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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
Motu Research Trust: Two Wellington seminars
Motu Climate Change Seminar
"Integrating Natural and Social Science Components of Climate Change"
Presenter Dr. Henry Jacoby, December 3 2003
December 2003 Public Policy Seminar
“Is There Life After Kyoto? Prospects for a Climate Regime”
Presenter Dr. Henry Jacoby, December 3 2003
Motu Climate Change Seminar
"Integrating Natural and Social Science Components of Climate Change"
Presenter Dr. Henry Jacoby, December 3 2003
December 2003 Public Policy Seminar
“Is There Life After Kyoto? Prospects for a Climate Regime”
Presenter Dr. Henry Jacoby, December 3 2003
Carbon revenue 'chance for tax cuts'
Carbon tax revenue should be used to reduce company and personal income tax rates, says a report released yesterday at the Sustainable Business conference.
The Government plans to introduce carbon emissions charges by 2008 to meet obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
The charges and estimated revenue are not yet known but at a speculative $25 per tonne of emissions the study says the Government could reduce GST by 2 percentage points, offer a 6 percentage point reduction in company tax or take 3 percentage points off the bottom tax rate of 19.5 per cent on income up to $38,000. Alternatively, all tax rates (personal income and company) could be lowered by 1.5 percentage points.
Carbon tax revenue should be used to reduce company and personal income tax rates, says a report released yesterday at the Sustainable Business conference.
The Government plans to introduce carbon emissions charges by 2008 to meet obligations under the Kyoto Protocol.
The charges and estimated revenue are not yet known but at a speculative $25 per tonne of emissions the study says the Government could reduce GST by 2 percentage points, offer a 6 percentage point reduction in company tax or take 3 percentage points off the bottom tax rate of 19.5 per cent on income up to $38,000. Alternatively, all tax rates (personal income and company) could be lowered by 1.5 percentage points.
Gas imports possible
Contact is working with Genesis Power, one of the state owned energy companies, to evaluate the benefits of importing LNG (liquefied natural gas) as an alternate fuel source.
Gas fired power stations could use LNG, a common source of energy in Korea and Japan. The gas could be imported in a liquefied state by ship to a specially built facility.
While not discounting Auckland, Barrett said one of the benefits of Taranaki for a LNG offloading and regasification site was the province's existing gas pipeline infrastructure.
David Hunt, Contact's general manager of corporate development, says a key issue is the minimum economic scale for a regasification plant.
He says so far the evaluation suggests the size is significantly less that the NZ's whole gas market, which leaves room for the further commercial development of small gas fields.
That view is not shared by all other players," Hunt says.
Contact also conceeds that the economics of using LNG depend heavily on what the government decides to do about carbon taxing and the Kyoto Protocol.
If the carbon tax was to come in about middle of the range signalled by the government, at $15 per tonne, LNG would be more economic than coal.
But at $5 per tonne, the metrics changed.
Contact is working with Genesis Power, one of the state owned energy companies, to evaluate the benefits of importing LNG (liquefied natural gas) as an alternate fuel source.
Gas fired power stations could use LNG, a common source of energy in Korea and Japan. The gas could be imported in a liquefied state by ship to a specially built facility.
While not discounting Auckland, Barrett said one of the benefits of Taranaki for a LNG offloading and regasification site was the province's existing gas pipeline infrastructure.
David Hunt, Contact's general manager of corporate development, says a key issue is the minimum economic scale for a regasification plant.
He says so far the evaluation suggests the size is significantly less that the NZ's whole gas market, which leaves room for the further commercial development of small gas fields.
That view is not shared by all other players," Hunt says.
Contact also conceeds that the economics of using LNG depend heavily on what the government decides to do about carbon taxing and the Kyoto Protocol.
If the carbon tax was to come in about middle of the range signalled by the government, at $15 per tonne, LNG would be more economic than coal.
But at $5 per tonne, the metrics changed.
Firms seek greenhouse agreements with government
Four New Zealand companies are trying to reach negotiated greenhouse agreements with the Government, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today.
The agreements form a key part of New Zealand climate change policy, Miss Clark and Climate Change ministerial group convenor Pete Hodgson said in a joint statement.
The companies are ACI Glass, Kawerau paper mill operator Norske Skog Tasman, and gold mining companies Newmont Waihi and GRD Macraes. "
Four New Zealand companies are trying to reach negotiated greenhouse agreements with the Government, Prime Minister Helen Clark said today.
The agreements form a key part of New Zealand climate change policy, Miss Clark and Climate Change ministerial group convenor Pete Hodgson said in a joint statement.
The companies are ACI Glass, Kawerau paper mill operator Norske Skog Tasman, and gold mining companies Newmont Waihi and GRD Macraes. "
Stephen Tindall: Insurance ensures energy savings are delivered
Like it or not, global warming is a serious business issue, even for small enterprises.
Insurance companies' alarm bells are ringing on evidence that global warming is increasing the frequency and severity of storms. Anything that puts the costs up for insurers will put the costs up for those insured - including small businesses.
Like it or not, global warming is a serious business issue, even for small enterprises.
Insurance companies' alarm bells are ringing on evidence that global warming is increasing the frequency and severity of storms. Anything that puts the costs up for insurers will put the costs up for those insured - including small businesses.
Climate Change and Business Conference 2004
The Australia New Zealand Conference and Trade Expo 2004
Auckland, New Zealand late 2004
The Australia New Zealand Conference and Trade Expo 2004
Auckland, New Zealand late 2004
Energy prices set to outstrip inflation
Electricity prices are set to rise faster than general inflation over the next 20 years even under optimistic assumptions, according to modelling by the Ministry of Economic Development.
The ministry's Energy Outlook to 2025, released yesterday, projected an annual average real increase of 1.4 per cent in wholesale electricity prices for the period 2005 to 2025.
Electricity prices are set to rise faster than general inflation over the next 20 years even under optimistic assumptions, according to modelling by the Ministry of Economic Development.
The ministry's Energy Outlook to 2025, released yesterday, projected an annual average real increase of 1.4 per cent in wholesale electricity prices for the period 2005 to 2025.
Energy outlook generates doubts
But at the moment it is touch-and-go whether the Kyoto Protocol will get up and running. That depends on whether Russia, one of the world's largest producers and exporters of oil and gas, ratifies it.
Utilities investor Infratil has argued that while uncertainty persists about whether there will be a carbon tax, we could get a worst-of-both-worlds outcome: no investment in coal-fired generation in case there is a carbon tax, and little investment in wind power either, in case there is not. "
But at the moment it is touch-and-go whether the Kyoto Protocol will get up and running. That depends on whether Russia, one of the world's largest producers and exporters of oil and gas, ratifies it.
Utilities investor Infratil has argued that while uncertainty persists about whether there will be a carbon tax, we could get a worst-of-both-worlds outcome: no investment in coal-fired generation in case there is a carbon tax, and little investment in wind power either, in case there is not. "
Energy modelling highlights benefits of efficiency
Monday 10 November 2003 Media Statement
Energy modelling highlights benefits of efficiency
The way increased energy efficiency can hold back the price of electricity is highlighted in a new Ministry of Economic Development publication released today, says Energy Minister Pete Hodgson.
The Ministry's Energy Outlook to 2025 models possible energy futures for New Zealand under a range of scenarios."
Monday 10 November 2003 Media Statement
Energy modelling highlights benefits of efficiency
The way increased energy efficiency can hold back the price of electricity is highlighted in a new Ministry of Economic Development publication released today, says Energy Minister Pete Hodgson.
The Ministry's Energy Outlook to 2025 models possible energy futures for New Zealand under a range of scenarios."
TrustPower Windfarm Expansion Makes Solid Progress
TrustPower Windfarm Expansion Makes Solid Progress
The expansion of TrustPower's Tararua windfarm from 48 to 103 turbines is making solid progress, according to Community Relations Manager Graeme Purches, with the first of the new turbines on target for commissioning in before Christmas.
'Contractors have completed the excavation of all foundations, and poured the concrete in more than half of them. In addition, backfilling and site preparation has been completed for 25% of the turbine sites, ready for tower and turbine erection.'"
TrustPower Windfarm Expansion Makes Solid Progress
The expansion of TrustPower's Tararua windfarm from 48 to 103 turbines is making solid progress, according to Community Relations Manager Graeme Purches, with the first of the new turbines on target for commissioning in before Christmas.
'Contractors have completed the excavation of all foundations, and poured the concrete in more than half of them. In addition, backfilling and site preparation has been completed for 25% of the turbine sites, ready for tower and turbine erection.'"
Future Forests & Timber Conference
Forest Research in New Zealand is pioneering the development of biomaterials for conversion into products not yet thought of to tap into future consumers’ interest in sustainable product solutions.
And there are external sources of value such as those that can be created by forests attracting credit for their role in carbon mitigation whether or not through instruments like the Kyoto Protocol.
This increasing diversity of value will drive changes in decisions about when forests are harvested and what products are derived from them.
Any industry focused on adding value in production needs to be able to anticipate these changes and where possible integrate them into product development decisions.
Forest Research in New Zealand is pioneering the development of biomaterials for conversion into products not yet thought of to tap into future consumers’ interest in sustainable product solutions.
And there are external sources of value such as those that can be created by forests attracting credit for their role in carbon mitigation whether or not through instruments like the Kyoto Protocol.
This increasing diversity of value will drive changes in decisions about when forests are harvested and what products are derived from them.
Any industry focused on adding value in production needs to be able to anticipate these changes and where possible integrate them into product development decisions.
Eight more Clyde Dams needed, say estimates
New Zealand will need the equivalent of almost eight new Clyde dams to meet growing demand for power in the next 20 years, according to government estimates.
But new coal-fired stations appear unlikely because of the Government's proposed carbon tax.
About 3355 megawatts of new power stations would need to be built in the next 20 years to cope with rising demand for power, according to latest estimates from the Ministry of Economic Development.
That is the equivalent of 7.7 Clyde dams or almost 10 power stations the size of the Taranaki Combined Cycle station - which was sold recently for $500 million. "
New Zealand will need the equivalent of almost eight new Clyde dams to meet growing demand for power in the next 20 years, according to government estimates.
But new coal-fired stations appear unlikely because of the Government's proposed carbon tax.
About 3355 megawatts of new power stations would need to be built in the next 20 years to cope with rising demand for power, according to latest estimates from the Ministry of Economic Development.
That is the equivalent of 7.7 Clyde dams or almost 10 power stations the size of the Taranaki Combined Cycle station - which was sold recently for $500 million. "
Clark priased for Kyoto
There is glowing praise for Prime Minister Helen Clark from one of her Australian Labour cousins.
New South Wales Labour Premier Bob Carr is congratulating her for running a confident and mature government.
He says Miss Clark has also distinguished herself on the world stage.
New Zealand's decision to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gases has been praised by Mr Carr."
There is glowing praise for Prime Minister Helen Clark from one of her Australian Labour cousins.
New South Wales Labour Premier Bob Carr is congratulating her for running a confident and mature government.
He says Miss Clark has also distinguished herself on the world stage.
New Zealand's decision to sign up to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gases has been praised by Mr Carr."
Business NZ Slams Govt Over Kyoto
Business New Zealand wants Pete Hodgson, convener of the
Ministerial Group on Climate Change, to focus on the "distinct possibility" that Russia will not ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
Hodgson will lead the New Zealand delegation to the ninth conference of the parties in Milan from 1 to 12 December.
New Zealand ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its associated Kyoto Protocol on 19 December 2002.
In early October at the World Climate Change Conference, notes Peter Whitehouse, Business New Zealand's adviser on environment and technology matters, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech containing no assurances his country was about to ratify the protocol in the near future. Since then, the Russian economy has deteriorated.
Whitehouse said the national interest would be better served by "our negotiators giving serious consideration to the consequences for the New Zealand economy and our international trading position if we continue down a hurdle-covered pathway while emerging major economic forces such as China and India proceed down a smooth unobstructed one."
Business New Zealand wants Pete Hodgson, convener of the
Ministerial Group on Climate Change, to focus on the "distinct possibility" that Russia will not ratify the Kyoto Protocol.
Hodgson will lead the New Zealand delegation to the ninth conference of the parties in Milan from 1 to 12 December.
New Zealand ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its associated Kyoto Protocol on 19 December 2002.
In early October at the World Climate Change Conference, notes Peter Whitehouse, Business New Zealand's adviser on environment and technology matters, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech containing no assurances his country was about to ratify the protocol in the near future. Since then, the Russian economy has deteriorated.
Whitehouse said the national interest would be better served by "our negotiators giving serious consideration to the consequences for the New Zealand economy and our international trading position if we continue down a hurdle-covered pathway while emerging major economic forces such as China and India proceed down a smooth unobstructed one."
EDS submission on Resource Management (Energy and Climate Change) Amendment Bill (pdf download)
EDS supports the proposed measures but wishes to see the coming into force of the provisions relating to the consideration of greenhouse gases on resource consents delayed until 2007. Alternatively, EDS would support those measures coming into force earlier if concurrently the Government puts into effect the proposed carbon charge. We support the measures that require consent agencies to have regard to the effects of climate change.
EDS supports the proposed measures but wishes to see the coming into force of the provisions relating to the consideration of greenhouse gases on resource consents delayed until 2007. Alternatively, EDS would support those measures coming into force earlier if concurrently the Government puts into effect the proposed carbon charge. We support the measures that require consent agencies to have regard to the effects of climate change.
NZBR Submission On Energy & Climate Change Bill
In our view, the measures in the Bill, in conjunction with the failure to review the RMA in a fundamental way, are seriously inconsistent with the government's stated goals for economic growth. This problem needs to be addressed.
In our view, the measures in the Bill, in conjunction with the failure to review the RMA in a fundamental way, are seriously inconsistent with the government's stated goals for economic growth. This problem needs to be addressed.
Solid Energy
Despite New Zealand's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions of gasses like carbon dioxide starting by the end of the decade, Dr Elder said he expected demand for coal to grow strongly in New Zealand in the short to medium term.
Solid Energy aimed to increase coal production to almost seven million tonnes per annum within five years.
'If major new low-cost gasfields are not discovered and developed, and New Zealand economic growth continues to be driven by the primary sector, the country's total annual coal production could grow to 10 million tonnes by 2010,' Dr Elder said.
However, the growth of coal use was expected to eventually reverse as more users turned to renewable energy, expected to become cheaper because of improving technology and the Kyoto Protocol policy restrictions on emissions.
Solid Energy was looking to develop other coal-related business areas, such as coal seam methane and hydrogen energy, and the use of biomass for home heating and industrial energy. "
Despite New Zealand's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions of gasses like carbon dioxide starting by the end of the decade, Dr Elder said he expected demand for coal to grow strongly in New Zealand in the short to medium term.
Solid Energy aimed to increase coal production to almost seven million tonnes per annum within five years.
'If major new low-cost gasfields are not discovered and developed, and New Zealand economic growth continues to be driven by the primary sector, the country's total annual coal production could grow to 10 million tonnes by 2010,' Dr Elder said.
However, the growth of coal use was expected to eventually reverse as more users turned to renewable energy, expected to become cheaper because of improving technology and the Kyoto Protocol policy restrictions on emissions.
Solid Energy was looking to develop other coal-related business areas, such as coal seam methane and hydrogen energy, and the use of biomass for home heating and industrial energy. "
