Topics tagged with 'Energy'
Energy sector wants firm emissions targets now
30 Jun 2009
The renewables sector is waiting to see whether the Government intends to present firm policy or a proposed strategy when it begins a series of public meetings in nine cities around the country next Monday to discuss New Zealand’s 2020 emissions target.
Farmers deserve reward, not tax, says scientist
30 Jun 2009
Farmers should be compensated for their work in tending the eco system instead of being taxed for climate change, says Professor Robert Watson, chief scientific adviser for Britain’s department of environment, food, and rural affairs.
'Green capital' to show off zero-emissions vehicle
30 Jun 2009
Palmerston North is consolidating its reputation as New Zealand’s green capital with the pending roll out of a locally designed and built zero-emissions vehicle.
Why Top Energy is sitting pretty
30 Jun 2009
Top Energy is one of the few electricity generators untroubled by uncertainty around New Zealand’s emissions trading scheme.
Obama hails climate bill … but has some changes
30 Jun 2009
United States President Obama has praised the House of Representatives for taking an "extraordinary first step" by passing a climate change bill.
Ford gets $6 billion loan for green vehicles
30 Jun 2009
The United States Energy Department will lend $5.9 billion to Ford and $2.1 billion to Nissan and Tesla, making the three automakers the first beneficiaries of a $25 billion fund to develop fuel-efficient vehicles.
California cracks down on windscreens
30 Jun 2009
Climate-conscious California is increasing pressure on the automobile by getting tough on windscreens and upping its incentives for owners of clunker cars to get them off the road.
Industry counts cost of government's ETS delay
26 Jun 2009
Government moves to postpone the entry of the heavy industrial emitters into the emissions trading scheme will cost forest owners money and delay the establishment of a carbon market in New Zealand.
Labour: Government had enough time
26 Jun 2009
The Labour Party is rejecting Government claims that there was never enough time to bring the stationary energy and industrial processes sector into the emissions trading scheme.
Forest owners notch Copenhagen victory
26 Jun 2009
New Zealand forest owners have managed to get offsetting and recognition of the capacity of wood products to store carbon into a key document leading up to December’s climate change talks in Copenhagen.
Green Spaniards here and keen to talk business
26 Jun 2009
Representatives of the technology company that has pushed Spain to the forefront of the global green economy were in the official delegation accompanying King Juan Carlos on his tour of New Zealand this week.
Europe keen to show us how to insulate
26 Jun 2009
The European Commission is keen to acquaint New Zealanders with its new portal designed to share information on building insulation and other methods of reducing energy demands in buildings of any size.
Ban calls leaders to ‘unprecedented’ climate summit
26 Jun 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has extended an invitation to heads of state and governments to attend an “unprecedented” global summit at the United Nations to spur action towards reaching an ambitious climate change pact later this year.
US climate bill proponents agree to concessions
26 Jun 2009
An agreement on a string of demands sought by United States farmers and lawmakers from rural areas erased a major obstacle facing a massive climate bill that would limit pollution linked to global warming and redirect the nation toward greater use of clean energy.
Myths … and the making of a climate bill
26 Jun 2009
No bill is perfect …certainly not one that contains a thousand pages and seeks to overhaul the way a nation uses energy, says the respected US science watchdog, the Pew Centre.
Russia not ready for climate battle, says bank
26 Jun 2009
Russia is ill-prepared to cope with climate change because of the legacy of Soviet environmental mismanagement and crumbling infrastructure, the World Bank says.
New York sees world’s smallest car
26 Jun 2009
The world's smallest car, the Peel 50, debuted this week at Ripley's Believe it or Not museum in Times Square, New York.
ETS review body on hold for key report
23 Jun 2009
The emissions trading scheme review committee will not be meeting to discuss ETS issues this week.
Report: How climate change will affect business
23 Jun 2009
United States businesses have been warned that climate change could mean shipping delays, more insured losses, constrained energy supplies and a decline in some tourism-based activities.
Landmark science warns UK faces climate dangers
23 Jun 2009
Cutting-edge scientific projections just launched by UK Environment Secretary Hilary Benn provide the most detailed picture to date of the threat facing Britain from soaring summer temperatures, more extreme weather and rising sea levels.
US pours $600b into Asian green energy deals
23 Jun 2009
The United States has pledged nearly $600 million in funding assistance to support clean-energy projects in Asia and in other parts of the world.
Commission declines Transpower request to amend settlement
23 Jun 2009
The Commerce Commission has declined a request from Transpower that the Commission amend the administrative settlement it reached with Transpower last year.
Climate lobby wants longer ETS review
23 Jun 2009
The New Zealand Climate Change Coalition wants the Government to extend the time frame for the select committee reviewing emissions trading, and to "clarify its real intentions on this issue."
Sustainability cuts cost at council
23 Jun 2009
North Shore City Council sustainability manager Michael Field has been in the job less than two years - but over the past 12 months has saved $1.2m from city-wide and in-house initiatives with a positive environmental outcome.
Green hotel top choice for eco-conscious corporates
23 Jun 2009
A new Auckland hotel says that it is fast becoming a popular destination for eco-conscious dignitaries and business travellers wanting to lower their carbon footprints.
Greens get in on the act with ETS talks
19 Jun 2009
The Green Party and National have had preliminary talks about supporting a Labour-National agreement on the emissions trading scheme.
Emissions from power generation at low level
19 Jun 2009
New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation have dropped to their lowest level in five years.
Filibustering may delay carbon trading vote
19 Jun 2009
The Opposition is likely to seek to prolong debate on the Australian Government's carbon emissions trading scheme in a bid to delay a vote in the Senate.
Australia unveils new renewable energy targets
19 Jun 2009
The Australian Government has introduced laws aimed at driving renewable energy investment and curbing greenhouse emissions.
Brussels tries to charm NZ into action on ETS
19 Jun 2009
A European Union charm offensive exerted on Australia over the past month is partly dedicated to ensuring that the Rudd government passes its delayed emissions trading scheme legislation in sympathy with Europe’s own policies.
Last of the coal to be mined at Kimihia project
19 Jun 2009
Solid Energy’s re-development of its Kimihia open-cast mine near Huntly is the last phase of an intensive and expensive environmental project that has turned earlier workings into a public recreational park.
US House may vote on climate bill next week
19 Jun 2009
Legislation to drastically reduce carbon dioxide pollution blamed for global warming could be voted on by the US House of Representatives as early as next week.
Asia set to become biggest climate change driver
19 Jun 2009
Asia's share of global greenhouse gas emissions could rise to more than 40 per cent by 2030, making it the world's main driver of climate change, experts have warned.
UN launches high-level climate and energy group
19 Jun 2009
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has launched a new group consisting of business leaders and experts who will advise him on energy and climate change challenges, particularly in identifying key issues in the run-up to the major United Nations conference in Copenhagen in December.
Women leading the charge to cleaner energy
19 Jun 2009
American women are paying the electric bills at home and making the critical decisions on energy use in their homes and businesses, according to a new survey.
What's the carbon footprint of your cell phone?
19 Jun 2009
Californian start-up Planet Metrics says it is developing software that could give consumers a better read on the embedded energy of everyday products.
ETS economic impact report reaction: Labour
19 Jun 2009
Labour says it welcomes a long-awaited economic modelling of climate change policy options, recommending an emissions trading scheme as the best climate change policy response.
ETS economic impact report reaction: Greens
19 Jun 2009
New economic modelling shows that New Zealand can continue with an emissions trading scheme at little economic cost, and Green Party MP Jeanette Fitzsimons says it is a clear message to Government to stop dithering and get on with it.
Banks waive fees for home insulation scheme
19 Jun 2009
All main trading banks have agreed to join the government’s insulation and heating scheme, and all have agreed to waive their fees for top-up loans homeowners get as part of insulation retrofits.
Govt 'over-selling' home insulation scheme
19 Jun 2009
National is over-selling the extent of its home insulation programme, details of which were announced today, says Labour's energy spokesperson, Charles Chauvel.
Electric vehicles to be RUC exempt
19 Jun 2009
Transport Minister Steven Joyce says that the government will exempt light electric vehicles from paying road user charges for four years as a first step towards encouraging their uptake.
Kawerau Jet wins silver Qualmark award
19 Jun 2009
Queenstown's Kawarau Jet, the world's longest-established commercial jet boat operation, has achieved the Qualmark Enviro-silver accreditation in recognition of its dedication to environmental sustainable practice.
Study into impact of sugar policies on energy and food issues
19 Jun 2009
Research into how sugar policies in Europe, the United States Brazil impact on world food and energy issues will be undertaken by experts from Nottingham Trent University and the University of Salford.
Carter quiet on potential of forest carbon credits
16 Jun 2009
Forestry Minister David Carter doesn’t want to talk about the potential for New Zealand forest owners to sell carbon credits to other countries – nor what the Government is doing to help them.
US forests stand crucial for NZ growers
16 Jun 2009
The United States’ stand on forestry offsetting is being closely watched and could be hugely beneficial to New Zealand.
Biofuel source important to us, says Air NZ
16 Jun 2009
Air New Zealand says that where a biofuel is produced will be part of its selection criteria for any future biofuel it may use.
German coal move good for NZ researchers
16 Jun 2009
Accelerated investment by Germany in Australian clean coal will be of interest to New Zealand coal interests because of this country’s investment in coal emissions sequestration development over the Tasman.
Big computer companies scramble to go green
16 Jun 2009
The world’s leading computer makers are targeting green goals as they scramble to win environmentally aware customers.
US debates climate change role of farms and forests
16 Jun 2009
A dispute is heating up in the United States over the role of farms and forests in climate legislation.
How white roofs could have a green impact
16 Jun 2009
United States Energy Secretary Steven Chu says that global warming could be slowed by a low-tech idea that has nothing to do with coal plants or solar panels - white roofs.
Climate progress slowing, says Auckland councillor
Thu 5 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The devastating cyclone that tore through Tāmaki Makaurau in 2023 left behind more than just broken infrastructure, sparking calls to focus on facts over ideology in the fight against climate change.
Fed Farmers launches campaign against carbon forestry
Fri 6 Jun 2025
By Liz Kivi | Federated Farmers has launched what they are calling the ‘Save Our Sheep’ campaign, blaming carbon forestry for declining sheep numbers and calling on the government to urgently review the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Greenwashing is rife in Australia, but could its days be numbered?
28 May 2025
COMMENT: Have you ever ticked the box to “fly carbon neutral”, had something delivered via “carbon-neutral shipping” or chosen to pay a bit extra to buy “carbon-neutral gas” from your energy retailer?
Help sustainable aviation fuels take off or delay targets, airlines warn EU
20 May 2025
Earmarked funding, risk-reduction tools, and simplified imports top Airlines for Europe’s wish list for the EU’s upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.
Microplastics found in sand on dozens of NZ beaches
Wed 4 Jun 2025
Scientists have extracted microplastics from the sand of 22 beaches from the Far North to Banks Peninsula.
Sustainability claims questioned as renewable diesel surges
14 May 2025
Critics are sceptical about industry claims of renewable diesel life-cycle greenhouse gas emission cuts and warn renewable diesel carbon releases will surge if sourcing is scaled up, triggering tropical deforestation as producers convert forests to energy crops, such as oil palm and soy.
Govt mulls status quo for ETS auction settings
29 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government has released its consultation on the Climate Change Commission’s latest advice on Emissions Trading Scheme auction settings and volumes, putting forward the option to ignore the commission’s advice to boost auction volumes from 2028-2030.
Global energy investment set to hit record $3.3 trillion in 2025, IEA says
Fri 6 Jun 2025
A surge in clean energy spending is expected to drive a record $3.3 trillion in global energy investment in 2025, despite economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the International Energy Agency said on Thursday.
Carbon price too low to fund carbon capture
20 May 2025
The government’s climate target to 2030 is at risk, after revelations that a carbon capture project which the government was relying on to deliver one third of its carbon reductions, might not go ahead.
Fight over coal mine heats up
30 May 2025
Forest & Bird is calling on the government to create a new scientific reserve covering the Denniston Plateau on the West Coast, which would stop a fast-tracked coal mine.
Trump’s actions are already having consequences for climate, especially for the IPCC - expert
11 Apr 2025
Leading climate scientist, Dr Kevin Trenberth, left the US and came home to New Zealand because of the rise of Donald Trump. In this comment piece, he writes that he is appalled in multiple ways by the so-called “war on science” unfolding through staff cuts and the president’s policy edicts.
Common low-grade clay strengthens low-carbon concrete
Thu 5 Jun 2025
Media release | Engineers at RMIT University have converted low-grade clay into a high-performance cement supplement, opening a potential new market in sustainable construction materials.
Cuts to climate finance put exports in jeopardy: Lawyers
23 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government has halved international climate finance, a move aid organisations describe as “devastating,” and which lawyers say could put our Paris Agreement commitments and export market access at risk.
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.
Govt budgets $200m for would-be gas investors
23 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | Energy Resources Aotearoa has welcomed the government's plan to co-invest $200 million in fossil gas expansion, while environmental and climate groups have reacted with horror.
Extreme ocean warming engulfed South-West Pacific in 2024
Fri 6 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Unprecedented ocean warming engulfed the South-West Pacific in 2024, with extreme heat and rainfall causing deadly and devastating impacts and sea level rise threatening entire islands.
Oceans Commission must have teeth – minister
14 May 2025
If an Oceans Commission were to be established under the government it would need genuine powers to make change, says Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones.
Biochar's negative emissions tech coming to Fieldays
Fri 6 Jun 2025
Biochar Network New Zealand will showcase its negative emissions technology biochar at this year's Forestry Hub at Fieldays 2025.
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.
Hotter and deeper: how NZ’s plan to drill for ‘supercritical’ geothermal energy holds promise and risk
2 Apr 2025
By David Dempsey, University of Canterbury | New Zealand’s North Island features a number of geothermal systems, several of which are used to generate some 1,000 MegaWatts of electricity. But deeper down there may be even more potential.
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.
How the little-known ‘dark roof’ lobby may be making US cities hotter
Fri 6 Jun 2025
As cities heat up, reflective roofs could lower energy bills and help the climate. But dark-roofing manufacturers are waging a quiet campaign to block new rules.
Energy Australia is in court accused of greenwashing. What is the case about and why is it significant?
16 May 2025
Climate group alleges energy giant misled 400,000 customers about ‘Go Neutral’ product, arguing that carbon credits don’t actually remove emissions.
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.
What happened to the hydrogen economy?
Tue 3 Jun 2025
The hydrogen car that was supposed to carry us into a cleaner future is still not in the driveway. In fact, outside of a few test markets, it’s not in anyone’s driveway.
Climate change could drive surge in foreclosures and lender losses, new study finds
22 May 2025
Extreme weather linked to climate change could spell financial ruin for many American homeowners and lead to billions in losses for lenders, a new study finds.
Will NZ walk away from the Paris Agreement?
20 Dec 2024
By Geoff Bertram | COMMENT: Unless the government can find very cheap offshore mitigation, the temptation to walk away from its Paris Agreement obligations may well be too strong to resist for a coalition government focused on fiscal austerity.
Energy Australia apologises to 400,000 customers and settles greenwashing legal action
22 May 2025
Energy retailer says carbon offsetting ‘not the most effective way’ to reduce emissions.
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.
Carbon News launches price index
24 Jun 2024
Today’s issue is the first to feature Carbon News’ own carbon price index for secondary market spot prices for NZUs on New Zealand’s compliance market.
Govt's RMA overhaul sparks fears for nature and climate
30 May 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Government has opened public consultation on the biggest overhaul of environmental planning rules in New Zealand’s history, with critics warning it puts nature and climate at risk in favour of fast-tracked development and industry expansion.
Waste Levy risks becoming ‘slush fund’ under proposed changes – Commissioner
Thu 5 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Proposed changes to New Zealand's waste legislation risk undermining public trust in the waste levy scheme, according to Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton.
Top ocean experts sound the alarm over growing marine crisis due to climate change
Fri 6 Jun 2025
On the opening day of a global science conference, French fishery scientist Clea Abello presented research showing that marine protected areas could protect commercially valuable fisheries.
Tech alone won’t save us, warns climate expert
Wed 4 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Technology alone won't be enough to reach net zero emissions, environmental psychologist Lorraine Whitmarsh told the Carbon and Energy Professionals conference in Auckland last week.
New research reveals NZ’s natural resource footprint
29 May 2025
Media release | New research from the office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment reveals that about 107 million tonnes of natural resources were required to produce the goods and services consumed by New Zealanders in 2019 – approximately 21 tonnes per person on average.
NZ's first chance in 20 years to catch up on waste
30 May 2025
Media release | The government has announced proposals for updating the Waste Minimisation Act and the Litter Act. For the first time in nearly 20 years, Kiwis have a chance to catch up with other countries to reduce our waste and litter.
Dismissals 'massive win' for climate movement
13 May 2025
The outstanding charges against 25 climate activists who disrupted traffic in Wellington have been dropped, a move the group calls a win for the climate movement.
Straterra has a new name: the New Zealand Minerals Council
16 Apr 2025
Media release | Straterra has been renamed as New Zealand Minerals Council, says chief executive Josie Vidal.
UK’s solar power surges 42% after sunniest spring on record
Fri 6 Jun 2025
The UK’s solar farms and rooftops generated more electricity than ever before in the first five months of 2025, as the country enjoyed its sunniest spring on record.
Green budget 'ludicrous la-la land' – govt
15 May 2025
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the budget was "clown show economics" and an "absolute circus".
US: Clean energy project cancellations top $14 Billion so far in 2025
Wed 4 Jun 2025
Businesses have pulled the plug on big projects amid Trump’s retreat on climate action. But plenty remain in the pipeline, awaiting a Congressional decision on tax credits.
United Nations carbon market rules agreed but concerns remain
25 Nov 2024
New carbon market rules agreed at the fractious UN climate summit will be a relief to New Zealand and Singapore, who were leading the negotiations, but concerns about greenwashing and disadvantaging nature-based solutions remain.
“It’s not the car – it’s how we move” – EECA
Tue 3 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams| New Zealand’s transport emissions conversation has focused heavily on electric vehicles – but Richard Briggs, group manager, delivery and partnerships at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, says we’re asking the wrong question.
Europe’s next climate target may already have been agreed in Berlin
28 May 2025
Germany’s new coalition has adopted a climate stance shaped by talks with the EU’s top climate official, signalling where the bloc may land on a likely upcoming 2040 emissions target.
Water crisis on the horizon?
26 May 2025
Media release | Sewage contaminating Auckland oyster farms highlights the “dire state” of water infrastructure in Aotearoa, says University of Auckland Associate Professor Daniel Hikuroa.
Tropical forest loss hit new heights in 2024; fire a major driver in Latin America
23 May 2025
Tropical forest loss skyrocketed in 2024, with vast swaths of primary forest consumed by fire, according to new satellite data.
For the first time, China invests more in wind and solar than coal overseas
29 May 2025
China’s Belt and Road Initiative, long derided for its heavy carbon footprint, was dominated by wind and solar power projects for the first time from 2022 to 2023, according to a new analysis. But coal plants financed in earlier years are still coming online.
