Energy strategies for New Zealand
The government’s energy strategies set the policy direction and priorities for the New Zealand energy sector and are focused transitioning to a net zero carbon emissions by 2050, while building a more productive, sustainable and inclusive economy.
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Renewable energy strategy work programme
The Government’s vision is for an affordable, secure, and sustainable energy system that provides for New Zealanders’ wellbeing in a low emissions world.
The renewable energy strategy work programme focusses on three main outcomes:
- An inclusive and consumer focused energy system
- A system that encourages increased investment in low emissions technologies, and
- An innovative and modern energy system that creates new opportunities for business and consumers.
It includes the following workstreams:
Explanation of puzzle graphic
Further information on five of these work streams to support the transition to more affordable and renewable energy is available below:
- accelerating deployment of renewable electricity generation
- encouraging changes in industrial energy use (Process heat in New Zealand initiative)
- examining how the current and future opportunities that green hydrogen presents to help decarbonise the economy (Hydrogen Green Paper)
- ensuring the electricity market is delivering fair and affordable prices (Electricity Price Review implementation)
- Articulating the Government’s long term vision for the petroleum and minerals sector (Resources Strategy).
Further information on the work programme, and on the related response to the Interim Climate Change Committee’s report Accelerated Electrification
Transitioning to more affordable and renewable energy: the energy markets work programme [PDF 660KB]
We recently published a discussion paper, Accelerating renewable energy and energy efficiency. Part A of this paper focuses on options to encourage energy efficiency and the uptake of renewable fuels in industry and Part B of this paper examines options to accelerate renewable electricity generation and infrastructure. We seek written submissions on the options and proposals raised in this document by 5pm on Friday 28 February 2020. Your submission may respond to any or all of these issues.
A vision for hydrogen in New Zealand
Green hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in our energy system and could play an important role in decarbonising parts of our economy.
To assist with the development of the Hydrogen Green Paper, MBIE, assisted by consultants Arup – held four workshops with key stakeholders in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and New Plymouth. The workshops were well attended, with a range of views expressed on the potential for hydrogen in New Zealand.
Following the workshops, we incorporated these views into a Hydrogen Green Paper, which was released for public consultation. We sought feedback from the public and wider stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities of building a hydrogen economy in New Zealand, as part of our renewable energy strategy
On 2 September 2019, we released the green paper – “A vision for hydrogen in New Zealand”. Consultation ended on 25 October 2019. The green paper looked at the scope of New Zealand’s hydrogen potential to frame discussions for a national strategy.
The green paper asked 27 questions about the challenges and opportunities, and the Government’s role, in nine key areas:
- Hydrogen production
- Hydrogen electricity nexus
- Hydrogen for mobility
- Hydrogen for industrial processes
- Hydrogen for seasonal power generation
- Decarbonisation of our gas
- Hydrogen for export
- Innovation expands job opportunities
- Transitioning the job market
We received 78 submissions from the public, industry, research institutions and public and private sector organisations.
This green paper, along with the submissions will feed into a wider renewable energy strategy for New Zealand. This will outline the renewable energy pathway to a clean, green carbon neutral for New Zealand by 2050.
New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy 2017-2022
The New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy 2017-2022 (NZEECS) sets the overarching policy direction for government support and intervention for the promotion of energy efficiency, energy conservation and the use of renewable sources of energy. The goal of the NZEECS is for New Zealand to have an energy-productive and low-emissions economy.
NZEECS 2017-2022 - Unlocking our energy productivity and renewable potential [PDF, 816 KB]
The NZEECS strategy:
- outlines government policies, objectives and targets for 2017-2022
- guides the work programme of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)
- encourages businesses, individuals, households, community institutions and public sector agencies to take actions to help unlock our renewable energy and energy efficiency potential, to the benefit of all New Zealanders.
Priority areas
The NZEECS focuses on 3 priority areas, where the biggest cost-effective opportunities lie:
- Renewable and efficient use of process heat.
- Efficient and low-emissions transport.
- Innovative and efficient use of electricity.