Topics tagged with 'Energy'
No climate deal this year, says UN climate chief
7 May 2010
Outgoing United Nations climate chief Yvo de Boer believes there will be no comprehensive climate treaty this year, saying that a major UN conference in December would yield only a first answer on curbing greenhouse gases.
US whizkid sells Chicago Climate Exchange
7 May 2010
American financial entrepreneur Richard Sandor and the other shareholders of parent company Climate Exchange have cashed out of their big idea for about $600 million.
Scientists hit the skies to measure gas emissions
7 May 2010
The state of California is about to become a giant playground for more than 200 atmospheric scientists.
US carbon emissions down record 7 per cent
7 May 2010
US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions fell a record 7 per cent in 2009, officials said this week, citing the economic slump and other factors including increased energy efficiency.
Carbon market wide open to doubtful deals
30 Apr 2010
The Government might be moving to clean up the regulations around the financial markets, but investors in the emerging carbon market lack the same protections.
Business lobby gives up on ETS demands
30 Apr 2010
New Zealand’s biggest business lobby group appears to have conceded defeat in its campaign to delay provisions of the emissions trading scheme.
Two smart grid companies with IPO implications
30 Apr 2010
By Nick Hodge. - By now, everyone knows of the smart grid. But few know about the smart grid.
Aussie states could run own ETS, says minister
30 Apr 2010
Australian states have been told they could run their own carbon trading scheme, now the Federal Government has postponed its proposed Emissions Trading Scheme.
Senate climate bill just keeps on rollin’ along
30 Apr 2010
The public progress of the United States Senate attempt to write a comprehensive climate change energy bill has ground to a halt, but an outline of the bill’s major provisions is moving forward.
UN pushes clean energy access to fight poverty
30 Apr 2010
Increasing access to clean energy and improving its efficiency will be vital to both enhancing global prosperity and combating climate change, according to a new report by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s advisory group on the nexus between energy and climate.
Morocco chalks up a first for the Arabs
30 Apr 2010
Morocco has announced an unprecedented charter for environment and sustainable development, the first commitment of its kind in Africa and the first in the Arab World.
… and even Romania wants a piece of the action
30 Apr 2010
Romania will set up a carbon trading scheme to cut greenhouse gas emissions, hoping to earn more than $3 billion until 2012.
Careful, warns Castro, we could kill ourselves
30 Apr 2010
Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro has warned of the aftermath of uncontrollable climate change and the side effects of scientific progress.
Aussies building largest tower of solar power
30 Apr 2010
Australia’s CSIRO is building the largest solar-power tower of its type in the world at the National Solar Energy Centre in Newcastle.
Delay ETS, say major electricity users
30 Apr 2010
“The announcement this week by the Australian Government of a significant delay to an ETS in Australia is a game-changing event that will impact every NZ householder and business” said Ralph Matthes, executive director of the Major Electricity Users’ Group.
Suspend the ETS until 2013, says farmers' lobby
30 Apr 2010
Federated Farmers is urging the National-led Government to match the Australian Government's decision to defer its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) until at least 2013.
Markit chief slams Kiwis' lack of carbon nous
23 Apr 2010
New Zealand risks missing the chance to reap the rewards of the emerging clean-tech economy because its leaders are fixated on the negatives, warns the head of the world's leading environmental exchange.
Gull might import ethanol to meet fuel demand
23 Apr 2010
Gull Energy says it is considering importing ethanol because of a lack of Government support to get the local industry moving.
We've got stamp costs licked, says NZ Post
23 Apr 2010
The cost of posting a letter – or sending a parcel by courier – is unlikely go up when the emissions trading scheme kicks in, New Zealand Post says.
We're putting $650b into renewable energy
23 Apr 2010
Global Investments in renewable energy are expected to reach $US653.35 billion by 2015, a new report says.
Senators miss Earth Day climate bill deadline
23 Apr 2010
Senators hoping to make a splash on Earth Day with the announcement of a long-awaited US climate bill proposal will now not move until next Tuesday.
Super Hornet carries biofuel sting in its tail
23 Apr 2010
The US Navy plans to test-fly its main attack aircraft, the Super Hornet, on a biofuel blend today, Earth Day, as part of an ambitious push by the Pentagon to increase US security by using less fossil fuel.
Giant solar power station for the Alice
23 Apr 2010
A solar power station – the largest technology of its type in Australia – will be built at Alice Springs airport.
EXCLUSIVE: Business lobby eyes big role in ETS review
16 Apr 2010
Business New Zealand is telling members that it has the chance to influence the make-up of the panel that will review the emissions trading scheme next year.
Drought and slump trim our gas emissions
16 Apr 2010
Drought and the economic recession together pushed New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions down in 2008.
Why farming chief is turning his back on $30,000
16 Apr 2010
Federated Farmers boss Don Nicolson says he’s not interested in claiming carbon credits for his forest.
Three green stocks that could double your money
16 Apr 2010
By Jeff Siegel.- Every year, as Earth Day noisily approaches, the traffic to our site increases dramatically. And with that traffic comes an avalanche of e-mails and questions.
Senators book Earth Day for new energy plan
16 Apr 2010
Senators working on an energy plan for the United States say they are on track to release their proposals on Earth Day, April 22.
Coal the fuel of the future, Congress told
16 Apr 2010
Executives from the world's largest coal companies told Congress yesterday their industry is providing the fuel of the future.
Europe eyes low-carbon energy without risks
16 Apr 2010
Europe can move to low-carbon energy sources without risking reliable supply or increasing bills for consumers, according to a new report.
Indecision could fuel huge power price rises
16 Apr 2010
Australians’ power bills are set to treble by 2020 under government policies, yet the country will still fail to meet the government's most cautious emissions targets, one of the country's biggest generators has warned.
Government puts its own water forum under threat, says Labour
16 Apr 2010
The Government's own initiative through its Land and Water Forum to get the balance right on freshwater management is under threat because of its legislation axing Environment Canterbury, says Labour's water spokesman Brendon Burns.
Solid Energy lawyers check out free credits
9 Apr 2010
Solid Energy is investigating whether it qualifies for free credits under the emissions trading scheme.
Tokyo kicks off Asia’s first trading scheme
9 Apr 2010
Plans for a national Japanese emissions trading scheme might still be mired in confusion, but that has not stopped Tokyo winning the race to launch Asia's first carbon trading initiative.
Washington simmers over proposed US fuel tax
9 Apr 2010
A row is brewing in Washington over whether revenue raised through a proposed tax on road fuel should be spent on low carbon projects.
EU carbon auctions to limit pain for exchanges
9 Apr 2010
A plan to auction European Union carbon-dioxide allowances for the third phase of the bloc’s emissions trading market will limit the “negative impact” on existing exchanges and brokers, the regulator said.
Low-carbon Scotland eyes 60,000 green jobs
9 Apr 2010
About 60,000 green jobs could be created in Scotland over the next decade by low-carbon industries, according to the Scottish government.
Where the real investment action is in off-shore energy
9 Apr 2010
By Sam Hopkins.- A week after Obama's offshore drilling announcement, debate is running at full steam — even if new exploration and production haven't started
Insulation rate high through summer, says Brownlie
9 Apr 2010
The warm summer months have failed to dent demand for the government's Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart scheme, Energy and Resources Minister Gerry Brownlee said.
Govt stays silent over future of ETS
1 Apr 2010
The Government appears to have gone to ground over rumours it is considering postponing the entry of heavy emitters into the emissions trading scheme.
Cleantech investment: the numbers
1 Apr 2010
By Nick Hodge.- If you're a cleantech investor, perhaps the release of 2009 investment and installation data has something to do with your improving sentiment. I know it does mine.
Kiwis sticking to green values, despite recession
1 Apr 2010
Politicians ignore New Zealanders' concerns about the environment at their peril, says the Business Council for Sustainable Development.
Climate change faces the trillion-dollar question
1 Apr 2010
Political and business leaders gather in London today to try to revive the world's faltering challenge to global warming.
Obama changes mind on offshore oil drilling
1 Apr 2010
US President Barack Obama has unveiled a controversial plan to extend drilling for oil and gas off America's coasts.
US oil company paid sceptics, says report
1 Apr 2010
A little-known, privately owned US oil company has been named as the paymaster of global warming sceptics in the US and Europe.
Repentant Pachauri slips into neutral
1 Apr 2010
The outspoken chairman of the UN’s climate change body is to adopt a neutral advisory role and has agreed to stop making statements demanding new taxes and other radical policies on cutting emissions.
Coal users count the cost - but how much?
26 Mar 2010
Coal users are about to find out just how much carbon could cost them.
Why Gull is happy to use NZ emissions scheme
26 Mar 2010
Gull Energy says the New Zealand emissions trading scheme is a good dry run for what might happen in Australia.
KiwiRail on track to operating green
26 Mar 2010
KiwiRail is out to make the most of its natural advantage as an environmentally friendly transport operator.
UK to set up green investment bank
26 Mar 2010
The UK government will set up green investment bank with £2bn of equity to fund low-carbon transport and energy schemes
Governments must vote in favour of moratorium on deep sea mining
Tue 29 Jul 2025
Media release - Greenpeace | The 30th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) has ended with Greenpeace saying governments are continuing to fall short in protecting the deep sea.
Does NZ need a national incentive scheme for wetlands?
25 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | An expert is calling for a national incentive programme to restore New Zealand’s wetlands and wants to stop schemes to drain these vital carbon-sequestering ecosystems.
NZ Post drops science-based climate target
8 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | NZ Post has dropped its science-based emissions reduction target of 42% by 2030 with no plans to replace it.
Airlines risk legal challenges by advertising jet fuel as “sustainable”, NGO warns
18 Jul 2025
Amid suspected fraud in the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a new report says the airline industry should stop calling all alternatives to kerosene “sustainable”.
Challenges persist in bid to mine the deep sea, even after boost from Trump
Tue 29 Jul 2025
After years of delay, the deep-sea mining plans of Canadian firm The Metals Company (TMC) now appear to be progressing as it pursues a controversial new path to securing a license to mine in international waters under U.S. jurisdiction.
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.
Carbon prices slide as market awaits ETS decision
Fri 1 Aug 2025
By Liz Kivi | Volatility has returned to the secondary carbon market, with prices sliding again after plateauing in recent weeks, as the market waits for government decisions on Emissions Trading Scheme settings.
The US is sitting out the most consequential climate summit in a decade. It may offer a victory to China
Fri 1 Aug 2025
The Trump administration fired the last of the US climate negotiators earlier this month, helping cement America’s withdrawal from international climate diplomacy. It may also have handed a huge victory to China.
Bearish sentiment lingers for carbon market
11 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | The compliance carbon market could be set for a gradual upward trajectory, however unsold volume from the quarterly Emissions Trading Scheme auctions continues to act as ‘a price ceiling,’ according to an expert.
Coal use drove recent emissions increase
Fri 1 Aug 2025
Increased use of coal for electricity generation was a large driver for an increase in New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions in the last quarter.
Is extending Huntly power station to 2035 in consumers’ best interest?
22 Jul 2025
By Simon Orme | COMMENT: Genesis Energy is proposing a cartel to keep high-emitting Huntly Power Station in business to 2035. If extending Huntly has economic benefits, is a cartel necessary?
What does 'drier' really mean in 'green' homes?
Fri 1 Aug 2025
Media release - Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland | Researchers say green-rating systems could improve clarity and effectiveness by explicitly defining ‘drier’ and using two measures of humidity.
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.
NZ voluntary carbon market’s sad state
14 Jul 2025
By John O’Brien | OPINION: A combination of scandals, challenging economic times, and cheaper offshore carbon credits, mean that the domestic voluntary carbon market in New Zealand remains absolutely tiny.
Key orange roughy population on verge of collapse, govt considers closure
9 Jul 2025
Media release - Deep Sea Conservation Coalition | New data reveals that New Zealand’s main orange roughy fishery, accounting for half of the country’s total catch, is on the brink of collapse, with one model showing it may have reached that point already, and the government’s considering closing it.
Warmer than usual weather ahead, wetter in north and east, as La Niña signals strengthen
Fri 1 Aug 2025
Media release – Earth Sciences New Zealand | Seasonal Outlook Climate August to October 2025 suggests warm, damp weather, with La Niña’s possible return.
Latest trawl bycatch numbers 'a grim wake-up call'
24 Jun 2025
Media release – Greenpeace | The latest fisheries bycatch data paints a grim picture, with trawlers hauling up thousands of kilograms of coral and killing hundreds of fur seals and seabirds over a 12 month period.
Wilding pines threaten Molesworth Station
Mon 28 Jul 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | Without increased support, the unchecked spread of wilding pines will continue to creep across Marlborough’s high country – putting iconic landscapes and one of New Zealand’s top five biodiversity hotspots at serious risk, according to an expert.
Bill to restart oil and gas exploration clears final hurdle
Fri 1 Aug 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The government’s Crown Minerals Amendment Bill is set to become law after passing its third reading in parliament last night, with critics calling it humiliating for the climate minister and an embarrassment to New Zealand's international reputation.
A modest geothermal strategy
Thu 31 Jul 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | The Government has unveiled a far more modest geothermal energy strategy than its primary backer, Resources Minister Shane Jones, had sought.
European Central Bank to consider 'climate factor' when lending to banks
Thu 31 Jul 2025
The European Central Bank will add climate change considerations to its lending operations from late 2026, raising pressure on banks to channel financing towards greener sectors as the euro zone seeks to reduce its carbon footprint.
NZ part of hidden global deep-sea network beneath the waves
25 Jul 2025
Media release - Earth Sciences New Zealand | A world-first study of marine life, including sea creatures found in New Zealand's dark, cold, pressurised ocean depths, has revealed that deep-sea life is surprisingly more connected than previously thought.
‘Ideological sludge’: How NZ is quiet quitting climate action
17 Jul 2025
New Zealand once stood out as a world leader on climate change. In June it became the first country in the world to abandon a commitment to phase out oil, gas and coal.
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.
Hiringa eyes green methanol plant near Whanganui
Tue 29 Jul 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | Green hydrogen pioneer Hiringa Energy is deep in planning to develop an “eight-to-nine figure” methanol plant near Whanganui, using a combination of biomass and hydrogen produced using renewable energy.
Climate catastrophes are creating a ‘new market reality’ for insurance carriers
23 Jul 2025
Raging wildfires and severe storms contributed to record-high global insurance losses — totalling an estimated US$84 billion — for the first six months of the year.
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.
Multi-day protest continues at coal mine
Wed 30 Jul 2025
Bathurst Resources has been forced to truck coal from its Stockton mine as climate activists occupy coal buckets at the mine for a third day.
Fund for low emissions transport winds up
Thu 31 Jul 2025
New Zealand’s Low Emission Transport Fund has officially wrapped up, ending a nine-year programme that put hundreds of millions of dollars towards accelerating the country’s shift to cleaner transport.
Last minute change to oil and gas legislation over cleanup costs
Thu 31 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government is expected to repeal the oil and gas ban today, with a last-minute amendment handing discretionary power to two ministers over the controversial issue of decommissioning.
Urgent action needed to get on track for climate goals - commission
25 Jul 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand is making progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but more work is needed – urgently – to set up for future reductions, according to the latest report from the Climate Change Commission.
NZ's latest climate target 'weak' – Climate Action Tracker
24 Jun 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New Zealand's new international climate target to 2035 is weak, and could even allow for higher emissions than the 2030 target, according to a global scientific project that tracks government climate action.
Toxic algae are turning South Australia’s coral reefs into underwater graveyards
Tue 29 Jul 2025
Since March, a harmful algal bloom, fueled by a marine heat wave, has been choking South Australia’s coastline.
NZ govt’s fossil fuel plans could break international law
24 Jul 2025
By Liz Kivi | The government could be breaching international law with its plans to subsidise and expand fossil fuel extraction, following a ruling overnight from the world’s highest court.
Tipping points: Window to avoid irreversible climate impacts is ‘rapidly closing’
11 Jul 2025
In the midst of a record-breaking heatwave in Europe, the UK city of Exeter recently played host to the second international conference on “tipping points”.
‘Total infiltration’: How plastics industry swamped vital global treaty talks
Mon 28 Jul 2025
Petrostates and well-funded lobbyists at UN-hosted talks are derailing a deal to cut plastic production and protect people and the planet.
Activists sue US development bank over $4.6bn loan to massive Mozambique gas project
18 Jul 2025
Environmental groups claim loan is ‘unlawful’ in legal filing.
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.
Tilting at windmills? Trump’s claims about turbines fact-checked
Thu 31 Jul 2025
The US president has taken a swipe at wind power as the blades visible from his Turnberry golf course turn.
Ocean heatwaves may signal climate tipping point
25 Jul 2025
A recent study that tapped into satellite data has revealed that 2023 marked an unprecedented year for marine heatwaves, with record-breaking levels of duration, reach and intensity across the world's oceans.
Climate groups want UK wealth tax to make super-rich fund sustainable economy
17 Jul 2025
Growing number of campaigners urge government to ensure green investment is not done ‘on backs of the poor’.
Can robot taxis solve NZ's transport woes?
23 Jul 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The Ministry of Transport has tested the idea of driverless taxis as a futuristic fix. But while new modelling explores how "robotaxis" could ease congestion and reduce car ownership, critics say it misses a crucial point – the country’s worsening transport emissions.
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.
EV sales fall, but it’s complicated
Tue 29 Jul 2025
Imports of fully electric vehicles fell over 50% in value during the 12 months to June 2025, compared with the year ended June 2024, according to Stats NZ.
The ICJ’s ruling means Australia and other major polluters face a new era of climate reparations
25 Jul 2025
By Harj Narulla | OPINION: Australia has found itself on the wrong side of history.
Waste Levy risks becoming ‘slush fund’ under proposed changes – Commissioner
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.
The struggle for control of the Arctic is accelerating - and it's riskier than ever
11 Jul 2025
As the battle for one of the world’s coldest places heats up, an increasingly fragile security balance may be breaking down, leading to an escalating arms race.
UN University report warns against carbon credits from REDD, tree planting, and improved forest management
13 Jun 2025
But the report stops short of recommending banning the trade in carbon temporarily stored in trees.
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.
