New Zealand Energy Strategy
New Zealand Aims to Be a Climate Change Leader
An ambitious strategy sets New Zealand firmly on a path towards clean, renewable energy.
At the launch of the New Zealand Energy Strategy The Prime Minister Helen Clark predicted greater sustainability, and a secure energy future for New Zealand.
Climate Change and Energy use
New Zealand, like the rest of the world, faces two major energy challenges. The first is to respond to the risks of climate change by reducing the greenhouse gases caused by the production and use of energy. The second is to deliver clean, secure, affordable energy while treating the environment responsibly.
Energy Minister David Parker, who launched the strategy along with the Prime Minister, the said that the New Zealand Energy Strategy sets out the government's vision and an action plan to make that vision a reality.
"It sets out how we will deliver secure energy at affordable prices to support economic development, while at the same time being environmentally responsible and reducing carbon emissions from our energy production and use," Mr Parker told those gathered.
"We've already announced a target of generating 90 per cent of New Zealand's electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025.”
New Zealand's Transport Future
The Energy Strategy also includes the target of halving domestic transport emissions per capita by 2040: -
- The use of renewable energy from biofuels will increase
- New Zealand aims to be a world leader in electrically powered vehicles
- Major investments in public transport are being made
In his speech David Parker pointed to what New Zealand’s light vehicle fleet might look like in 2050.
“Although we don't know what the exact mix of fuels will be, our vehicle fleet and fuel mix in 2050 will be different to today's.” He said the speed at which alternative fuels are being developed internationally is driven by both climate change and energy security.
“ We want to be in a position to adopt these new technologies promptly."
To help New Zealand prepare, the government is establishing an expert group to facilitate the transition to low carbon fuels and new vehicle technologies.
The New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050 sets out to deliver its vision through:-
- Providing clear direction on the future of New Zealand’s energy system
- Utilising markets and focused regulation to securely deliver energy services at competitive prices
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including through an emissions trading scheme
- Maximising the contribution of cost-effective energy efficiency and conservation
- Maximising the contribution of cost-effective renewable energy resources while safeguarding our environment
- Promoting early adoption of environmentally sustainable energy technologies
- Supporting consumers through the transition.
The Energy Strategy is an important part of a package of initiatives the government is introducing to advance sustainability and economic transformation, and to help New Zealand respond to climate change [link to CC website].
The development of the Strategy has involved the help of dozens of organisations, associations, interest groups and individuals. A summary report of submissions received on the draft energy strategy is available
The Prime Minister in launching the strategy emphasized the importance of New Zealand playing its part in tackling climate change.
"This strategy, and its companion document, the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, will help us do that.”
Source: Department of Economic Development (New Zealand)
