Kiwis have say in energy transition

Feedback on a programme of work to transition New Zealand towards a low emissions economy is sought by the Government.

Consultation on five streams of energy policy launched by energy and resources minister Megan Woods include a plan for managing the gas industry’s transition to a low emission future, an Interim Hydrogen Roadmap, regulations to enable offshore renewable energy development, market measures to ensure electricity is reliable and affordable, and how the Emissions Reduction Plan will be implemented to ban new fossil fuel baseload electricity generation.

“This Government has already laid the groundwork for a new energy future that moves us away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy,” says Woods.

“The next steps are to shape how that will happen.”

She says the recent announcement with BlackRock on a $2 billion investment fund for clean tech and renewable energy shows how important New Zealand’s climate change policies are to attracting investment to help secure a fully renewable electricity grid, particularly as people demand more sustainability in the products and services they buy.

“Achieving this will require the energy transition to be made in a way that keeps the lights on, keeps power bills affordable, and keeps our economy growing,” says Woods.

“We are asking New Zealanders to have a say on important policy areas that will shape our way toward to a renewable future.

“Where electrification isn’t easy, we want to equip Kiwi businesses and households to choose the best emissions reductions technologies for the job.

“Sustainable and safe hydrogen and biogas will be part of this mix,” explains Woods, adding that some key trade-offs may be needed.

Feedback may also support development of the New Zealand Energy Strategy by the end of 2024.

Click here for more information, including making a submission.