Draft Energy Strategy
A draft Energy Strategy was released recently and your feedback is sought. The strategy suggests ways to slow the rate of growth in the country's energy use by 20% by 2012, and increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. Estimates are that New Zealand's energy bills could be cut by up $900 million per year if the draft strategy, as released, meets its targets.
If something isn't done it's predicted that New Zealand will use 13% more energy in 2012 than now, with an increasing reliance on fossil fuel energy sources such as oil, gas and coal. This scenario would, for example, push up carbon dioxide emissions by 45% on 1990 levels by 2012. This could cause New Zealand many problems, not the least of which concern our Kyoto Protocol commitments (according to that Protocol, New Zealand is required to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels, on average, over 2008-2012).
The Draft Strategy:
- sets out energy efficiency and renewable energy measures for the government, building, transport, energy supply and industrial sectors;
- notes the proposed measures will require increased levels of government and private sector funding for programmes, grants and capital expenditure assistance of around $30 million per annum; and
- suggests financial incentives such as tax breaks, direct grants for energy audits, and allowing accelerated depreciation for companies that put in place energy efficiency measures.
The strategy is being developed by the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) and the Ministry for the Environment. The final version of the strategy is due for release on 1 October.
| Submissions close 1 June and can be posted to Draft Strategy Submission, EECA, PO Box 388, Wellington, e-mail strategy@eeca.govt.nz , or via the Internet at www.eeca.govt.nz (follow the Strategy signpost to the "make a submission" feature on the Strategy web page) |
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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