4. Constraint Issues
Specific constraints on implementing various opportunities for new generation have been generally identified for each option in the foregoing sections of this report. The most encouraging aspect is that the existence of adequate energy resources in New Zealand is not a constraint on achieving sufficient capacity to provide security in the short term, with environmental impacts that most New Zealanders would consider to be acceptable, when compared with the alternatives.
The summary table in Appendix B includes a relative assessment of applicable constraints on a Low/Medium/High basis relating to:
- The Resource Management Act process
- Fuel/Energy Resource constraints
- Transmission constraints
- Environmental constraints
In the summary table, the indicators L, M and H have been used to reflect the assessed level of constraint. "0" indicates no constraint. In the environmental column, "+" indicates that the project has a positive environmental benefit.
Where entries in the table have been left blank, this is because either we have had insufficient information to make an assessment of the extent of the constraint or the item relates to a range of opportunities rather than an opportunity at a specific site.
At the present time, there are existing and potential constraints in the high voltage transmission system that are obstacles to new generation in some areas of the country. Some constraints have been ameliorated recently by uprating lines. However they would return if a substantial amount of generation were added in the affected area. Known constraints include the following:
- Central North Island constraints limit generation in the Taupo area
- A constraint north of Huntly limits transmission into Auckland
- DC link limits generation in the South Island
- There is a constraint north of Wellington that would be a bottleneck if the DC link were uprated.
- Taranaki constraints limit export from the Taranaki region
- Hawera 110kV constraint limits Kiwi dairy generation
- Most wind farm projects have transmission constraints
Local air quality is an issue for consideration with thermal generation and is a known issue particularly in the Marsden area.
Air quality and noise are issues for any generation close to urban areas.
The progress of many proposed geothermal and hydro development projects is constrained by the consent process. In many cases, the assessed environmental impact of these projects is low.
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