Enabling investment in offshore renewable energy (2022)

This consultation has now closed

MBIE received 59 submissions from a wide range of stakeholders and iwi, and a comprehensive summary of what we heard from this consultation can be found here:

MBIE’s second offshore renewable energy consultation is open for public submissions until 2 November 2023. Find out more and have your say at:

Consultation on advancing New Zealand’s energy transition

Background

MBIE sought feedback on proposed approaches to managing feasibility activities for offshore renewable energy development in Aotearoa New Zealand.

MBIE consulted on options for enabling activities to see what is achievable in New Zealand waters.

The Government has committed to developing regulatory settings by 2024 to enable investment in offshore renewable energy and innovation.

Offshore renewable energy generated in or on the sea from reusable, infinite natural sources such as wind, ocean currents, light or heat from the sun, rain and geothermal heat presents an opportunity to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and support the transition to net zero by 2050.

MBIE asked for feedback on approaches to identifying suitable areas for developing offshore renewable energy and managing feasibility activities in the short-term. There are a number of opportunities and risks that need to be carefully considered to ensure New Zealanders will benefit from these new, more efficient, renewable energy technologies in the near future.

The proposals in the discussion document focus on the initial stages of offshore renewable energy development – further public consultation is taking place in 2023 on the remaining issues relating to construction, operation and decommissioning to ensure offshore renewable energy is developed in line with Aotearoa New Zealand’s interests.  

Submissions closed on 14 April 2023.

This is a summary of the proposals. Please refer to the discussion document for more detailed information.