Backyard wind encouraged in New Zealand

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- New Zealand's Environment Ministry announced a new renewable energy policy.

Under the new policy, backyard wind turbines could become more common, especially in rural areas, The New Zealand Herald reported.

Environment Minister Trevor Mallard and Energy Minister David Parker said their proposal would encourage development of small-scale renewable generation projects and would help rural communities reduce their reliance on the national power grid.

An independent board of inquiry was appointed to consider the policy, which is aimed at helping to achieve the government's goal of generating 90 percent of the nation's power from renewable resources by 2025.

The policy focuses on development of wind, hydro, solar and geothermal power.

One official reportedly suggested nuclear power, but the idea was almost immediately rejected, The New Zealand Herald reported.