New Zealand opens offshore renewables permit round

New Zealand has opened its first offshore renewable energy feasibility permit application round, covering designated areas off Taranaki and Waikato / South Auckland.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said the round follows publication of the Offshore Renewable Energy Feasibility Permit Application Round Notice 2026.

The notice sets out the terms, requirements, limitations and mandatory conditions applying to the round, the ministry added.

Applications must be received by 5:00 pm NZST on 19 April 2027 and must relate to either the Offshore Taranaki or Offshore Waikato / South Auckland designated area.

Applicants must comply with the Offshore Renewable Energy Act 2026, the Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations 2026, the Offshore Renewable Energy (Levies) Regulations 2026 and the Round Notice.

Successful applicants must also comply with all applicable requirements and mandatory conditions attached to their feasibility permits.

Information on eligibility requirements, application guidance and how to apply is available on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website.

More information:https://www.renews.biz/offshore-wind/new-zealand-opens-offshore-renewables-permit-round/