Karoline Spiessl
Research Consultant
Date: 2 July 2026
Time: 7.00 - 8.15 pm NZST / 09:00-10:15 CEST
Format: Online webinar
Participation: Open to the public (registration required)
The German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (GNZCC), in cooperation with adelphi, invites you to a technical webinar under the German-New Zealand Energy Dialogue focusing on onshore wind development in both countries.
This session brings together industry associations, companies, and system-level actors to compare market conditions for onshore wind in New Zealand and Germany. The discussion will be structured around a comparative SWOT analysis, covering market scale, project pipelines, regulatory frameworks, grid integration, and implementation risks.
New Zealand’s onshore wind sector is entering a phase of significant expansion, driven by growing electricity demand from electrification and the need to increase system resilience. At the same time, project development faces challenges related to grid capacity, consenting processes, and supply-chain constraints. Germany, by contrast, is scaling up deployment at speed, while addressing regulatory, spatial planning, and grid-related bottlenecks.
The webinar will combine perspectives from industry associations, system operators, and companies, including Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, to provide practical insights into project development and delivery. It is designed as an interactive expert exchange rather than a series of stand-alone presentations.
The session is particularly relevant for companies and stakeholders interested in the New Zealand wind market and in the comparability of international market conditions.
Speakers
German Wind Energy Association (BWE)
The German Wind Energy Association (Bundesverband WindEnergie, BWE) is the central industry association for the wind energy sector in Germany, representing manufacturers, developers, operators, and other stakeholders. As one of the largest renewable energy associations worldwide, it advocates for the expansion of wind energy and contributes to policy and industry developments.
Meridian Energy
Meridian Energy is one of New Zealand’s largest electricity generators and retailers, with a strong focus on renewable energy sources including wind and hydro. The company plays a central role in the country’s energy system and in advancing decarbonisation through large-scale renewable generation.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is the government’s international business development agency, supporting companies in expanding into global markets. It provides market insights, connections, and investment facilitation to strengthen international trade and attract investment into New Zealand.
Powerco
Powerco is a New Zealand electricity and gas distribution company operating extensive network infrastructure across the North Island. It connects homes, businesses, and energy generation assets to the grid and plays a key role in enabling the integration of new energy sources.
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE)
Siemens Gamesa is a global wind energy company that develops, manufactures, installs, and services wind turbines for onshore and offshore projects. The company provides integrated solutions across the entire value chain and is one of the leading players in the international wind industry.
Wind Energy Association of New Zealand (NZWEA)
The Wind Energy Association of New Zealand is an industry body that promotes the development of wind power as a reliable, sustainable, and commercially viable energy source. It represents the interests of the wind sector to government, the public, and industry stakeholders and serves as a central platform for information and collaboration.