Rural landowners generating windfall revenues from alternative energy

The National Business Review

From a renewable electricity perspective, New Zealand’s wind resource is globally admired and has proven cost-effective. 

Wind comprises 5% of New Zealand’s energy portfolio – enough to power around 3000 Kiwi homes per year. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, New Zealand’s wind resource is “spectacular” – one of the best in the world.

Turbines installed in the Manawatu region in 2007 recently achieved the record for producing the most electricity by any wind turbine in the world – testimony to New Zealand’s excellent wind regime.

Bayleys national rural sales manager Simon Anderson says there are 19 wind farms operating or under construction in New Zealand. Most existing wind generation is located in the Waikato, Manawatu, Wellington and Southland. Identified growth areas included Northland, South Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Canterbury and Otago.

“Wind farms tend to be built on less productive land, so they don’t compromise effective farming land. The impact of an operating wind farm on livestock is minimal. Sheep, cows and horses are not disturbed by wind turbines and typically graze right up to the base of the towers,” Mr Anderson said.

 

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