RENEWABLE ENERGY
IN NEW ZEALAND
++ New Zealand is fortunate to have a diverse portfolio of
energy resources, both renewable and non-renewable.
It is this diversity that is the basis of New Zealand’s
comparative advantage.
++ The Government is committed to the target of 90 percent
of our electricity generation coming from renewable energy
sources by 2025, providing this does not affect security
of supply.
++ We need to continue to develop both our renewable
and non-renewable resources, and improve our energy
efficiency to manage our environmental responsibilities
and realise our economic opportunities.
++ New Zealand has been tracking well towards this target –
over the March quarter renewables made up 79 percent of
our electricity generation. This is one of the largest shares
in the OECD, and has been aided by strong hydro inflows
and generation from new wind and geothermal sources.
++ New Zealand has abundant renewable energy resources
and a proud history of developing our renewable energy
resources in an environmentally responsible way.
++ Our hydro and geothermal developments are amongst
the country’s greatest engineering achievements. We
have well regarded expertise in geothermal. In addition,
we are rapidly developing expertise and a track record
in wind energy.
++ Actions taken by this Government that support the
development of renewable energy sources include
improved call-in processes under the Resource
Management Act, which have benefited a number
of wind and geothermal projects.
++ The Emissions Trading Scheme encourages renewables in
preference to fossil fuels by introducing a price on carbon.
++ This, combined with the use of gas rather than coal
at the Huntly power station, resulted in the lowest
quarterly electricity generation emissions in ten years.
++ In support of our emphatic determination to continue
our strong domestic focus on renewable energy, and
to ensure that New Zealand works to remain alongside
the top performing countries, the Government joined
the International Renewable Energy Agency, effective
1 May 2011.
++ The Government will continue to ensure market incentives
and the regulatory framework support further investment in
appropriate renewable projects by removing unnecessary
regulatory barriers.
++ The recently gazetted National Policy Statement on
Renewable Electricity Generation recognises the national
significance of renewable electricity generation activities
by providing for the development, operation, maintenance
and upgrading of new and existing renewable electricity
generation activities.
CONTACT
PHONE +64 4 472 0030
FACSIMILE
+64 4 471 0187
WEB
www.med.govt.nz
ADDRESS PO Box 1473
Wellington,
New Zealand 6140