Straterra keen to help implement Energy Strategy

Straterra keen to help implement Energy Strategy

The minerals sector welcomes the draft New Zealand Energy Strategy and is keen to work with the Government on implementation, Straterra chief executive Chris Baker said today.

Mr Baker was commenting on the Ministry of Economic Development’s discussion document “Developing our energy potential”. Submissions closed on 2 September. Straterra’s submission is available on www.straterra.co.nz

“Prioritising energy resource development is sensible, as is the Government’s emphasis on a mix of energy sources to ensure affordability and supply. Both are an advance on the 2007 draft strategy. This can be done in an environmentally-responsible way. Energy efficiency is a key consideration for many businesses including the minerals industry,” Mr Baker said.

“There could be tension between meeting the renewable electricity generation target of 90 percent by 2025 and energy security and affordability, and it’s not clear from the document how this would be managed.”

“It’s also not clear how the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme will affect diversity of energy sources and security of supply. As matters stand, New Zealand will be leading the world on carbon prices and we have a way to go to ensure that impacts on the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries such as dairy processing are minimised. The review in 2011 will be an opportunity to sort this out, with the NZES in mind.”

“The coal sector is working with industry and Government in the New Zealand Carbon Capture and Storage partnership, and this is an important and complementary initiative to keep New Zealand’s options open.

“There is a clear case for partnership between the Government and industry in working to achieve the Government’s priorities. Straterra would welcome the opportunity to participate.”

ENDS