Fact sheets and brochures

As our economy and population grow, our demand for electricity grows. We face important decisions about how we will generate the electricity we need. Part of the answer lies in the wind that flows across New Zealand. Unlike electricity generated from fossil fuels, the use of wind doesn't generate any greenhouse gases. Wind power can help meet New Zealand's growing demand for electricity. In fact, public opinion research conducted in May 2004 shows wind power has the highest approval rating of any electricity generation method.

New Zealand has one of the best wind resources in the world. Small wind turbines can be a good way to generate some of your electricity needs, particularly as part of a 'stand-alone' power system or in rural situations.

Currently, the electricity generated by small-scale wind turbines is considerably more expensive to produce than buying electricity from the national grid.

Generally, small wind turbines are best suited to rural settings that are exposed to strong and consistent winds, and where there is no connection to the electricity network or grid.