Solar hot-water payback too slow
27 May 2008
New Zealanders are resisting switching to solar hot-water heating despite government grants because the payback period is too long -up to 15 years for some households.
Hot water heating typically accounts for around 30 percent of homeowners’ energy costs and a solar water heating system can provide up to 75 percent of annual hot water needs – saving about 1.4 tonnes of carbon emissions a year (assuming a mix of coal and gas fired electricity generation is avoided).
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Story copyright © Carbon News 2008
Surge of lobbying over electricity sector review
Today 10:30am
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?
Fri 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.
Watts talks big on energy reform, but barriers persist
Thu 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.
‘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”.
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.
Genesis reports rising coal, declining gas
2 May 2025
Talks about the future of the third Rankine unit at Huntly continue as Genesis reported a third quarter result that showed the rise of coal and the decline of gas.
