Offshore renewable energy
As part of Electrify NZ, the Government has committed to delivering a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy, to enable investment and deliver clean energy at scale.
On this page
Developing a regulatory framework
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is progressing work on developing a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy. The proposed regime focuses on addressing gaps in our current system to enable development of our offshore renewable energy resources. The regime will work alongside, and not duplicate, existing regulatory regimes, including those under the Resource Management Act, Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act, the Marine Mammals Protection Act, and Electricity Industry Act.
The Minister for Energy is expected to announce policy decisions on the regime shortly.
Indicative timeline for the proposed regulatory regime
Below is the indicative timeline for the development of the regime. The timeline is indicative only and is subject to final Cabinet decisions. Timeframes will be brought forward where possible.
| Milestone/Activity | Indicative timing |
|---|---|
| Cabinet decisions on regime | June 2024 |
| Introduction of Bill | By the end of 2024 |
| Select Committee process | Once the Bill passes first reading |
| Passing of the Bill | Mid-2025 |
| Secondary legislation in force and permit application guidance issued | After Bill passes* |
| First feasibility round initiated | By late 2025 |
| First feasibility permits granted | 2026 |
*Secondary legislation will be prepared alongside the Bill to enable implementation as soon as possible.
Consultation on an offshore renewable energy regime
In late 2023, MBIE sought feedback on proposed regulations to enable renewable energy development at sea. This was the second discussion document for public consultation on proposals for offshore renewable energy regulation. Getting our regulatory settings right will allow development to begin as early as possible, while protecting the interests of New Zealanders now and in the future.
Public consultation on this document, as well as a package of discussion documents to advance New Zealand’s energy transition, ended on 2 November 2023. We received over 50 submissions in relation to offshore renewable energy development.
All submissions provide us with valuable insight to inform our ongoing work programme. We have analysed submissions and plan to publish a summary report of the key themes shortly.
As detailed in the consultation document, we will also be publishing submissions in full unless the submitter has requested specific redactions.
Enabling Investment in Offshore Renewable Energy (2022) [PDF 4.7MB]
Contact us
MBIE is engaging regularly with those who have expressed an interest in the development of the offshore renewable energy regime. To be kept informed of these opportunities and to receive updates on progress please register your interest:
This page will be updated with significant milestones and developments as the work progresses.