energy in southland

Southland has a range of energy options including significant lignite reserves, wind generation opportunities, potential wave and tidal options as well as potential on-shore and off-shore oil and gas reserves located in the Great South Basin. Recent changes within the New Zealand energy scene have directed significant focus to Southland's oil, gas and mineral resources.

Interest in oil and gas exploration, both on-shore and off the Southland coast, has been stimulated by government initiatives for exploration outside the Taranaki basin. Seismic surveying of the Great South and Solander Basins has helped further stimulate international interest in the energy potential of the area. As well as an increase in activity relating to oil and gas, there have been a number of promising coal seam gas proposals.

Regional lignite deposits and sub-bituminous coals have also received substantial attention. Southland sits on 72% of the national recoverable coal and lignite reserves, which has created interest in the potential energy options available.

Southland also contains a range of minerals which may be considered for extraction and other value added opportunities. Included in this is silicon, which has gained importance with increasing demand from the electronic and energy sectors.

A significant proportion of New Zealand's energy generation comes from renewable hydro-electric and wind power generated in Southland. Wave and tidal energy options are also being investigated. 

Southland was also a leader in the development of a regional energy strategy. The Southland regional energy strategy was completed in November 2003 and identifies key opportunities and priorities based on the Southland Regional Energy Assessment.