11 October, 2007
Energy and Efficiency
The New Zealand Energy Strategy sets the country firmly on a path towards clean, renewable energy.
Launched on 11 October, the New Zealand Energy Strategy puts our country on an ambitious but achievable pathway towards greater sustainability, and a secure energy future.
"It’s important that New Zealand plays its part in tackling climate change. We need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions from energy use. This strategy, and its companion document, the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy, help us do that," said Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Energy Minister David Parker said that the New Zealand Energy Strategy sets out the government’s vision for a sustainable, low emissions energy system, and an action plan to make that vision a reality.
"It sets out how we will deliver secure energy at affordable prices to support economic development, while at the same time being environmentally responsible and reducing carbon emissions from our energy production and use," David Parker said.
"We’ve already announced a target of generating 90 per cent of New Zealand’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025.
"The emissions trading scheme will help us achieve that. In addition, we’ll be considering regulatory options through the Electricity Act to limit new fossil fuel base-load generation over the next ten years.
"We are also preparing a national policy statement on renewable energy to provide guidance to local authorities when they’re considering renewable energy projects."
David Parker said the NZES also includes the target of halving domestic transport emissions per capita by 2040. The use of renewable energy from biofuels will increase, and New Zealand aims to be a world leader in electrically powered vehicles. As well, major investments in public transport are being made.
The Energy Strategy was launched alongside the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy. Work on that strategy has been led by Jeanette Fitzsimons, Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation.
Helen Clark and David Parker said that the measures outlined in the two energy strategies would support and complement the recently-announced emissions trading scheme.
Related documents
Speeches:
- Prime Minister Helen Clark: 'Launch of NZES and NZEECS'
- Energy Minister David Parker (includes slides): 'Strategy sets the path for sustainable, secure energy'
- Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation Jeanette Fitzsimons (includes slides): 'Energy efficiency steps up for a sustainable NZ'
Statements and factsheets:
- Prime Minister Helen Clark and Energy Minister David Parker joint statement: 'Strategy sets the path for sustainable, secure energy'
- Government Spokesperson on Energy Efficiency and Conservation Jeanette Fitzsimons: 'Families, drivers, business and climate are energy efficiency winners'
Strategy Documents:
- New Zealand Energy Strategy (1.9 Mb .pdf file)
- New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (1 Mb .pdf file)
Related Documents and Links
- Time landlords left the Victorian era behind: Jeanette Fitzsimons says it is time landlords stopped sheltering behind the story of cheap rents to avoid insulating their rental properties. Media statement, 12 October 2007
- Awards for government sustainability announced: the Prime Minister has presented awards recognising good sustainable practice in government. The Govt3 programme is all about the government walking the talk on sustainability, and it has been a trailblazer for the Prime Minister’s package of sustainability initiatives announced in February. David Parker, Acting Environment Minister, media statement, 12 October 2007
- New centre to focus on solutions to climate change: A new virtual centre for research will focus on New Zealand solutions to climate change issues. All nine Crown Research Institutes and Canterbury and Victoria Universities are collaborating to establish the New Zealand Climate Change Centre. Media Statement, 9 October 2007
- Budget 2007: Sustainability measures: Budget 2007 invests over $800 million in measures that will contribute to environmental sustainability while transforming our economy and improving the lives of our families.Beehive site feature article, May 2007
- The Sustainability Challenge: in a key speech in May to the Buddle Findlay Sustainability Seminar, Prime Minister Helen Clark says the opportunities and benefits of New Zealand becoming a sustainable nation are great. Throughout the country, households, businesses and communities are already taking up this challenge to reduce their emissions, recycle their waste, and conserve water. Helen Clark speech, May 2007
