Carbon News - Intelligence for the carbon market

Emissions down overall, despite higher electricity emissions

Monday 16 Sep 24 10:30am

Photo by Jas Min via Unsplash

 

By Robert McLachlan

Although emissions from electricity have increased, according to the latest data, use of oil, coal, and gas has dropped off compared to the previous quarter.

The Energy Quarterly from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment reports fossil fuel emissions from electricity generation, oil, and (industrial, i.e. non-electricity) coal and gas. 


The June 2024 issue shows that oil, coal, and gas are all down from the previous quarter.

 

 

Electricity emissions increased, but even this is something of a good news story: despite inflows to the hydro lakes being at 90-year lows, new wind and geothermal plants completed in the last few years are avoiding 2 million tonnes of CO2 per year. As a result, we entered winter with lakes at average levels and they never fell anywhere near the warning line.

 

 

The lowest level of storage, around 1500 GWh, was not unusually low – similar or lower levels were reached in 4 of the previous 14 years.


Thus the investments triggered by the pro-climate Zero Carbon Act of 2019 meant that an electricity shortage was avoided. And annual electricity emissions, though off their lows, are still 59% below peak.


Oil accounts for two-thirds of emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. However, even oil consumption has been fairly flat for 11 quarters in a row, and remains 4% below record highs. High prices and behaviour change (and to a lesser extent EVs) are responsible. The cost of oil in real terms per capita has tripled since the 1990s.


IMAGE: Robert McLachlan


Industrial coal use is at record lows, and now 41% below peak. Gas use is 23% below peak. Overall, annual emissions are 9% below their peak.


IMAGE: Robert McLachlan


Related Topics: Energy

Login







Latest in Energy

Latest announcements: file yours to editor@carbonnews.co.nz

COP29: Countries’ early delivery of national climate plans welcome, but more ambition required, say health orgs

Today 11:30am - Media release | Welcoming the announcement of new Nationally Determined...

International eyes on Cook Strait ferries

Wednesday - Media release: The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Ferry...

Climate researchers drill deep for Antarctic climate clues

Wednesday - Media release | Kiwi climate researchers are part of an ambitious mission to...

NZ and Irish govts partner to support farming through research

Tuesday - Media release | New Zealand and Ireland are investing $9.6 million in targeted...

New report spotlights how energy efficiency can reduce electricity demand

8 Nov 24 - Media release | A new report says energy efficiency has been a significant...

Review identifies risk to retail electricity competition

7 Nov 24 - Media release | A review of risk management options for electricity retailers...

Carbon markets could boost climate action in least developed countries

6 Nov 24 - Media release | UNCTAD’s Least Developed Countries Report 2024 highlighted on...

Multiple drainage and environmental outcomes from new floodgate project

5 Nov 24 - Media release | Waikato Regional Council’s three-year asset rationalisation...

Greens call for bottom trawling ban

4 Nov 24 - Media release | The Green Party is urgently calling on the Government to ban...

Iwi works with scientists to protect community from natural hazards

1 Nov 24 - Media release | Porirua’s Takapūwāhia community has partnered with...

Gisborne community team up with experts to combat climate challenges

31 Oct 24 - Media release | University of Auckland researchers are working with a Gisborne...

Germany and New Zealand partner to support agriculture and tackle global emissions

25 Oct 24 - Media release | New Zealand and Germany have announced the official start of a...

Use KiwiSaver for climate action, urges charity

25 Oct 24 - Media release | New Zealand charity Mindful Money is calling on Kiwis to drive...

Connecting Kiwi cleantech ventures with global opportunities

24 Oct 24 - Media release | Fourteen ambitious Kiwi cleantech startups will soon chase...

More Press Releases
Your IP address: 44.210.149.218