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Is the Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy realistic?

Posted in Briefings

DNZESThe government’s Developing our Energy Potential – Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy and Draft New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy document has been open to public submissions for the last three months, with submissions due to close by tomorrow.

The strategy document fits energy within government’s stated goal of growing New Zealand’s economy.  It sets out how government intends to do this (both with renewable and fossil fuel-generated energy) while still being environmentally responsible, and looks at supply, delivery and use of energy.

Among the priorities mentioned are the development of New Zealand’s petroleum and mineral resources, and the target that 90% of New Zealand’s electricity be generated renewably by 2025 (currently, 73% is generated from hydro, geothermal and wind resources).

But to what extent are the strategies realistic and achievable and have the correct energy priorities been identified?

The SMC gathered a panel to run the ruler over the document, and to see to what extent they’re realistic.

The document can be accessed on the MED website, here.

The speakers’ audio can be listened to below, and the slides are available to registered journalists in the SMC Resource Library.

Continue reading “Is the Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy realistic?

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