Developments in Renewable Energy Law and Policy in New Zealand

Abstract

This article considers recent renewable energy targets set by the New Zealand Government, being primarily to achieve 90 per cent of electricity from renewable technologies by 2025. These targets are found in the New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011–2021 and in the National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation 2011. The policy statement was issued under the Resource Management Act 1991. The policy includes renewable electricity generation from hydroelectricity, geothermal, wind energy, solar, marine energy and biomass resources. The article considers case studies on applications for approval of these developments, with a focus on the growth of geothermal energy and wind energy resources. Environmental impacts and indigenous cultural concerns are assessed. Matters of access to the national grid and economic factors are considered. Conclusions are drawn as to the achievement of targets.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kenneth Palmer

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Kenneth Palmer, Associate Professor of Law, The University of Auckland, New Zealand. The author can be contacted by email at [email protected].

David Grinlinton

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David Grinlinton, Associate Professor of Law, The University of Auckland, New Zealand. The author can be contacted by email at [email protected].