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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Meridian Has $600m Plan For Wind Farms:
New Zealand utility Meridian Energy is to spend up to $600 million on wind energy projects in Australia in the next five years if the Federal Government retains its mandated renewable energy target scheme.
Meridian chief executive Keith Turner said yesterday that the company had received planning approvals for a 100 megawatt, $150 million wind farm on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
New Zealand utility Meridian Energy is to spend up to $600 million on wind energy projects in Australia in the next five years if the Federal Government retains its mandated renewable energy target scheme.
Meridian chief executive Keith Turner said yesterday that the company had received planning approvals for a 100 megawatt, $150 million wind farm on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
de Freitas continues to mis-represent the Kyoto commitment
"Compare this with New Zealand, which is obliged through Kyoto to reduce emission to 1990 levels by 2012.
Optimists claim that, as industry seeks to realise all the energy efficiency potential, it can actually make money out of reducing emissions, but only to a point. Then comes the crunch, since additional energy consumption and therefore rising emissions will inevitably accompany economic growth.
At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the New Zealand government promised to stabilise emissions at 1990 levels by 2000. Instead emissions went the other way. By ratifying the Kyoto Protocol New Zealand has undertaken to reverse this trend. This means reducing emissions about 25% from the business-as-usual level by 2012.
If overall energy demand continues to grow between 2-5% annually, the target reductions of carbon emissions required by Kyoto will increase through time.
Thus, to meet the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol, New Zealand will have to give up over one third of its energy use.
This cannot happen in the economy as we know it.
"Compare this with New Zealand, which is obliged through Kyoto to reduce emission to 1990 levels by 2012.
Optimists claim that, as industry seeks to realise all the energy efficiency potential, it can actually make money out of reducing emissions, but only to a point. Then comes the crunch, since additional energy consumption and therefore rising emissions will inevitably accompany economic growth.
At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the New Zealand government promised to stabilise emissions at 1990 levels by 2000. Instead emissions went the other way. By ratifying the Kyoto Protocol New Zealand has undertaken to reverse this trend. This means reducing emissions about 25% from the business-as-usual level by 2012.
If overall energy demand continues to grow between 2-5% annually, the target reductions of carbon emissions required by Kyoto will increase through time.
Thus, to meet the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol, New Zealand will have to give up over one third of its energy use.
This cannot happen in the economy as we know it.
New Zealand News - - Doubts on power viability
A big hydro-electric power scheme in the South Island is likely to cost at least twice the present estimate, say opponents.The Waitaki River Users liaison group is sceptical about the $1.2 billion budget on Meridian Energy's planned Project Aqua development on the lower Waitaki River.
A big hydro-electric power scheme in the South Island is likely to cost at least twice the present estimate, say opponents.The Waitaki River Users liaison group is sceptical about the $1.2 billion budget on Meridian Energy's planned Project Aqua development on the lower Waitaki River.
Greenpeace energy strategy
Pathway to a Renewable Energy Future: The need for a New Zealand Energy Strategy (pdf)
Pathway to a Renewable Energy Future: The need for a New Zealand Energy Strategy (pdf)
Plan for Landowners To Cash In On Kyoto
Landowners who plant permanent forests stand to share in any
financial benefits it reaps the Government under the Kyoto Protocol
on Climate Change.
The Government is working on a mechanism for giving landowners
incentives for creating forest "sinks" to help soak up the
greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming.
Under Kyoto, there is a fledgling new trade in so-called carbon
credits whereby countries can trade-off their greenhouse gas
emissions using the credits, either earned through their own forest
sinks or bought from countries with carbon credit surpluses.
New Zealand's vast forest plantations are expected to help make it a
carbon credit seller in the early years of Kyoto, which takes effect
from 2008, as the country strives to meet the target of keeping net
greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels.
The minister responsible for New Zealand's climate change policy,
Pete Hodgson, this week took a paper to Cabinet on a system for
allocating carbon credits to people who re- forest their land with no
plan to cut the trees down.
A spokesman for Mr Hodgson said people creating long- term carbon
sinks were helping New Zealand meet its emissions targets under
Kyoto. Because this saved the Government money, it wanted to pass
that saving on to the people who helped make it.
The payments might be similar to those already made for companies
building wind farms, which are in the form of promissory notes for
credits, and have a financial value that can be traded.
However, the exercise would be more compensatory than lucrative for
landowners, the spokesperson said.
Landowners most likely to be involved would be farmers returning
unproductive or marginal land to native forest or tourism operators
who create ecological areas on their holdings.
Permanent exotic plantings would also qualify for rewards.
Landowners who plant permanent forests stand to share in any
financial benefits it reaps the Government under the Kyoto Protocol
on Climate Change.
The Government is working on a mechanism for giving landowners
incentives for creating forest "sinks" to help soak up the
greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming.
Under Kyoto, there is a fledgling new trade in so-called carbon
credits whereby countries can trade-off their greenhouse gas
emissions using the credits, either earned through their own forest
sinks or bought from countries with carbon credit surpluses.
New Zealand's vast forest plantations are expected to help make it a
carbon credit seller in the early years of Kyoto, which takes effect
from 2008, as the country strives to meet the target of keeping net
greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels.
The minister responsible for New Zealand's climate change policy,
Pete Hodgson, this week took a paper to Cabinet on a system for
allocating carbon credits to people who re- forest their land with no
plan to cut the trees down.
A spokesman for Mr Hodgson said people creating long- term carbon
sinks were helping New Zealand meet its emissions targets under
Kyoto. Because this saved the Government money, it wanted to pass
that saving on to the people who helped make it.
The payments might be similar to those already made for companies
building wind farms, which are in the form of promissory notes for
credits, and have a financial value that can be traded.
However, the exercise would be more compensatory than lucrative for
landowners, the spokesperson said.
Landowners most likely to be involved would be farmers returning
unproductive or marginal land to native forest or tourism operators
who create ecological areas on their holdings.
Permanent exotic plantings would also qualify for rewards.
Researcher unveils new Otago facility
Science is key to encouraging reluctant nations to commit to the Kyoto Protocol on global warming, Energy and Science Minister Pete Hodgson said yesterday at the opening of a unique research facility at the University of Otago. The university recently lured New Zealand global warming expert Gary Wilson back from Oxford University in Britain and today he officially unveiled his new research facility.
Science is key to encouraging reluctant nations to commit to the Kyoto Protocol on global warming, Energy and Science Minister Pete Hodgson said yesterday at the opening of a unique research facility at the University of Otago. The university recently lured New Zealand global warming expert Gary Wilson back from Oxford University in Britain and today he officially unveiled his new research facility.
Forward contracts to make lights work
For the second time in three years New Zealanders are being implored to save power and pray for rain. Whether we pay heed or choose to ignore it, the fact remains - we are facing a winter electricity shortage.
For the second time in three years New Zealanders are being implored to save power and pray for rain. Whether we pay heed or choose to ignore it, the fact remains - we are facing a winter electricity shortage.
Smelter to study wind power
Meridian Energy and Comalco New Zealand plan to investigate the potential for a wind farm at Tiwai, a spokesman said yesterday.
Comalco New Zealand energy manager Jason Franklin said the joint venture would test the quality of the wind around its New Zealand Aluminium Smelter site to assess the potential for a wind-generated electricity supply.
Meridian Energy and Comalco New Zealand plan to investigate the potential for a wind farm at Tiwai, a spokesman said yesterday.
Comalco New Zealand energy manager Jason Franklin said the joint venture would test the quality of the wind around its New Zealand Aluminium Smelter site to assess the potential for a wind-generated electricity supply.
Sustainable Energy Forum
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT FOR NEW ZEALAND
CONVERTING A POWER CRISIS INTO A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT FOR NEW ZEALAND
CONVERTING A POWER CRISIS INTO A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
Time to focus beyond Kyoto
The Kyoto Protocol has absorbed the world's attention for much too long, says Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
"There is an opportunity cost to that. We have lost a clear focus on the long-term problem of climate change and what should be done to solve it,"
The Kyoto Protocol has absorbed the world's attention for much too long, says Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
"There is an opportunity cost to that. We have lost a clear focus on the long-term problem of climate change and what should be done to solve it,"
Meridian project under way
The biggest power company, state-owned Meridian, has formally begun its plan to build a 60km, canal-based hydro-electric power scheme.
The biggest power company, state-owned Meridian, has formally begun its plan to build a 60km, canal-based hydro-electric power scheme.
Huntly Generation
Huntly Power Station is currently operating at full capacity.
Chief Executive of Genesis, Murray Jackson, is adamant that recent allegations that Genesis Power has not secured enough fuel to meet its winter needs are incorrect.
Huntly Power Station is currently operating at full capacity.
Chief Executive of Genesis, Murray Jackson, is adamant that recent allegations that Genesis Power has not secured enough fuel to meet its winter needs are incorrect.
GENESIS Energy Audits
Energy retailer, Genesis Energy, is launching a new initiative that will help medium to large sized businesses save power.
Genesis, with the support of the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA), is undertaking energy surveys for large business customers.
Energy retailer, Genesis Energy, is launching a new initiative that will help medium to large sized businesses save power.
Genesis, with the support of the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA), is undertaking energy surveys for large business customers.
Meridian seeks consent for Manawatu wind farm
State-owned electricity generator and retailer Meridian Energy is seeking resource consent to develop a wind farm on the north side of the Manawatu Gorge.
The proposed wind farm, called Te Apiti (after the Manawatu Gorge), will be located on 1150 hectares of farm land beside Saddle Road between Ashhurst and Woodville.
State-owned electricity generator and retailer Meridian Energy is seeking resource consent to develop a wind farm on the north side of the Manawatu Gorge.
The proposed wind farm, called Te Apiti (after the Manawatu Gorge), will be located on 1150 hectares of farm land beside Saddle Road between Ashhurst and Woodville.
Genesis says making money comes first
State company Genesis Power says its job is to operate profitably for the Government rather than save the country from blackouts.
The state-owned enterprise has been criticised by the electricity industry for being unprepared for the dry winter.
Industry players say it should have two million tonnes of coal available, stockpiled and pre-stripped ready for use as the former Electricity Corporation would have done.
State company Genesis Power says its job is to operate profitably for the Government rather than save the country from blackouts.
The state-owned enterprise has been criticised by the electricity industry for being unprepared for the dry winter.
Industry players say it should have two million tonnes of coal available, stockpiled and pre-stripped ready for use as the former Electricity Corporation would have done.
Funding boost for energy programmes
The 2003 Budget boosts two grants schemes and a loan scheme that aim to reduce energy costs and improve New Zealand’s energy efficiency and use of renewable energy.
The programmes are administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). The two grants schemes cover low-income homes and the use of solar water heating, while the loan scheme targets public sector organisations.
An additional $1.2 million will be allocated under the EnergyWise Home Grants scheme to projects which insulate the homes of low-income families.
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson says insulating a home reduces the family’s power bill and makes the home warmer, drier and healthier to live in. "Anecdotal evidence suggests that families living in homes that have benefited from the scheme in the past have reduced incidence of respiratory illnesses such as asthma which are commonly associated with cold, damp homes."
The EnergyWise Home Grants scheme will allocate around $3 million to residential retrofit projects in 2003/04. Depending on co-funding opportunities, around 4,400 homes will be retrofitted in the next year. Applications for the grants are now open and organisations wanting to run a project to retrofit 30 homes or more should contact EECA for more information or visit the EECA website, www.eeca.govt.nz
The 2003 Budget boosts two grants schemes and a loan scheme that aim to reduce energy costs and improve New Zealand’s energy efficiency and use of renewable energy.
The programmes are administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). The two grants schemes cover low-income homes and the use of solar water heating, while the loan scheme targets public sector organisations.
An additional $1.2 million will be allocated under the EnergyWise Home Grants scheme to projects which insulate the homes of low-income families.
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson says insulating a home reduces the family’s power bill and makes the home warmer, drier and healthier to live in. "Anecdotal evidence suggests that families living in homes that have benefited from the scheme in the past have reduced incidence of respiratory illnesses such as asthma which are commonly associated with cold, damp homes."
The EnergyWise Home Grants scheme will allocate around $3 million to residential retrofit projects in 2003/04. Depending on co-funding opportunities, around 4,400 homes will be retrofitted in the next year. Applications for the grants are now open and organisations wanting to run a project to retrofit 30 homes or more should contact EECA for more information or visit the EECA website, www.eeca.govt.nz
Power urgency too little too late
Colin James:
No sooner will the Government get its highly controversial changes to the Resource Management Act through than it will be back on the job - this time to add energy efficiency as a national priority.
Colin James:
No sooner will the Government get its highly controversial changes to the Resource Management Act through than it will be back on the job - this time to add energy efficiency as a national priority.
Learning to live with Kyoto
By BRIAN FALLOW
New Zealand's major companies have been given a first taste of how the Government intends implementing its greenhouse gas policy when it comes to large industrial sites.
The first negotiated greenhouse agreement, signed off last week between the Government and the New Zealand Refining Company, has been declared a win-win outcome.
Marsden Pt refinery is no longer facing the threat of closure and instead will get a $180 million upgrade so it can, from January 2006, produce the cleaner petrol and diesel specified by the new regulations.
By BRIAN FALLOW
New Zealand's major companies have been given a first taste of how the Government intends implementing its greenhouse gas policy when it comes to large industrial sites.
The first negotiated greenhouse agreement, signed off last week between the Government and the New Zealand Refining Company, has been declared a win-win outcome.
Marsden Pt refinery is no longer facing the threat of closure and instead will get a $180 million upgrade so it can, from January 2006, produce the cleaner petrol and diesel specified by the new regulations.
