New Zealand accelerates wind, solar energy projects

WELLINGTON, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand is accelerating its shift to clean renewable energy with fast-track referral of three wind farm projects for approval by consenting panels.

If approved, the wind farms would cut about 150 million kg of carbon emissions and create up to 840 construction jobs, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods said on Monday.

The proposed wind farms, located in Manawatu nea