up possibilities for new businesses like green hydrogen, e-fuels and innovations to decarbonise industrial processes.

Justine Gilliland, Partnerships Director for the consortium said:

“We have an incredible opportunity in front of us to develop a new, value-adding industry with offshore wind energy.

“Our consortium is committed to living by our development principles. We are focused on meaningful engagement and collaboration with Iwi and key stakeholders including unions, industry, training providers and communities on projects that deliver sustainable growth and enduring benefits to our host communities,” adds Justine.

-ENDS-

For more information contact Bianca Ruakere, Offshore Wind Projects Communications Manager on 021 453 189.

Notes to Editors:

The consortium brings together BlueFloat Energy – a leading global offshore wind developer, Energy Estate – a zero emissions independent energy producer and local partners Elemental Group who are headquartered in New Plymouth.

To access a copy of Haumoana: Offshore wind capacity building in New Zealand please visit: www.offshorewind.co.nz/reports 

About BlueFloat Energy 

BlueFloat Energy is developing offshore wind projects in various regions of the world, where it can implement its vision: to accelerate global deployment of offshore wind as a key enabler for the energy transition and economic growth. Founded by renewable energy professionals, BlueFloat Energy brings together remarkable team expertise in the design, development, financing, construction and execution of offshore wind projects. 

For more information please visit: https://bluefloat.wpengine.com                 

About Energy Estate 

Energy Estate’s mission is to accelerate the transformation of the energy sector and the decarbonisation of industry. We are developing and accelerating a portfolio of renewable energy, storage and green hydrogen projects in Australia, NZ, the US and other markets. A key driver for Energy Estate is supporting the communities in which we operate and delivering enduring outcomes for all stakeholders including landowners, workers and indigenous/First Nations people. We believe in the reindustrialisation of industrial communities with low-carbon solutions.  

For more information please visit: http://energyestate.com 

About Elemental Group

Elemental Group is an international energy developer and consultancy headquartered in New Plymouth, dedicated to providing better energy outcomes for our clients.  We deliver world class solutions for a world in energy transition, ranging from remote Pacific Island communities to major cities. We aim to create enduring benefits for people and place.  We are diverse, smart, hard-working and innovative, with services across science, engineering, environment, project management and finance.  For more information please visit: https://elementalgroup.com