Energy strategies for New Zealand

A vision for hydrogen in New Zealand

The Government is in the process of developing a vision for hydrogen in New Zealand, with a focus on green hydrogen, to assist it to explore the current and future economic opportunities for this gas.

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.

The input of stakeholders in developing the vision is vital and there will be the opportunity for stakeholders to participate and contribute to the work.

To assist with the development of the paper, MBIE – assisted by consultants Arup – held four workshops with key stakeholders in March 2019; 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.

We are now incorporating these views into a draft hydrogen green paper. Once the paper is released, feedback will be sought from the public and wider stakeholders to develop a strategy covering the challenges and opportunities of building a hydrogen economy in New Zealand, as part of our renewable energy strategy.

It is anticipated the green paper will be released for feedback in the first half of 2019.

Some recent papers on hydrogen

• The Helen Clark Foundation: A discussion paper on the case for green hydrogen(external link)
• Venture Taranaki: The H2 Taranaki Roadmap(external link)
• Arup consultants: A five minute guide to hydrogen(external link)
• NZ Science Media Centre: Green hydrogen industry in NZ – Expert Q&A(external link)
• International Energy Association: The future of hydrogen(external link)

New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021

The Government’s goal is for New Zealand to make the most of its abundant energy potential, through the environmentally responsible development and efficient use of the country’s diverse energy resources.

The New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021 sets the strategic direction for the energy sector and the role energy will play in the New Zealand economy.

New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021 - Developing our energy potential [PDF, 1.8 MB]

Note: The New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021 includes the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (NZEECS) 2011-2016. However, the NZEECS 2011-2016 has now been replaced by the NZEECS 2017-2022 - see below.

Priority areas

The New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021 sets out 4 priority areas:

1. Diverse resource development.
2. Environmental responsibility.
3. Efficient use of energy.
4. Secure and affordable energy.

Relevant links

A draft New Zealand Energy Strategy was released for public consultation in July 2011. For a summary of submissions and officials’ recommendations on those submissions, see: Summary and Analysis of Submissions.

New Zealand Energy Strategy Update Summary of Submissions [PDF, 622 KB]

New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy 2017-2022

The New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy 2017-2022 (NZEECS) is a companion to the New Zealand Energy Strategy 2011-2021. 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]

This strategy:

• outlines government policies, objectives and targets, and will be in force for 5 years
• guides the work programme of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) over the next 5 years
• 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:

1. Renewable and efficient use of process heat.
2. Efficient and low-emissions transport.
3. Innovative and efficient use of electricity.