Low emissions economy

This section is about our work to improve energy efficiency, including lowering greenhouse gas emissions and fostering growth in renewable energy.

Environmental management work

The Ministry for the Environment is the government's principal adviser on environmental and climate change issues. However, we also contribute to the development of environmental and climate change policies because of their relevance to energy efficiency and resource development, including:

In this section

Emissions Reduction Plan

New Zealand is on the path to a low emissions, climate resilient future. Government has set into law a target for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (other than for biogenic methane). The Emissions Reduction Plan is one mechanism we are using to focus our collective efforts toward transitioning to a more resilient, low emissions economy.

Energy efficiency in New Zealand

We’re responsible for advising the Government on energy efficiency policy for New Zealand and we are currently trialling a new renewable energy initiative that aims to improve energy affordability. EECA is responsible for implementing programmes to improve the energy efficiency of New Zealand homes and business.

Decarbonising process heat

We are working with the Ministry for the Environment and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority to reduce emissions from the industry sector and process heat through energy efficiency and fuel switching.

NZ Battery Project

This climate change initiative is investigating the ability of pumped hydro, and alternative technologies, to address New Zealand’s dry year electricity problem.

Carbon capture and storage

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the process to remove carbon dioxide, from waste gases produced in large-scale industrial processes and permanently store it underground.

Last updated: 07 April 2021