New ocean energy plan could worsen global warming

7 Apr 2015

By TIM RADFORD.- One of renewable energy’s more outspoken enthusiasts has delivered bad news for the prospects of developing ocean thermal energy. His prediction is that although the technology could work for a while, after about 50 years it could actually exacerbate long-term global warning.


Of all the renewable energy technologies, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) sounded like the perfect choice.


... login or subscribe for full story

Related Topics:   Energy Greenhouse Effect Science

More >
Energy
More >

Gas supply reducing faster than forecast

Thu 5 Jun 2025

By Liz Kivi | Gas reserves have reduced 27% as of 1 January 2025 compared to last year, according to data released today by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Surge of lobbying over electricity sector review

Wed 4 Jun 2025

Jostling and lobbying have intensified ahead of the release of a review into the electricity sector.

Could ‘orange’ hydrogen be NZ’s key to net-zero?

30 May 2025

By Liz Kivi | New Zealand could be sitting on resources for a thriving multi-billion-dollar, low-carbon hydrogen economy, which might even be capable of creating a net reduction of carbon dioxide, according to scientists.

Energy Minister Simon Watts addressing the CEP conference in Auckland this week

Watts talks big on energy reform, but barriers persist

29 May 2025

By Shannon Morris-Williams | Energy and Climate Change minister Simon Watts says the government is doubling down on efforts to boost renewable energy generation, streamline regulation, and drive private sector investment as New Zealand faces mounting energy security and affordability challenges.

Electrification challenge for politicians, regulators

27 May 2025

Rewiring Aotearoa is calling for stronger political leadership to bring its vision of a cheaper, cleaner and stronger energy system to life, with the launch of its policy manifesto today.

Business NZ Energy Council executive director Tina Schirr

‘More needs be done’ to restore energy market confidence: Energy Council

27 May 2025

The Business NZ Energy Council (BEC) welcomed the Government’s gas announcement as signalling “willingness to deal with parts of the issue from an energy supply perspective and aims to rebuild confidence in the sector”.

Resources minister Shane Jones

Govt consulting on hydrogen

26 May 2025

The government is consulting on proposed regulatory options for the development of naturally occurring and orange hydrogen.

Public distrust over electricity sector

22 May 2025

A poll found that nearly half of New Zealanders feel more concerned about their power bill than last year and believe breaking up the electricity gentailers could improve competition.

Flick flicked on

20 May 2025

There is a certain irony that one of the most vocal and public critics of the gentailers and the electricity market – Flick Electric – has been taken over by the largest gentailer – Meridian Energy.

Methanex closure comes early this year

14 May 2025

The almost-now-annual closure of Methanex has come earlier this year, giving more confidence that the electricity system will get through the winter without a fuel shortfall.