NZ | Energy Projects

[Kane007]

The Dominion Post
2007/10/01

The Commerce Commission has granted an exemption to electricity and gas network company Vector relating to its investment in generator NZ Windfarms.

The commission said the limited exemption was granted in relation to arms length rules in the Electricity Industry Reform Act which became an issue in board appointments to NZ Windfarms.

Under the Act a company may own both generation and retail businesses, but generally needs permission to own both lines and generation, or lines and retail assets.

Vector has a 19.9 per cent shareholding in NZ Windfarms, which has entered into a joint venture to develop the Te Rere Hau wind farm near Palmerston North.

Commission chairwoman Paula Rebstock said the commission had determined that the granting of the exemption would not inhibit competition in the electricity industry as Vector would not be connecting the generation assets to its own network or selling the electricity to its own lines consumers.

[SYDNEY]

UN gives NZ world stage on carbon neutrality

The Government has been given a world stage to showcase its ambitious goal to make New Zealand carbon neutral. The United Nationals Environment Programme has chosen Wellington to be the main host of next year's World Environment Day. New Zealand will highlight the role of technology and forestry management in fighting climate change as part of the day's theme to "kick the carbon habit". World Environment Day has been marked every June 5 in a different city since 1972. The Norwegian city of Tromsoe hosted this year's event, focusing on the effects of climate change and the melting of snow and ice on polar and global ecosystems. Announcing New Zealand's host role, the UN programme said New Zealand was one of the first countries to pledge a carbon-neutral future and would focus on solutions and opportunities to make the transition to a low carbon economy and lifestyle.

Prime Minister Helen Clark first floated the idea of New Zealand aiming to become carbon neutral nearly a year ago, but has never ventured a firm target date. The UN announcement comes less than two weeks after the Government unveiled an emissions trading scheme and set a goal of 2040 to reach carbon neutrality in the transport and energy sector. The Government also aims to lift the country's reliance on renewable energy from 70 percent to 90 percent by 2025, and wants to lead the world in a switch to electric cars. Miss Clark said today that kicking the carbon habit had to be a truly global goal and she looked forward to learning about how other nations were addressing the challenge during next year's events. Environment Programme executive director Achim Steiner said New Zealand was among a pioneer group committed to accelerating a transition to a low carbon and carbon neutral economy.

[Svartmetall]

Originally Posted by ENIGMA

UN gives NZ world stage on carbon neutrality
*snip*

It's good that business is going all out to get to the carbon neutral status, it will be a big draw card, however, til private transport and freight/logistics switch to a more sustainabile route of transport I find it difficult to see that the carbon neutral tag actually equates to better health within our cities compared to other cities such as Stockholm (no heavy industry and fantastic PT) and others.

[jarbury]

New rules on importing old cars might make a difference. I think they come into force at the start of next year. I was reading an article where someone was moaning about having to pay more...

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by Svartmetall

It's good that business is going all out to get to the carbon neutral status, it will be a big draw card, however, til private transport and freight/logistics switch to a more sustainabile route of transport I find it difficult to see that the carbon neutral tag actually equates to better health within our cities compared to other cities such as Stockholm (no heavy industry and fantastic PT) and others.

At least there is the will to change things and I am sure that it isn't going to happen over-night. Once again - more is being done on this front than most Countries. Good on them and good luck

[Svartmetall]

Originally Posted by ENIGMA

At least there is the will to change things and I am sure that it isn't going to happen over-night. Once again - more is being done on this front than most Countries. Good on them and good luck

Hey, I praised businesses! I agree that a lot is done to combat business sector pollution. But, when it comes to the average person, you do have to realise there is not quite the same will to change.

New Zealand does still recycle less even than the USA and it has a serious problem with using high powered, large capacity engines in cars.

I would suggest that you take a look at the European directives for climate change and then look back at New Zealands before you say "more than most countries" in fairness to the rest of the world.

I do agree that we are no where near as bad as some countries, but still, we're not as "clean green" as the politicians say by any means. It is deluding ourselves to believe we are. One of the reasons we CAN be carbon neutral is because of the severe lack of heavy industry in this country compared to most western countries.

Take a look at this and see how much other countries recycle. Compared to most of those we do quite badly...

EDIT: I know I come across as quite confrontational, but rest assured I am only asserting facts. Personally I feel that in some ways more is done in the business sector to combat climate change than in the business sector in the UK. It is the public sector that lets this place down though.

[MonsieurAquilone]

This may sound far-fetched but how about New Zealand creators and inventors get onto thinking about creating a New Zealand-brand car. An electric car even. This would set a precedent and would obviously help in our country's goal for carbon neutrality. Some may say we are too small to do so but I think that with the right sense and proper thinking we could make a dinky car brand that New Zealanders would be proud to drive, be New Zealand-made, be kind to the environment, be relatively inexpensive and would help create more jobs. Obviously I don't think that the government should get involved with it (what government has ever, apart from the Nazi Government, taken a responsibility to produce cars) but I think it would put a new, quality brand onto the map and can only be beneficial. Any electric-heads out there with any ideas?

[jarbury]

Nobody has made cars in NZ for YEARS. The big overseas car-makers are getting into full electric cars, so we're about 20,000 steps behind them. A nice idea, just I don't think it's that realistic.

[Svartmetall]

Originally Posted by jarbury

Nobody has made cars in NZ for YEARS. The big overseas car-makers are getting into full electric cars, so we're about 20,000 steps behind them. A nice idea, just I don't think it's that realistic.

It would still be incredibly nice for something to be produced locally to help the environment like that. People like Monsieur Aquilone are exactly what we need - people willing to think outside the box on issues.

[MonsieurAquilone]

Originally Posted by Svartmetall

It would still be incredibly nice for something to be produced locally to help the environment like that. People like Monsieur Aquilone are exactly what we need - people willing to think outside the box on issues.

Aww, how sweet. Thank you very much. All for the betterment of this fair nation.

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by MonsieurAquilone

This may sound far-fetched but how about New Zealand creators and inventors get onto thinking about creating a New Zealand-brand car. An electric car even. This would set a precedent and would obviously help in our country's goal for carbon neutrality. Some may say we are too small to do so but I think that with the right sense and proper thinking we could make a dinky car brand that New Zealanders would be proud to drive, be New Zealand-made, be kind to the environment, be relatively inexpensive and would help create more jobs. Obviously I don't think that the government should get involved with it (what government has ever, apart from the Nazi Government, taken a responsibility to produce cars) but I think it would put a new, quality brand onto the map and can only be beneficial. Any electric-heads out there with any ideas?

Fanny-tastic idea ..... let the Government know or contact http://www.aucklandplus.com/index.cfm

It is worth a try and it might be food for thought

[MonsieurAquilone]

Thanks for the link. I am sure this idea has potential - we may be 20,000 steps but we will just have to run!

[SYDNEY]

New milestone for Windflow Technology
SCOOP - Thursday, 4 October 2007, 10:22 am

Windflow Technology today announced confirmation of the 4th consecutive multi-million dollar order of Windflow 500 turbines for the Te Rere Hau windfarm. The 16 new Windflow 500 turbines will be installed on the wind farm near Palmerston North which has resource consents for a total of 97 wind turbines. This order means that 44 turbines are on order for the wind farm to augment the five that have been operating for the past year. The order is worth more than $12 million to Windflow Technology which is a New Zealand owned and operated public company.

According to Chief Executive and Director Geoff Henderson, “The ongoing commitment of the Te Rere Hau joint venture partners (NZ Windfarms, Babcock & Brown Windpower and NP Power) demonstrates the value that they attribute to our turbines. The unique Windflow 500 addresses the challenge of sustainability by being smaller and lighter while being purpose built for the roaring 40 wind strength peculiar to many of New Zealand’s rugged ridge lines”.

Windflow Technology’s recent move into new 850 square metre Christchurch premises has provided additional capacity to streamline nacelle production. The additional space will also provide for parts storage and office space for up to 40 staff. Windflow Technology is currently engaged in a planned recruitment drive that will likely be repeated in several supplier factories throughout New Zealand. Over 92% of the Windflow 500 component parts are Kiwi Made in engineering factories across the country.

[MonsieurAquilone]

Originally Posted by ENIGMA

Fanny-tastic idea ..... let the Government know or contact http://www.aucklandplus.com/index.cfm

It is worth a try and it might be food for thought

I am really starting to get serious about this little plan I have hatched in my head and so I am asking my fellow SSC friends if you have any ideas for cool little designs for a badge for the car brand of which I am still pondering names etc. I have been doing quite a bit of research actually and it would be good to start this off. I am determined. So if anything pops into your head, I would really appreciate your help.

At first I was thinking of a Southern Cross design but then people might think either Australia or Christianity. Then I thought of the Southern on it's side, but that is kind of...just...different.

I want to try to avoid something which is outright Pasifika or Maori as it may just look kitch unless I can come up with (or you, my friends) a design that incorporates these features which would look really striking.

Thanks all for your attention and help.

[Nicco]

maybe an arrow down to represent the north island, and then an exclamation mark to represent the south and stewart island...
I wish we had a drawing tool in this forum...but the arrow would be facing south east and the exclamation south-west!
Just an idea lol

[MonsieurAquilone]

I have done the cursory beginnings of a business plan for this car idea and because I am completely free and am very entrepreneurial, I want this idea to work (though keep it hush hush for the moment) and so things are progressing well. Would appreciate any advice or ideas if you have some, thank you.

[jarbury]

NZ Energy Strategy is due to come out today. Supposedly it will shape our energy future for the next 50 years - pretty important document!

[Kane007]

Here they come.

One News

The government has released two major strategies for dealing with energy demand and the need for energy conservation, setting some ambitious goals in an effort to improve New Zealand's energy efficiency

The New Zealand Energy Strategy sets a raft of targets, including getting 90% of our power from renewable energy sources by 2025, the insulation of 180,000 homes, new goals for business, and a push to halve the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from vehicles by 2040.

The energy strategy was launched alongside the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said the strategies set New Zealand firmly on a path towards clean, renewable energy and therefore a secure energy future.

"It's important that New Zealand plays its part in tackling climate change. We need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions from energy use," she said.

Clark and Energy Minister David Parker say the measures outlined in the strategies support the recently-announced emissions trading scheme.

[Kane007]

More Detail from STUFF.co.nz

The Government has outlined its long-term plan for energy generation and efficiency, including restrictions on fossil fuel generation, gas-guzzling cars, and moves to make homes warmer and drier.

Energy Minister David Parker said the strategy responded to two challenges - to fight climate change emissions and secure clean and affordable energy.

Ministers would tell state owned generators there was no need for new baseload fossil fuel generation for the next ten years. They would also consider regulations under the Electricity Act to apply the ten year limit to private companies, such as Contact Energy, as well.

"The Government expects all generators ... to take its views into account when considering new generation investments and the Government will advise state-owned enterprises that it expects them to follow this guidance," the strategy states.

A national policy statement on renewable energy would be developed in 2008 that would give guidance on resource consents but not make it mandatory to approve renewable projects.

He said renewable generation plans should not go ahead at any cost, and he foresaw more wind generation and geothermal power rather than new hydro development.

Rules would be put in place on the importation of new and used cars to ensure they are 25 per cent more fuel efficient by 2015 than those imported at present.

It would see a large increase in the number of diesel vehicles and is expected to save motorists 4.8 billion litres of fuel by 2025.

That would see efficiency gains of 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres travelled by petrol cars and 6.5 litres per 100km for diesel vehicles.

Funding already included in the last Budget will see 180,000 homes get insulation, clean heat and solar hot water upgrades.

The total plan is expected to lead to cumulative savings on energy bills of $2.7 billion by 2025.

Thought is also going into banning landlords from renting properties without adequate insulation and heating.

The energy efficiency strategy is expected to deliver non-transport energy savings of 30 petajoules a year by 2025 - the same as the electricity used by 30 cities the size of Nelson.

Ms Fitzsimons said the plans outline would help families, business and travellers to save energy, money and emissions.

"On top of that, it will deliver significant health and environmental benefits. The time for writing strategies is over - now its time for action."

Prime Minister Helen Clark said by developing a secure energy system based on renewable, low-emission generation "we can improve the quality of life for new Zealand families, drive the transformation of our economy and cement in sustainability as a core part of New Zealand's identity and value system".

[Svartmetall]

A step in the right direction.