The National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation 2011 establishes a nationwide framework to support the expansion of renewable electricity generation, enhance energy security, and contribute to climate change mitigation. It defines key concepts and requires decision-makers to recognise the benefits of renewable energy, protect existing renewable energy assets, and enable new developments while managing environmental effects and Māori interests. The Statement applies throughout New Zealand and takes immediate effect in guiding planning and resource management decisions related to renewable electricity generation. Objective and polices of the text aims to promote renewable electricity generation by recognising its national, regional and local benefits and enabling significant increases in renewable energy capacity and output. It supports community wellbeing, energy security and resilience, and New Zealand’s emissions reduction goals. The policies require decision-makers to recognise the importance of renewable electricity generation, facilitate expansion of renewable energy capacity, and protect existing renewable energy assets. They recognise the need for projects to be located where renewable resources are available and require consideration of Māori interests. The framework enables renewable energy development while managing environmental impacts through avoidance, mitigation, adaptive management and compensation measures where appropriate. It also supports the maintenance, upgrading, repowering and reconsenting of existing renewable energy facilities to improve efficiency and capacity.
Nouvelle-Zélande · 2011-04-14