On November 9, the BlueFloat Energy & Elemental Group team will be coming to Raglan to host the first of many community information evenings about offshore wind in Waikato. Together we hope to develop up to 3 GW of clean, 100% renewable energy – enough to power around 1.5 million kiwi homes – helping us transition away from non-renewable energies and helping us meet our climate change targets.
Our plans for Waikato are split across two phases. The first would be an 810 MW fixed bottom wind farm around 22 kilometres off the coast, north of Raglan. We expect that this would create around 550 jobs, mostly in construction, operations & maintenance.
Phase 2 would use floating foundations and be located to the north of Phase 1. This is a newer technology in offshore wind that allows you locate wind farms in deeper water. We believe this could generate around 1,125 MW of new electricity.
We are in the early stages of development, known as pre-feasibility, where we are looking for the best locations in terms of wind resource, grid connection points and local demand for green energy. West Waikato has all of these attributes, as well as a skilled local workforce and training facilities to educate the next generation of offshore wind workers.
The Government is currently working on a regulatory framework that would allow offshore wind to progress. This is expected in 2024 and we anticipate construction would commence around 2030 if we have gained all of the required approvals and consents.
Before this happens, we are committed to early and meaningful consultation with local communities, iwi, hapū, business and industry. Offshore wind is new to New Zealand, and we appreciate people will have many questions about how the industry may impact them. If you would like to find out more about our plans for Waikato please join us for a community information evening in Raglan:
When: Thursday 9th November, 5-6.30pm
Where: Function Room, Raglan Sunset Motel,
7 Bankart Street, Raglan
RSVP: info@waikatooffshorewindproject.com
waikatooffshorewindproject.com
