Next steps for enabling more offshore renewable energy generation

The Government is progressing legislation to implement a new offshore renewable energy generation regime which will support investment in, and delivery of, clean energy at scale.

The new legislation will be designed to:

• Give developers greater certainty to invest in offshore renewable energy projects.

• Enable the selection of developments that best meet New Zealand’s national interests.

It will introduce two dedicated offshore renewable energy permits:

• A feasibility permit – to provide greater investment certainty through providing an exclusive right to apply for a commercial permit, and the ability to obtain environmental consents in a specified area.

• A commercial permit – to enable the building and operating of offshore renewable energy infrastructure.