Major changes in store for electricity industry

28 Apr 2015

Storage reservoir for a pumped-water hydroelectricity plant on Zar mountain, southern Poland.
Storage reservoir for a pumped-water hydroelectricity plant on Zar mountain, southern Poland.
By PAUL BROWN.- Inventors are in a race to find the best way of storing electricity to make the most of renewables and cut the use of fossil fuels.


Currently, when more power than needed by consumers is produced by sources such as wind turbines or solar panels, some of the electricity is wasted. But that is changing.


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Gas supply reducing faster than forecast

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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.

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

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

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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.

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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

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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

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

Public distrust over electricity sector

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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

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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

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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.