Rejection of turbines a ‘lost opportunity’
Stewart Islanders are now ‘burdened with ever-rising fossil fuel prices’, writes Evan Harding. So what are the alternatives?
When Energy Minister Megan Woods publicly says it was ‘‘disappointing’’ the Government’s offer to fund two wind turbines on Stewart Island was rejected in 2020, she’s likely putting it lightly.
In late November 2019, Environment Minister David Parker announced that Stewart Island had been granted $3.16 million from the Provincial Growth Fund to help build two wind turbines, ‘‘putting the island on a path to sustainable electricity generation’’.
The island was powered by diesel generators, and Parker said it was high time its energy future was addressed.
But just 16 months later, in March 2021, it was announced the wind turbine project had been scrapped after agreement could not be reached on a suitable location.
Government evaluations had earlier determined that wind turbines were the best power option for the island.
The Provincial Growth Fund money was to be used for the construction of a two-turbine wind farm, with the potential to expand it further in future, to ensure a fully renewable system on the island.
Woods, when questioned this month on Stewart Island’s power, made a point of saying it was disappointing the wind turbine initiative didn’t proceed after being rejected by affected landowners.
Climate Navigator director Scott Willis went further, saying it was a crazy decision to turn down free Government money to install the turbines.
He saw it as a missed opportunity due to ‘‘petty politics at play’’.
‘‘They have lost an opportunity they will never get back. It was the most sensible opportunity they could possibly have,’’ he said.
‘‘Now they are burdened with ever-rising fossil fuel [diesel] prices because the other renewable option [cable] is way too expensive.
‘‘It’s a sad story they will have to live with, unfortunately. We will look at other places and hope they learn from their mistakes.’’
During the past 40 years some 25 reports have looked at alternative energy sources on the island, but nothing has been built.
The diesel generators that power Stewart Island consume about 360,000 litres of fuel a year but given rising costs, diesel is considered unsustainable in future, both economically and environmentally.
Building two wind turbines as part of the island’s power generation network was considered the most economic and environmentally acceptable option.
When announcing government funding for the project, Parker said it would improve the island’s economic resilience and encourage businesses to remain.
Some had wanted a hydro scheme, but there was not enough storage for that, and it would be more expensive.
Some had wanted a cable from the mainland, but that would be much more expensive, Parker said at the time.
‘‘Wind energy is a clean fuel source compared to other energy sources. It does not pollute the air or produce greenhouse gases.’’
Last week, Great South strategic projects general manager Steve Canny said a Southland Murihiku Energy Strategy 2022-2050 would look at the region’s current and future energy needs.
Stewart Island and Milford Sound were included in the work as they predominantly used fossil fuels as their energy sources.
A Southland District subcommittee looking into Stewart Island’s future power needs last week said a cable was its preferred option. Canny said it remained a ‘‘possibility’’, but funding it would be the major challenge.
Before any commitments were made, alternatives needed to be considered.
‘‘We need to look at positive ways of reducing carbon emissions, and any moves on Stewart Island and elsewhere that reduce the amount of fossil fuels being consumed, in favour of renewable energy, are opportunities to be embraced.’’
Paul Norris, chief conservation officer of Real NZ, which ferries passengers to Stewart Island twice daily, said the organisation supported any power generation initiatives for the island which were more sustainable and cleaner than diesel.
A change from diesel to an alternative, reliable power source would be expensive, so any district council and government assistance was welcome, he said.