At present Wind power in New Zealand generates a small but rapidly growing proportion of the country’s electricity. Having only become a established generation source in the late 1990′s, in 2012 wind power accounts for 622 MW of installed capacity and nearly 5 percent of electricity generated in the country.
New Zealand is right in the path of the Roaring Forties, creating an excellent resource for wind generation. The funneling effect of Cook Strait and the Manawatu Gorge exacerbate the resource’s potential, making the Lower North Island the main region for wind generation – 70 percent of the nation’s current installed capacity lies within this region, with some turbines recording over 50 percent capacity factor in this area
New Zealand has outstanding wind resources, due to its position astride the Roaring Forties, resulting in nearly continuous strong westerly winds over many locations, unimpeded by other nearby landmasses at similar latitude. One study found that using 1% of total available land for wind farms would produce approximately 100,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) per year. This is roughly two times the annual electricity consumption of New Zealand. Nearly continuous however does not mean continuous: a high-pressure weather system can cover the entire country, meaning no significant winds anywhere.
The strength and consistency of New Zealand winds means the nationwide capacity factor is high compared to other countries, averaging between 30 and 35 percent, with some individual turbines recording capacity factors above 50 percent

Dr.A.Jagadeesh Nellore(AP),India
Wind Energy Expert
E-mail: anumakonda.jagadeesh@gmail.com