Topics tagged with 'Energy'
Auckland’s first five-star environmentally sustainable building
15 Apr 2008
Auckland City Council's City Development Committee has approved the construction of a ventilated weather screen façade on the BNZ building at 80 Queen Street.
EXCLUSIVE: 'Surprise' MAF report shows some farms will profit from ETS
14 Apr 2008
Already well-off dairy farmers could get a 30 per cent profit boost from the ETS, according to an apparently prematurely released Government report.
Thermal ban ‘will kill oil exploration’ – Todd
14 Apr 2008
Oil exploration off the Taranaki coast will be killed by the Government’s proposed 10-year ban on new thermal power stations, the chief executive of Todd Energy, Richard Tweedie, told Carbon News.
National scents votes in $700m R and D "pork barrel"
14 Apr 2008
Opposition leader John Key is surprised the amount of traction he is getting from his outright condemnation of the government’s $700 million research announced for agriculture.
Forest and Bird supports request to call in Mokihinui consent
14 Apr 2008
Forest & Bird supports the request by West Coast councils for the Environment Minister to “call in” Meridian’s resource consent application to build a hydro dam on the Mokihinui River.
Major new Indian NCDEX exchange enjoys enthusiastic first day trading
14 Apr 2008
More than 200,000 CERs, worth INR 200 mln, were traded on the new NCDEX exchange (Friday NZ time).
No need for NZ to drag feet on biofuels
14 Apr 2008
New Zealand shouldn’t delay bringing in biofuel sales obligations and miss out on cutting greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the use of fossil fuels says a major potential investor.
Downloadable eco advice aims at 63% who want to help
14 Apr 2008
A new eco advice booklet is available off the internet from today to help the 91 per cent of New Zealanders who have said they want to know more about how they can protect the environment, says Environment Minister Trevor Mallard.
EXCLUSIVE: $18b windfall for NZ government from ETS
11 Apr 2008
CARBON NEWS INQUIRY - The New Zealand Government’s coffers will be boosted by $18b in windfall revenues from sales of carbon credits between 2013 and 2024, according to privileged information obtained by Carbon News.
ETS will hit steel mill profits by $60m a year - $1 billion investment deferred
11 Apr 2008
MPs have been told a $1 billion decision to invest in New Zealand’s Glenbrook steel mill depends on the shape of the final emissions trading legislation, and the new regime might also lead to the mill’s closure.
EXCLUSIVE: Cook Strait tidal test turbine gains resource consent
11 Apr 2008
A New Zealand marine energy industry has come a step closer with the granting yesterday of resource consent for a tidal flow turbine in Cook Strait.
New price control and investment law for utilities
11 Apr 2008
Infrastructure businesses like electricity lines companies and airports will gain improved incentives to innovate and invest while giving consumers protection from excessive prices and poor quality, under a Bill amending the Commerce Act introduced to Parliament yesterday.
Carbon neutrality? What about 400% electricity use cut instead?
11 Apr 2008
Wayne Norrie, chief executive of data centre outsourcing company Revera, says he’s totally frustrated by a less-than-holistic picture about carbon neutrality.
Auckland University aims for floating turbine breakthrough
11 Apr 2008
A University of Auckland engineering doctoral student has received a $75,000 thee-year government scholarship to study the feasibility of floating wind turbines.
Nelson firm cited among world top 30 offset service providers
11 Apr 2008
New Zealand company Offset the Rest is the only company in Asia Pacific to be named as one of the top 30 carbon offset providers in the world.
No European-like second phase windfall profits for NZ generators
10 Apr 2008
European electricity generators are in line for massive windfall profits of around $140 billion over the next four years, but their vastly more environment-friendly New Zealand counterparts can expect no such largesse.
Local authorities to get message on renewables
10 Apr 2008
The Government is to crack the whip over territorial authorities to ensure they get behind Labour’s goal of having 90% of the country’s power generation capacity from renewable sources by 2025.
Kiwi-based Windflow Technology does $12m plus turbine deal with Te Rere Hau
10 Apr 2008
Windflow Technology has received confirmation of an order for a further 16 Windflow 500 turbines.
US expert: No technical barrier to 20% wind power goal in NZ
10 Apr 2008
There are no fundamental technical barriers to the integration of 20% wind energy into the electrical system in New Zealand, according to a visiting US wind energy expert.
US concerned over EU airline emissions charge plan, starts probe into airline pollution
10 Apr 2008
The United States is expressing “serious concern” over EU proposals to impose emissions charges on airlines.
Contact No1 in electricity hedge market services
10 Apr 2008
New research has confirmed that Contact is rated number one in the delivery of electricity hedge market services.
BP warned of political troubles in West Papua LNG project
10 Apr 2008
Human rights groups have warned UK-based supermajor BP that the $6 billion Tangguh liquefied natural gas project in West Papua, risks becoming embroiled in the province's volatile politics.
Dubai and Eco Securities developing major CDM emission reduction projects
10 Apr 2008
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Nakheel, Dubai's premier development company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly identify and develop emissions reduction projects across the whole of Nakheel's operations.
Dunajtschik: The shy man behind the nation's newest, biggest green building
10 Apr 2008
Publicity-shy Mark Dunajtschik, an Austrian by birth, is now often considered the only individual in New Zealand who can cause a major new building to happen on the strength of a handshake
PWC expert: Exporters to feel bite of any EU shipping emissions move
9 Apr 2008
The likely inclusion of shipping in the European Union (EU) emissions trading scheme (ETS) looks set to hit New Zealand exporters in the pocket – and international airline passengers could be next to shell out for their carbon footprint.
No government plans for carbon import tariff – yet
9 Apr 2008
The Government has given an equivocal “No” to the possibility of imposing tariffs on imports from countries that don’t put a price on their greenhouse gas emissions.
Smith: Biofuels joins climate change debacles
9 Apr 2008
Biofuels is set to join the list of climate change policy debacles, with the Minister admitting sustainability standards will not be in place by 1 July, says National’s Climate Change spokesman, Nick Smith.
Dell announces 100% green power for 10,000-staff HQ
9 Apr 2008
One of The °Climate Group’s newest members, Dell, has announced that its headquarters campus in Round Rock, Texas - home to more than 10,000 Dell employees - will be powered with 100 per cent green power.
Fuel economy star ratings go on cars for sale
8 Apr 2008
Fuel economy star rating labels go on show on all new and most late model used cars from yesterday.
Windfarmers: More wind means security and reasonable price
8 Apr 2008
New Zealand must maximise use if its world class wind resource if it wants a secure and reasonabely priced electricity supply in future.
Holcim wants access to "hot-air" AAUs
7 Apr 2008
Big-emitting private companies, no less than the Government, should be allowed to source hot-air Assigned Amount Units (AAUs) from eastern Europe to meet their emissions trading scheme (ETS) liabilities, according to the energy and climate change group manager for cement manufacturer Holcim, Michael Rynne.
All but ACT voters back 10 year ban on new thermal generation
7 Apr 2008
New polling due out this morning shows 58% of New Zealanders back the Government’s proposed ban on building new baseload thermal power plants during the next 10 years.
Minister: There's a place for nuclear
7 Apr 2008
The UK’s Trade Minister says he knows New Zealand is a nuclear free society – “and I don’t want to interfere in your affairs” – but Britain sees a balanced approach to future energy sources, including nuclear, as the right solution.
UK Trade Minister: tariffs threat could gain momentum if market doesn’t work
7 Apr 2008
Britain’s Trade and Investment Minister, Lord Digby Jones, has told business executives in Auckland that if the market has not got carbon priced right by 2012, the calls to impose border taxes on goods from countries not paying for emissions could gain momentum.
Cement lobby launches major campaign to replace bitumen on roads
7 Apr 2008
Cement interests are launching a concerted campaign to have the nations roads laid in concrete instead of bitumen.
Study confirms 50% CO2 reduction from use of home-grown biodiesel
7 Apr 2008
High-quality biodiesel from oilseed rape, grown and produced in the South Island by Biodiesel New Zealand, is sustainable, emitting around 50% less carbon dioxide over its life cycle than mineral diesel.
NCDEX –launching developing world's first CER trading platform
7 Apr 2008
National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Ltd, of India, will launch a futures contract for Certified Emission Reduction (CERs) on April 10.
Government agencies reveal size of their footprint
7 Apr 2008
The Government's34 core agencies have a 159,000 tonne carbon footprint
Carbon News discovers "book-and-claim" scheme answer to bio-fuels impasse
4 Apr 2008
A Dutch-style book-and-claim scheme might be the best way through the bio-fuels impasse in the emissions trading scheme (ETS) debate, according to both Bio-fuels Manufacturers Association chairman Dickon Posnett and the New Zealand chief executive of British Petroleum (BP), Peter Griffiths.
Simple standard will deliver net bio-fuel gains - Fitzsimons
4 Apr 2008
A single sustainability standard written into the emissions trading scheme (ETS) legislation would ensure bio-fuels sourced from overseas represented a net benefit to the environment, Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said.
Mallard foreshadows easier planning path for renewables, attacks polluters
4 Apr 2008
The Government is developing a National Policy Statement on Renewable Electricity Generation.
Expert group to promote electric vehicles and biofuels
4 Apr 2008
A group of experts on transport fuels, renewable electricity and vehicle technologies will help New Zealand take a step closer towards becoming a sustainable nation, says Energy Minister David Parker.
‘Green’ car conference a sham – expert
4 Apr 2008
New Zealanders shouldn’t be fooled by quick fixes to the current energy crisis, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.
Parliamentary Commissioner: Biofuel Bill should not proceed
4 Apr 2008
The Biofuel Bill currently before Parliament should not proceed in its current form, says Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Jan Wright.
Smith: End the mad rush on the bio fuels bill
4 Apr 2008
The Government must heed the message of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment that its biofuels bill is flawed and a risk to New Zealand’s clean, green brand, says National’s Environment spokesman, Dr Nick Smith.
Greens insist on biofuel sustainability standard
4 Apr 2008
The Green Party agrees with the Parliamentary Commissioner's advice that biofuels should not proceed in New Zealand unless they are sustainable, Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons says.
Dunne: slam the brakes on biofuels
4 Apr 2008
UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has joined the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment in urging the Government and all parties to slow down and consider the real effects of the Biofuel Bill currently before Parliament.
Climate change "motorway" to higher value production
4 Apr 2008
The effects of climate change are one of the greatest threats we face, Agriculture Minister Jim Adnerton has told the Large Herds Association conference at New Plymouth. If we handle it the right way, it will also be our motorway to higher value production.
Mallard speech: Sustainable development at a sustainable price
4 Apr 2008
Here is the full keynote speech of Environment Minister Trevor Mallard, presented yesteray to Planning Institute members conferencing in Greymouth.
18 states due EPA to force vehicle emission regulation
4 Apr 2008
Eighteen states are suing the EPA in an attempt to force it to comply with a Supreme Court ruling in April that found the EPA has authority to regulate vehicle emissions, AP reports.
Urban rewilding combats global biodiversity decline
Wed 28 May 2025
Media release | A new study led by the University of Sydney reveals how cities around the world are restoring wildlife to their former habitats in the face of ongoing urban sprawl.
US dairy farmers consider return on climate-smart milk
22 May 2025
The approach is just one of many dairy practices now considered “climate-smart” because they could cut production of climate-warming gases.
Greenwashing is rife in Australia, but could its days be numbered?
Wed 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.
Govt's RMA overhaul sparks fears for nature and climate
Fri 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.
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
Thu 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.
Pacific Island nations support China's Taiwan claims at high-profile foreign ministers' meeting
Fri 30 May 2025
Pacific nations have backed China's claim over Taiwan during a high-profile meeting, but have shied away from directly endorsing Beijing's push to "reunify" the democratically ruled island with the mainland.
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
Fri 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.
Owning a green home could cut mortgage payback time by two years
9 May 2025
A green certified home plus a green mortgage and associated energy bill savings could save Kiwi families up to $98,800 over the course of their mortgage - the equivalent of being mortgage-free several years early, according to new research.
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
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.
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.
Glacier collapse buries most of Swiss village
Fri 30 May 2025
The Swiss village of Blatten has been partially destroyed after a huge chunk of glacier crashed down into the valley.
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.
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.
Why expensive gas – not net-zero – is keeping UK electricity prices so high
Wed 28 May 2025
The UK’s high electricity prices have become intensely political, with competing claims over the cause of rocketing bills and how best to get them down.
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.
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.
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.
While govt ‘refreshes’ fund for low carbon trucks, are transport emissions set to accelerate?
Wed 28 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government has announced it is updating the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund, however cuts to funds to decarbonise transport in last week’s budget, and potential changes to road user charges, could stall transport emissions reductions.
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.
Kiwi cleantech companies on the world stage
27 May 2025
Six New Zealand 'cleantech' companies were in Singapore earlier this month, along with a venture capital firm and the MacDiarmid Institute, to meet investors and multinational partners.
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.
New research reveals NZ’s natural resource footprint
Thu 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.
World’s nations to gather in France to tackle what UN says is a global emergency in the oceans
Fri 30 May 2025
The world’s nations are gathering in France next month to tackle what the United Nations calls a global emergency facing the world’s oceans as they confront rising temperatures, plastic pollution choking marine life, and relentless overexploitation of fish and other resources.
Europe’s next climate target may already have been agreed in Berlin
Wed 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.
Warm water affecting Antarctica’s largest ice shelf - new research
22 Apr 2025
While Antarctica’s Ross Ice Shelf is currently stable, new research shows warm water is reaching up to 170 kilometres under the front of the ice shelf.
NZ's first chance in 20 years to catch up on waste
Fri 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.
For the first time, China invests more in wind and solar than coal overseas
Thu 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.
A fungus that can ‘eat you from the inside out’ could spread as the world heats up
27 May 2025
Infection-causing fungi responsible for millions of deaths a year will spread significantly to new regions as the planet heats up, new research predicts — and the world is not prepared.
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".
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.
More than 1 in 4 cars sold globally in 2025 expected to be EV: IEA report
26 May 2025
According to the Global EV Outlook 2025 report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), 2025 is set to be big for EV sales. The report predicts that about one in four cars sold worldwide this year will be electric, despite overall market uncertainties.
Brazil seeks early deals on two stalled issues at Bonn climate talks
26 May 2025
Moving forward work on just transition and implementing recommendations from the Global Stocktake of climate progress are key priorities for upcoming UN negotiations.
Global sea levels rise spelling catastrophe for coastal towns and cities
14 May 2025
For around 2,000 years, global sea levels varied little. That changed in the 20th century. They started rising and have not stopped since — and the pace is accelerating.
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.
NZ moving too slowly to decarbonise – former commission chair
22 May 2025
By Liz Kivi | New Zealand's energy transition is too slow and too controlled by vested interests, according to former Climate Change Commission chair Rod Carr.
