A company hoping to build an offshore wind power generation site has disputed claims it could work alongside seabed mining also planned for the area (file photo). Photo: 123RF
- Wind developer BlueFloat Energy has cancelled its plans for wind farms in New Zealand
- Earlier this year BlueFloat and others sent a briefing paper to government ministers likely to be involved in the fast-track process saying the two industries were incompatible
- The government says both mining and offshore wind can be done
- Labour says the government is driving away international investment for much needed energy generation.
Offshore wind power developer BlueFloat Energy has cancelled its plans for wind farms in New Zealand just weeks after a controversial seabed mining project in the same area was revealed to be among the 149 projects listed in the government's Fast-Track Approvals Bill.
Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) wants to mine a 3.2 billion tonne vanadium-rich titanomagnetite resource in the South Taranaki Bight for up to 35 years.
But the two industries were incompatible, government ministers likely to be involved in the fast-track process said, were told earlier this year in a briefing sent from BlueFloat Energy, Elemental Group, Taranaki Offshore Partnership, Sumitomo Corporation and Parkwind.
"A seabed mining project is expected to significantly disrupt the seabed floor, up to a depth of 11 metres," the paper said.
"Offshore wind turbines and electrical cables could not be constructed in the same location as an active seabed mining operation, resulting in the unavailability of that zone for offshore wind generation for the duration of mining activities."
It was a claim that was disputed by TTR Chair Alan Eggers, who said the South Taranaki Bight was big enough for both business activities.
The government was driving away international investment for much needed energy generation, Labour Party energy spokesperson Megan Woods said.
The industry that could create up to 12,000 jobs and provide tens of billions of dollars of GDP to the New Zealand economy, she said.
"This government is putting not only our energy security at risk, but they're putting New Zealand jobs and New Zealand economic development opportunities at risk."
She said an overlap with the TTR mining permit needed to be cleared up quickly.
A series of protests have been held at locations around the country this year, including Patea, protesting both the government's Fast Track Bill pipeline for projects and the prospect of seabed mining in Taranaki. Photo: Supplied/ Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust
Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop said both mining and offshore wind could be done, and that BlueFloat's decision was a "commercial" one.
He said offshore wind was also still some years away.
JV partner Elemental Group said while BlueFloat Energy would focus on advancing its most mature projects globally, Elemental Group remained "steadfast in its belief in the potential of offshore wind as a vital contributor to New Zealand's decarbonisation and economic growth."
Kate Bromfield, Chair of Elemental Group, said "Elemental Group is still committed to the development of the industry, and we will be looking at ways to build on the great mahi BlueFloat have done to grow this sector for NZ Inc. We appreciate the strong partnership we've built with BlueFloat Energy over the past three years."
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