Next-generation spatial planning and ecological assessment
Offshore wind farms are being explored in New Zealand as part of the renewable energy mix needed to double generation by 2050. Better data and knowledge of the impact on the surrounding environment is needed to build confidence in the sustainability of offshore development, support regulators, developers and iwi Māori decision-making and ultimately maximise the benefits for New Zealand.
The programme
De-risking New Zealand’s offshore wind energy: Next-generation spatial planning and ecological assessment is an MBIE Endeavour Research Programme that employs leading expertise in ecosystem research and modelling, and cutting-edge implementation strategies for a range of outcomes including reducing harm, maximising benefits and optimising overlapping activities through advanced spatial planning.
Our approach flips traditional methodology on its head by developing artificial intelligence objective-driven models first and using their outputs to design field campaigns that are optimised to produce the knowledge we need.
The programme will specifically focus on potential offshore wind developments in the Taranaki region with direct relevance to Waikato and the oceans around Aotearoa.
It will run over a term of five years from 2025-2030.
Partners
University of Otago, Eidgenössische Technische, Hochschule Zürich, The Finnish Environment Institute, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, BECA, Griffith University, Oregon State University, University of California, Sumitomo Corporation, Far Out Oceanic Research Collective Charitable Trust, Tidal Research Limited, Massey University and Farallon Institute.
