17 May 10
There are more threats to the surf breaks of Taranaki than are immediately obvious. Just because they appear in the media once they do not go away. Developers are continually beavering away on their plans to exploit the marine environment of Taranaki.
But the greatest threat is about to undergo a five-year trial
off the coast of Waitara. A non-notifiable consent is likely to be
issued for the construction and siting of A POINT ABSORBER WAVE
ENERGY CONVERTER. These devices are deemed the most suitable for
New Zealand conditions. One of these devices has been trialled in
Pegasus Bay on and off since 2006.
The developer of this project has made initial contact with the
Allen Pidwell as a representative of NPSRC , Surfing Taranki and
Surfbreak Protection, which is heartening as it shows that
developers are becoming aware that surfers to have a claim to
protect the natural resource that provides their sport and
life-style.
This is the type of wave farm that will be trialled off Waitara
over the next five years.
It is interesting to note that at the moment such a device is
extracts about 5% of the energy from the swell and developers will
work to increase that to about 35% - about the same energy
efficiency as a gas-fired power station.
But there is a catch and none of the reports prepared for
Governments anywhere in the world that I have been able to access
report on this feature. The amount of energy extracted from the
swell is that which is used to generate electricity -it does not
include the huge amount removed by a huge device ( and ultimately a
huge array of them) hanging down in the sea like a huge kelp
bed.
Thos of us who have been to California and seen the effects the
kelp beds there have on the swell will understand. When these wave
farms are fully developed they will cover hundreds of hectares and
effectively stop any swell from reaching the Surfbreak.
If you care about protecting our surfbreaks from these
developments go to the ELECTRICITY CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY
AUTHORITIES WEB SITE and read the reports there. They are very
good. The authors have undertaken significant research and put a
very sound case to the Government for the development of
electricity generation from the marine environment. The surfing
areas most at risk are; TARANKI, NORTHLAND WEST COAST, WAIRARAPA,
SOUTH ISLAND SOUTH EAST COAST AND SOUTH ISLAND WEST COAST.
Take the time to read these reports. This one will not go
away.
Go to www.eeca.govt.nz