Wind energy

Small wind turbines can generate electricity for use on the farm, business and home. Wind turbines can co-exist easily with other farming practices, and have been used for decades on European farms. There is a wide range of turbines suitable for use in New Zealand, ranging from micro-scale to larger commercial-scale systems. This guide to wind power schemes is aimed at a farming audience, and includes practical examples.

New Zealand has one of the best wind resources in the world. Small wind turbines can be a good way to generate some of your electricity needs, particularly as part of a 'stand-alone' power system or in rural situations.

Currently, the electricity generated by small-scale wind turbines is considerably more expensive to produce than buying electricity from the national grid.

Generally, small wind turbines are best suited to rural settings that are exposed to strong and consistent winds, and where there is no connection to the electricity network or grid.