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The place for NZ oriented news releases on climate change and related energy policy.
New coal plants bury 'Kyoto'
So much for Kyoto.
The official treaty to curb greenhouse-gas emissions hasn't gone into effect yet and already three countries are planning to build nearly 850 new coal-fired plants, which would pump up to five times as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as the Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce.
The magnitude of that imbalance is staggering. Environmentalists have long called the treaty a symbolic rather than practical victory in the fight against global warming. But even many of them do not appear aware of the coming tidal wave of greenhouse-gas emissions by nations not under Kyoto restrictions.
By 2012, the plants in three key countries - China, India, and the United States - are expected to emit as much as an extra 2.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide, according to a Monitor analysis of power-plant construction data. In contrast, Kyoto countries by that year are supposed to have cut their CO2 emissions by some 483 million tons."
So much for Kyoto.
The official treaty to curb greenhouse-gas emissions hasn't gone into effect yet and already three countries are planning to build nearly 850 new coal-fired plants, which would pump up to five times as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as the Kyoto Protocol aims to reduce.
The magnitude of that imbalance is staggering. Environmentalists have long called the treaty a symbolic rather than practical victory in the fight against global warming. But even many of them do not appear aware of the coming tidal wave of greenhouse-gas emissions by nations not under Kyoto restrictions.
By 2012, the plants in three key countries - China, India, and the United States - are expected to emit as much as an extra 2.7 billion tons of carbon dioxide, according to a Monitor analysis of power-plant construction data. In contrast, Kyoto countries by that year are supposed to have cut their CO2 emissions by some 483 million tons."
Earth's permafrost starts to squelch
There is now an active programme of permafrost monitoring
In parts of Fairbanks, Alaska, houses and buildings lean at odd angles.
Some slump as if sliding downhill. Windows and doors inch closer and closer to the ground.
It is an architectural landscape that is becoming more familiar as the world's ice-rich permafrost gives way to thaw.
Water replaces ice and the ground subsides, taking the structures on top along with it.
Alaska is not the only region in a slump. The permafrost melt is accelerating throughout the world's cold regions, scientists reported at the recent Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in San Francisco. "
There is now an active programme of permafrost monitoring
In parts of Fairbanks, Alaska, houses and buildings lean at odd angles.
Some slump as if sliding downhill. Windows and doors inch closer and closer to the ground.
It is an architectural landscape that is becoming more familiar as the world's ice-rich permafrost gives way to thaw.
Water replaces ice and the ground subsides, taking the structures on top along with it.
Alaska is not the only region in a slump. The permafrost melt is accelerating throughout the world's cold regions, scientists reported at the recent Fall Meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) in San Francisco. "
Kyoto, coming ready or not - Editorial SMH
The Kyoto protocol on climate change is coming, whether the United States and Australia like it or not. The Federal Government argues there are flaws in the deal, which commits the world's industrialised economies to a collective 5.2 per cent reduction on 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions. And it's right. Any international agreement to combat pollution, on a global level, cuts across national economic interests. No government should cede competitive advantage lightly, especially if, as Kyoto prescribes, the cost of cutting these gas emissions is to be born, initially, only by advanced industrial economies.
The Federal Government accepts that global warming is a fact. The time to act is now. Kyoto is far from perfect, but it is the only deal on the table. Australia's valid desire to bring developing economies into a truly global emissions reduction timetable can be most effectively addressed at that table. Attacking, from the outside, is counter-productive. If the first phase of Kyoto fails, then there really is an excuse for developing nations to do nothing.
The Kyoto protocol on climate change is coming, whether the United States and Australia like it or not. The Federal Government argues there are flaws in the deal, which commits the world's industrialised economies to a collective 5.2 per cent reduction on 1990 levels of greenhouse gas emissions. And it's right. Any international agreement to combat pollution, on a global level, cuts across national economic interests. No government should cede competitive advantage lightly, especially if, as Kyoto prescribes, the cost of cutting these gas emissions is to be born, initially, only by advanced industrial economies.
The Federal Government accepts that global warming is a fact. The time to act is now. Kyoto is far from perfect, but it is the only deal on the table. Australia's valid desire to bring developing economies into a truly global emissions reduction timetable can be most effectively addressed at that table. Attacking, from the outside, is counter-productive. If the first phase of Kyoto fails, then there really is an excuse for developing nations to do nothing.
Hodgson hits back at Russian's Kyoto stance
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson has hit back at a Russian economist opposed to the Kyoto protocol, saying his scientific understanding of global warming was 'approximately illiterate'.
Andrey Illarionov, a key adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has said the protocol was an 'assault on economic growth, prosperity, health, science . . . and the progress of the human civilisation'. Mr Illarionov, in New Zealand last week, said an option for Russia was to walk away from the protocol it had signed.
Mr Hodgson said Mr Illarionov disputed the science and held the view that climate change was not real.
He said Mr Illarionov's views were that carbon dioxide levels rose after temperature rose. 'So you get temperature rises for some unknown reason and then the CO2 rises. That's his point of view. That's regarded by mainstream sciences as approximately illiterate. He's just kind of different.' "
Energy Minister Pete Hodgson has hit back at a Russian economist opposed to the Kyoto protocol, saying his scientific understanding of global warming was 'approximately illiterate'.
Andrey Illarionov, a key adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has said the protocol was an 'assault on economic growth, prosperity, health, science . . . and the progress of the human civilisation'. Mr Illarionov, in New Zealand last week, said an option for Russia was to walk away from the protocol it had signed.
Mr Hodgson said Mr Illarionov disputed the science and held the view that climate change was not real.
He said Mr Illarionov's views were that carbon dioxide levels rose after temperature rose. 'So you get temperature rises for some unknown reason and then the CO2 rises. That's his point of view. That's regarded by mainstream sciences as approximately illiterate. He's just kind of different.' "
Austria, New Zealand sign MoU on JI
Austria and New Zealand has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on emissions reducing projects. This is likely to lead to the Austrian Government purchasing reductions through Joint Implementation (JI) projects located in New Zealand.
Since it launched its Projects to Reduce Emissions programme, New Zealand has become an increasingly attractive partner for JI projects for EU countries. In the last two Dutch JI tenders, New Zealand has been the most pouplar host country. NZ and the Netherlands signed a JI MoU in August."
Austria and New Zealand has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on emissions reducing projects. This is likely to lead to the Austrian Government purchasing reductions through Joint Implementation (JI) projects located in New Zealand.
Since it launched its Projects to Reduce Emissions programme, New Zealand has become an increasingly attractive partner for JI projects for EU countries. In the last two Dutch JI tenders, New Zealand has been the most pouplar host country. NZ and the Netherlands signed a JI MoU in August."
Australia changes enviro stance
Environment Minister Ian Campbell has outlined differences between the US and Australia on global warming for the first time.
The Sydney Morning Herald said the two countries had previously stood firm on their objections to signing the Kyoto protocol.
But Senator Campbell told the newspaper, Australia did not agree with the US stance against future greenhouse gas targets or their claim that economic growth and technology were the answer to reducing heat-trapping emissions.
Mr Campbell said as long as the US and the developing world were included, Australia would engage in an agreement after the Kyoto protocol - the global deal to reduce greenhouse gases - expires in 2012.
The US, responsible for a quarter of global emissions, has used its influence to ensure a meeting on climate change next year was a 'seminar', to emphasise no decisions would be taken.
Mr Campbell has reached agreement with New Zealand and a respected US think-tank to run a forum in Australia for business and government leaders to consider what can be done to reduce greenhouse gases."
Environment Minister Ian Campbell has outlined differences between the US and Australia on global warming for the first time.
The Sydney Morning Herald said the two countries had previously stood firm on their objections to signing the Kyoto protocol.
But Senator Campbell told the newspaper, Australia did not agree with the US stance against future greenhouse gas targets or their claim that economic growth and technology were the answer to reducing heat-trapping emissions.
Mr Campbell said as long as the US and the developing world were included, Australia would engage in an agreement after the Kyoto protocol - the global deal to reduce greenhouse gases - expires in 2012.
The US, responsible for a quarter of global emissions, has used its influence to ensure a meeting on climate change next year was a 'seminar', to emphasise no decisions would be taken.
Mr Campbell has reached agreement with New Zealand and a respected US think-tank to run a forum in Australia for business and government leaders to consider what can be done to reduce greenhouse gases."
Deadlock on climate talks
The European Union and the United States have struggled to break a deadlock on the last day of a UN climate-change meeting, but Washington resisted Europe's interest in steps to fight global warming after the international Kyoto pact ends in 2012.
The impasse may also thwart an agreement on climate aid for developing countries, the most hurt by the rise in world temperatures linked to man-made emissions like carbon dioxide.
The Europeans, the leaders in the fight against global warming, came to the 12-day meeting aiming to engage the United States, the world?s biggest polluter and a dropout from the 1997 Kyoto agreement on climate change.
But they met a hard-line stance from the US delegation, which said repeatedly that negotiations for measures after 2012 were 'premature.' "
The European Union and the United States have struggled to break a deadlock on the last day of a UN climate-change meeting, but Washington resisted Europe's interest in steps to fight global warming after the international Kyoto pact ends in 2012.
The impasse may also thwart an agreement on climate aid for developing countries, the most hurt by the rise in world temperatures linked to man-made emissions like carbon dioxide.
The Europeans, the leaders in the fight against global warming, came to the 12-day meeting aiming to engage the United States, the world?s biggest polluter and a dropout from the 1997 Kyoto agreement on climate change.
But they met a hard-line stance from the US delegation, which said repeatedly that negotiations for measures after 2012 were 'premature.' "
Kyoto an 'assault on human civilisation'
The Kyoto protocol is an assault on economic growth and 'human civilisation' and Russia may walk away from the international agreement, a top Russian presidential adviser says.
Russia had signed the protocol in September for 'political' reasons, essentially to get European backing for Russia's entry to the World Trade Organisation, Andrey Illarionov said in Wellington yesterday.
He indicated Russia might later walk away from the protocol to avoid the potential economic damage from trying to limit carbon dioxide emissions.
Russia could try to cut greenhouse gas emissions by stopping almost all economic growth, by aiming for a smaller population or bringing in costly new equipment - all difficult alternatives, Mr Illarionov said. "
The Kyoto protocol is an assault on economic growth and 'human civilisation' and Russia may walk away from the international agreement, a top Russian presidential adviser says.
Russia had signed the protocol in September for 'political' reasons, essentially to get European backing for Russia's entry to the World Trade Organisation, Andrey Illarionov said in Wellington yesterday.
He indicated Russia might later walk away from the protocol to avoid the potential economic damage from trying to limit carbon dioxide emissions.
Russia could try to cut greenhouse gas emissions by stopping almost all economic growth, by aiming for a smaller population or bringing in costly new equipment - all difficult alternatives, Mr Illarionov said. "
EU-NSW emissions trading link to be explored
The EU and New South Wales are having discussions on the possibility of linking their emissions trading schemes. Under current legislation this is not possible.
The European emissions trading Directive clearly states that it can only be linked to other domestic or regional schemes in countries that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol, and Canada, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand and Norway have been considered the most likely candidates.
However, the recently adopted linking Directive left open a possibility to create links to other schemes as well, and it recently became known that talks have been held between the European Commission and the north-eastern US states that seek to set up a regional emissions trading scheme, despite the US not having ratified the Kyoto Protocol."
The EU and New South Wales are having discussions on the possibility of linking their emissions trading schemes. Under current legislation this is not possible.
The European emissions trading Directive clearly states that it can only be linked to other domestic or regional schemes in countries that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol, and Canada, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand and Norway have been considered the most likely candidates.
However, the recently adopted linking Directive left open a possibility to create links to other schemes as well, and it recently became known that talks have been held between the European Commission and the north-eastern US states that seek to set up a regional emissions trading scheme, despite the US not having ratified the Kyoto Protocol."
U.N. agency: 2004 4th-hottest year ever
Punctuated by four powerful hurricanes in the Caribbean and deadly typhoons lashing Asia, 2004 was the fourth-hottest year on record, extending a trend that has seen the 10 warmest years on record starting in the 1990s, a U.N. weather agency said Wednesday.
The World Meteorological Organization said it expects Earth's surface temperature to rise 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the normal 57 degrees Fahrenheit, adding 2004 to a recent warming trend that saw the hottest year in 1998 and the top three hottest since then."
Punctuated by four powerful hurricanes in the Caribbean and deadly typhoons lashing Asia, 2004 was the fourth-hottest year on record, extending a trend that has seen the 10 warmest years on record starting in the 1990s, a U.N. weather agency said Wednesday.
The World Meteorological Organization said it expects Earth's surface temperature to rise 0.8 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the normal 57 degrees Fahrenheit, adding 2004 to a recent warming trend that saw the hottest year in 1998 and the top three hottest since then."
GREENHOUSE2005 - Action on climate change
Melbourne, 13-17 November, 2005
Take part in the most significant climate change conference in Australia in 2005.
Interest in climate change is high, particularly with regards to taking effective action. There is a clear need for industry, scientists and government at all levels to work closely together to tackle this significant environmental issue. Demand is strong for the latest information on the science, the likely impacts of climate change, adaptation strategies and approaches to reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. The Conference will cover these themes as well as international issues, policy development, communication and education"
Melbourne, 13-17 November, 2005
Take part in the most significant climate change conference in Australia in 2005.
Interest in climate change is high, particularly with regards to taking effective action. There is a clear need for industry, scientists and government at all levels to work closely together to tackle this significant environmental issue. Demand is strong for the latest information on the science, the likely impacts of climate change, adaptation strategies and approaches to reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. The Conference will cover these themes as well as international issues, policy development, communication and education"
Carbon Taxation, Prices and Household Welfare in New Zealand - Working Papers - The Treasury
This paper examines the effects on consumer prices of a range of carbon taxes in New Zealand, using information about inter-industry transactions and the use of fossil fuels by industries. The resulting effects on the welfare of different household types and total expenditure levels are examined. The excess burdens of the carbon tax are computed for the different household types. Finally, overall measures of inequality are reported."
This paper examines the effects on consumer prices of a range of carbon taxes in New Zealand, using information about inter-industry transactions and the use of fossil fuels by industries. The resulting effects on the welfare of different household types and total expenditure levels are examined. The excess burdens of the carbon tax are computed for the different household types. Finally, overall measures of inequality are reported."
Carbon Dioxide Emissions Reductions in New Zealand: A Minimum Disruption Approach - Working Papers - The Treasury
Reductions in carbon dioxide emissions can come from (among other things) changes to the structure of final demands, changes in the use of fossil fuels by industry, and changes to the structure of inter-industry transactions. This paper examines the nature of the least disruptive changes, that is the minimum changes to these three components which are consistent with specified overall reductions in carbon dioxide in New Zealand. In examining the minimum changes needed, constraints are imposed on the corresponding changes in GDP growth and aggregate employment. "
Reductions in carbon dioxide emissions can come from (among other things) changes to the structure of final demands, changes in the use of fossil fuels by industry, and changes to the structure of inter-industry transactions. This paper examines the nature of the least disruptive changes, that is the minimum changes to these three components which are consistent with specified overall reductions in carbon dioxide in New Zealand. In examining the minimum changes needed, constraints are imposed on the corresponding changes in GDP growth and aggregate employment. "
Antarctica's Land and Ice Elevation
Launched January 12, 2003, NASA’s Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite, or ICESat, is designed to measure the mass balance of Earth’s ice sheets (balance between processes that add ice to the ice sheets versus processes that remove ice), the height of clouds and aerosols, and the topography of the land.
Launched January 12, 2003, NASA’s Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite, or ICESat, is designed to measure the mass balance of Earth’s ice sheets (balance between processes that add ice to the ice sheets versus processes that remove ice), the height of clouds and aerosols, and the topography of the land.
'Look at alternatives, not put "all its eggs" in UN basket'
The United States should not put all its eggs in the UN basket but look for other alternatives too with regard to its Asian diplomacy, a political analyst has said.
The Iraq war has isolated Washington in unprecedented ways and convinced a large part of the world that the United States -- not Islamist terrorism -- is the biggest threat to global security, Francis F Fukuyama, Professor of International Political Economy at John Hopkins University said.
"To climb out of this hole, the White House needs to start thinking creatively about legitimacy and international organisations. Considering that it has already snubbed the UN and refused to participate in the International Criminal Court or the Kyoto Protocol, Washington must now consider alternatives to international cooperation that better suit its interests," he said
The United States should not put all its eggs in the UN basket but look for other alternatives too with regard to its Asian diplomacy, a political analyst has said.
The Iraq war has isolated Washington in unprecedented ways and convinced a large part of the world that the United States -- not Islamist terrorism -- is the biggest threat to global security, Francis F Fukuyama, Professor of International Political Economy at John Hopkins University said.
"To climb out of this hole, the White House needs to start thinking creatively about legitimacy and international organisations. Considering that it has already snubbed the UN and refused to participate in the International Criminal Court or the Kyoto Protocol, Washington must now consider alternatives to international cooperation that better suit its interests," he said
Genesis under fire for using coal
Environmentalists are accusing one of New Zealand's biggest power companies of returning to the dark ages by using huge quantities of coal to generate electricity.
Genesis Energy had started running its Huntly station on coal, instead of gas which has fuelled the power station for 20 years.
Genesis Chief Executive Murray Jackson says he sees Huntly operating in its present role for 15 to 20 years.
However, with New Zealand's coal supplies running out the company is having to import some of the fuel from Indonesia.
Genesis says the imported coal has low sulphur content and it is disposing of the ash in Huntly's old mines. Carbon tax is also being paid."
Environmentalists are accusing one of New Zealand's biggest power companies of returning to the dark ages by using huge quantities of coal to generate electricity.
Genesis Energy had started running its Huntly station on coal, instead of gas which has fuelled the power station for 20 years.
Genesis Chief Executive Murray Jackson says he sees Huntly operating in its present role for 15 to 20 years.
However, with New Zealand's coal supplies running out the company is having to import some of the fuel from Indonesia.
Genesis says the imported coal has low sulphur content and it is disposing of the ash in Huntly's old mines. Carbon tax is also being paid."
Kyoto approach doomed says top climate scientist
The West's approach to fighting global warming, enshrined in the Kyoto protocol, simply will not work, one of the world's leading climate scientists says.
The struggle by the developed countries to cut back their emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas, will always be overtaken by the rising new emissions of the developing nations, led by China and India, which are not parties to the Kyoto treaty, says Professor Wallace Broecker of Columbia University, New York.
Only radical new technologies for extracting carbon dioxide directly from the air will be able to halt global warming, says the professor, widely regarded as one of the fathers of climate-change studies.
'What you guys are tinkering around with in Kyoto is just a drop in the bucket.' "
The West's approach to fighting global warming, enshrined in the Kyoto protocol, simply will not work, one of the world's leading climate scientists says.
The struggle by the developed countries to cut back their emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas, will always be overtaken by the rising new emissions of the developing nations, led by China and India, which are not parties to the Kyoto treaty, says Professor Wallace Broecker of Columbia University, New York.
Only radical new technologies for extracting carbon dioxide directly from the air will be able to halt global warming, says the professor, widely regarded as one of the fathers of climate-change studies.
'What you guys are tinkering around with in Kyoto is just a drop in the bucket.' "
Climate-friendly projects awarded carbon credits
Twenty-four climate-friendly projects awarded carbon credits
Twenty-four projects, including wind farms, hydro-electricity generation, geothermal-electricity generation, bio-energy and landfill gas projects, have won a share of Kyoto Protocol ?carbon credits? or emission units from the Government for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
These credits, or Kyoto Protocol emission units, have been awarded in the second tender round for Projects to Reduce Emissions, a key part of the Government?s climate change policy. The Government received a total of 51 bids for the six million emission units on offer."
Twenty-four climate-friendly projects awarded carbon credits
Twenty-four projects, including wind farms, hydro-electricity generation, geothermal-electricity generation, bio-energy and landfill gas projects, have won a share of Kyoto Protocol ?carbon credits? or emission units from the Government for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
These credits, or Kyoto Protocol emission units, have been awarded in the second tender round for Projects to Reduce Emissions, a key part of the Government?s climate change policy. The Government received a total of 51 bids for the six million emission units on offer."
Fossil of the Day AWARDS at UN Climate Change Negotiations
CoP-10 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2004. CAN's popular feature.
CoP-10 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2004. CAN's popular feature.
Hydro and Wind Electricity Generation Up
Electricity generation by hydro and wind was 27.4 percent higher in the September 2004 quarter than in the September 2003 quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand. Hydro and wind generation reached 7,663 gigawatt hours in the September 2004 quarter, the highest quarterly volume ever recorded. Thermal generation (3092 gigawatt hours) was 26 percent lower than in the September 2003 quarter.
In the September 2004 quarter, hydro and wind generation supplied 71 percent of the electricity generated, compared with 59 percent in the September 2003 quarter. This lower contribution in the September 2003 quarter was due to low lake levels. Over the past 10 years, the average September quarterly contribution of hydro and wind generation to total electricity generation has been 65 percent. "
Electricity generation by hydro and wind was 27.4 percent higher in the September 2004 quarter than in the September 2003 quarter, according to Statistics New Zealand. Hydro and wind generation reached 7,663 gigawatt hours in the September 2004 quarter, the highest quarterly volume ever recorded. Thermal generation (3092 gigawatt hours) was 26 percent lower than in the September 2003 quarter.
In the September 2004 quarter, hydro and wind generation supplied 71 percent of the electricity generated, compared with 59 percent in the September 2003 quarter. This lower contribution in the September 2003 quarter was due to low lake levels. Over the past 10 years, the average September quarterly contribution of hydro and wind generation to total electricity generation has been 65 percent. "
NZ bids for global warming study fund
New Zealand and Chile are seeking US$10 million ($13.8 million) in United Nations funding to conduct the first comprehensive study of the effects of global warming on Southern Hemisphere glaciers.
The two countries have applied to a fund run by the United Nations Environment Programme to study glaciers in New Zealand, South America and Antarctica.
The project follows Chilean-American research showing that glaciers flowing north from the eastern Pacific part of Antarctica - called 'West Antarctica' because it is west of the Atlantic - are thinning dramatically at rates averaging one metre a year.
New Zealand and Chile are seeking US$10 million ($13.8 million) in United Nations funding to conduct the first comprehensive study of the effects of global warming on Southern Hemisphere glaciers.
The two countries have applied to a fund run by the United Nations Environment Programme to study glaciers in New Zealand, South America and Antarctica.
The project follows Chilean-American research showing that glaciers flowing north from the eastern Pacific part of Antarctica - called 'West Antarctica' because it is west of the Atlantic - are thinning dramatically at rates averaging one metre a year.
Emission units for geothermal power project
Emissions units won by 39 MW Rotokawa geothermal project
A planned project to generate more electricity from the Rotokawa geothermal field near Taupo has been awarded a share of emission units or carbon credits by the Government. The project has received the second largest award in the first tender round of the Climate Change Office's Projects to Reduce Emissions programme. If it proceeds as planned, the project will receive up to 790,923 emission units."
Emissions units won by 39 MW Rotokawa geothermal project
A planned project to generate more electricity from the Rotokawa geothermal field near Taupo has been awarded a share of emission units or carbon credits by the Government. The project has received the second largest award in the first tender round of the Climate Change Office's Projects to Reduce Emissions programme. If it proceeds as planned, the project will receive up to 790,923 emission units."
Honda Tree Fund
Native Tree Planting
Honda New Zealand is funding the planting of 10 native trees for every new Honda sold.
The new Honda Treefund is a natural solution to air pollution problems. Native trees will be planted on pubic land in association with Regional Councils around the country.
With over 60,000 native trees expected to be planted every year, a veritable Honda forest will be created
This will assist in the reforestation of New Zealand native bush and provide an increase in the ability of our forests to absorb excess CO2."
Native Tree Planting
Honda New Zealand is funding the planting of 10 native trees for every new Honda sold.
The new Honda Treefund is a natural solution to air pollution problems. Native trees will be planted on pubic land in association with Regional Councils around the country.
With over 60,000 native trees expected to be planted every year, a veritable Honda forest will be created
This will assist in the reforestation of New Zealand native bush and provide an increase in the ability of our forests to absorb excess CO2."
Mighty River Gets NZ$12 Mln of Carbon Credits for Power Station
Mighty River Power Ltd., New Zealand's fourth-largest electricity retailer, will get NZ$12 million ($9 million) of carbon emission credits from the country's government to help expand a geothermal power station.
Government-owned Mighty River runs a 32-megawatt generator on the country's North Island in partnership with a Maori tribal trust. The partners plan to have a new 39-megawatt generator running at the site in 2006. "
Mighty River Power Ltd., New Zealand's fourth-largest electricity retailer, will get NZ$12 million ($9 million) of carbon emission credits from the country's government to help expand a geothermal power station.
Government-owned Mighty River runs a 32-megawatt generator on the country's North Island in partnership with a Maori tribal trust. The partners plan to have a new 39-megawatt generator running at the site in 2006. "
NZ state-owned power plant awarded 790,000 carbon credits
New Zealand utility Mighty River has been awarded almost 800,000 emission units to build a geothermal power plant that has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to 968,996 tonnes of carbon dioxide from when it comes on stream until the end of 2012."
New Zealand utility Mighty River has been awarded almost 800,000 emission units to build a geothermal power plant that has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to 968,996 tonnes of carbon dioxide from when it comes on stream until the end of 2012."
Meridian eyes lower Waitaki
Meridian Energy has secured the future of its upper Waitaki River generating scheme and is still considering new hydro-electric developments down the river.
But it says any power station or stations on the lower Waitaki will not be a case of Project Aqua 2 or Aqua revisited.
Any development will also be dependent on the Waitaki water allocation board determining that hydro-generation is a valid use of water in that part of the river. "
Meridian Energy has secured the future of its upper Waitaki River generating scheme and is still considering new hydro-electric developments down the river.
But it says any power station or stations on the lower Waitaki will not be a case of Project Aqua 2 or Aqua revisited.
Any development will also be dependent on the Waitaki water allocation board determining that hydro-generation is a valid use of water in that part of the river. "
