An offshore wind farm in the North Sea in the UK. Photo: 123RF / Ian Dyball
Amid the challenges the energy sector is facing, offshore wind is one solution that could shore up future supply, according to Venture Taranaki.
The regional development agency is currently hosting a delegation from the United Kingdom which wants to help unlock this country's offshore wind potential.
Chief executive Kelvin Wright said with unusually low hydro-lake levels, high wholesale electricity prices and declining gas reserves, it was the right time to be thinking about offshore wind.
The UK had the second-largest offshore wind market in the world, after China, and extensive experience in the elements necessary for making it a success, such as financing, local and international supply chain development, and regulatory alignment, Wright said.
Officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the British High Commission visited Taranaki to present the findings of research into trade and partnership opportunities.
British High Commissioner to New Zealand Iona Thomas said the energy goals New Zealand and the UK had set themselves required unprecedented and transformational change.
"As the global shift towards sustainable energy accelerates, the offshore wind sector in New Zealand is ready to respond and the UK stands ready to use our experience to tackle the challenges and take the strategic approach needed to unlock the potential that New Zealand has."
The delegation's report, Aotearoa New Zealand - Development of the Offshore Wind Supply Chain, outlined key areas where British expertise could foster partnership opportunities with Taranaki and New Zealand supply chain companies.
During the delegation's visit, they engaged with Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, Ara Ake, Ngā Iwi o Taranaki, developers, and Port Taranaki, to discuss the report's findings and gain an understanding of the region's progress in the industry.
The south Taranaki coastline. Photo: CC2/ Phillip Capper
Wright welcomed the UK interest.
"As we continue to progress with what an offshore wind industry could mean for Taranaki and New Zealand, international collaboration is crucial. Having nations like the UK offer practical support is an incredibly positive step on our journey."
The challenge was that it wouldn't happen overnight, Wright said.
"We will need a unified approach between government and industry to both get offshore wind off the ground, and to support the region as it makes the transition.
"If we can get that right, offshore wind offers a generational opportunity for the region to transition our specialised workforce into renewable energy, helping New Zealand meet its future energy needs, sustainability targets, and opening the door for industry development like green hydrogen and synthetic fuel production."
Wright said the visit was well-timed, with the New Zealand government expected to introduce a regulatory framework to Parliament before the end of the year - which would be another step towards permitting offshore wind developments.
The chief executive of Ara Ake, New Zealand's future energy centre, Cristiano Marantes said collaboration and innovation were essential for the country to reach its goal of doubling renewable energy generation.
"The valuable lessons we are learning from the UK, the world's second-largest offshore wind market, are accelerating opportunities for offshore wind development here in New Zealand."
In 2020, Venture Taranaki released the Offshore Wind Energy discussion paper, which was the first to highlight its potential in the region. It also host an annual Offshore Renewable Energy Forum in partnership with Ara Ake.