Wind Farm Installed In Central Wellington

Today at midday, young campaigners set up a mock 16-turbine wind farm at Midland Park in Wellington, handed out flyers and chatted with passersby about New Zealand’s opportunities for a clean energy future.

The action was part of the week-long, nationwide launch of a campaign called 100% Possible – spreading the message that moving New Zealand beyond fossil fuels is 100% achievable and challenging the Government to step up its efforts.

100% Possible is being coordinated by climate change groups 350 Aotearoa and Generation Zero.

Generation Zero’s Policy Coordinator Paul Young said, “It’s safe to say that Wellingtonians already know the power of the wind. Today we’re highlighting the huge potential we have in New Zealand to harness our abundant renewable energy resources and can-do Kiwi attitude to build a better future beyond fossil fuels.”

“Research from scientists at Canterbury and Lincoln universities shows we could run a secure and reliable 100% renewable electricity system on hydro, geothermal, wind and bioenergy, and official figures from the Ministry of Economic Development say the economic potential for new renewable generation by 2030 is more than 2.5 times the amount of electricity supplied by fossil fuels in 2011.

“Furthermore, an economics study by Infometrics said that Kiwis will be better off by up to $390 per annum if we’re generating 20% of electricity from wind by 2030. Moving beyond fossil fuels is the smart path forward.”

350 Aotearoa Campaign Coordinator Ashlee Gross said the Government needed to show vision and leadership, and step up with immediate action.

“The Government has a target of 90% renewable electricity by 2025, but the Ministry of Economic Development predicts we’ll only meet 72% under current policies.”

Ms Gross cites Denmark as a leading example of how government should step up. “It’s comparable to New Zealand in many ways, but has a national plan to get all of its energy from renewables by 2050.”

13 cities around New Zealand are participating in the Wednesday, 27 February to Wednesday, 6 March launch, dubbed the “Week of Possibilities”.

For more information about the Week of Possibilities and the 100% Possible campaign, see http://www.100percentpossible.org.nz.

About Generation Zero:
Generation Zero is an independent youth organisation seeking to catalyse action on climate change in New Zealand. For more information see:
www.generationzero.org.nz
www.facebook.com/GenerationZero

About 350 Aotearoa:
350 Aotearoa is part of global organisation 350.org working to secure a safe climate future. For more information see:
www.350.org.nz
www.facebook.com/350aotearoa