Enabling investment in offshore renewable energy

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 is asking 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 will take 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.  

Read the 57 page discussion document seeking feedback on proposed approaches to managing offshore renewable energy feasibility activities here.

Read the “Offshore renewable energy: Release of public consultation document on approaches to manage feasibility activities” here.

Read the 3 page Cabinet minutes of decision on the document here.

View the web version of the enabling Investment in Offshore Renewable Energy Discussion Document here.

How to make a submission:

Please use the submission template provided here. This will help MBIE to collate submissions and ensure that your views are fully considered. Please also include your name and (if applicable) the name of your organisation in your submission.

Please include your contact details in the cover letter or e-mail accompanying your submission.

You can make your submission by:

• sending your submission as a Microsoft Word document to offshorerenewables@mbie.govt.nz
• or mailing your submission to:Offshore Renewable Energy Submissions
  Building, Resources and Markets
  Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
  PO Box 1473
  Wellington 6140
  New Zealand

Please direct any questions that you have in relation to the submissions process to offshorerenewables@mbie.govt.nz