Offshore wind developer pulls out of NZ amid seabed mining concerns

Spanish offshore wind developer BlueFloat Energy is cancelling plans for wind farms off the coast of Taranaki and Waikato due to uncertainties about the route to market and competition for seabed allocation. This decision follows the inclusion of a controversial seabed mining project in the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Bill, which could impact offshore wind development in South Taranaki. Despite Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s encouragement for coexistence, BlueFloat’s withdrawal is seen as a significant loss for New Zealand’s offshore wind industry, with delays in regulations further hindering progress.

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