The decision by Refining NZ to close the Marsden Point
refinery is understandable but disappointing, says Energy
Resources Aotearoa.
"This continues a worrying trend
of de-industrialisation and job losses in the regions," says
chief executive John Carnegie.
"Recent examples
include the closure of the Norkse Skog papermill in
Whakatane, Methanex mothballing their Waitara Valley plant
and New Zealand Steel reducing production.
"While
there are many domestic and global factors at play, the high
cost of energy has been an element in all of these
decisions.
"We are worried things will only get worse
as our appetite for energy grows but economic and reliable
renewable alternatives are not yet available.
"We all
want to see a smooth transition to lower emissions, while
protecting local jobs and keeping energy affordable and
reliable.
"To help achieve this we’d like to see an
Energy Accord between the Government and industry. This
could encourage the investment needed to close our emerging
energy
gap."
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