Energy strategy hits the right note

Energy strategy hits the right note

The Government’s Energy Strategy 2011 – 2021 released today strikes a good balance in recognising that as New Zealand and the world transitions to renewable energy, coal, gas and oil will have important parts to play in delivering secure and affordable energy over the next few decades, says Solid Energy Chief Executive Officer, Dr Don Elder.

In welcoming the strategy Dr Elder says, “This is good approach. It will support accelerated resource development in ways that will maxmise value for New Zealand, but at the same time meet New Zealanders’ environmental and sustainability expectations, and ensure that we don’t lose offshore the significant economic benefits of our natural resources.”

Dr Elder says that Solid Energy particularly welcomed proposals to change permitting for oil and gas exploration and the recognition that New Zealand’s gas hydrates have huge economic potential for the country. We expect the strategy will be supported by the forthcoming review of the Crown Minerals Act, and the clarity we hope will be delivered in the current review of the Emissions Trading Scheme. Together these will give New Zealand a pragmatic transition to a renewable energy future that maximises all our natural assets and resources for the benefit of New Zealanders.”

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