Latest news with #EnergyResourcesAotearoa
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Resource Management Act changes will allow power plants to be built faster
Energy Resources Aotearoa chief executive John Carnegie. Photo: Supplied / Rob Tucker A group representing big energy producers said changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA) will allow power plants to be built faster, and reduce price volatility in the electricity market. Parliament passed the amendment yesterday, which means councils will now need to grant consents for certain energy infrastructure within a year. Energy Resources Aotearoa's chief executive, John Carnegie, told Morning Report that it's great news for electricity consumers - big and small. He said the slow consenting processes previously had added to costs and uncertainty. Carnegie said more he's now expecting faster and more certain consenting processes for both fossil fuel and renewable power generation. It has potential to take price volatility out of the electricity market, and deliver a more resilient system that can better handle unexpected weather he events, he said. Carnegie said while renewables remain the backbone of the electricity system, New Zealand needs more fossil fuel and gas generating plants to "fill the gaps" when hydro, solar and wind outputs are low. He said the country needs to build capacity and not be responding in crisis mode. The tight supply of gas meant more demand for back up power, said Carnegie. When asked about the carbon and environmental costs the changes may bring, Carnegie said New Zealand would otherwise be facing energy scarcity and skyrocketing prices. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New RMA Amendment To Speed Up Consenting Of Much-Needed New Generation
Energy Resources Aotearoa is celebrating a significant win for New Zealand's energy sector, with Parliament today passing the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill at its third reading. The new Act amends the RMA to open up a consenting pathway for specified energy activities, which is intended to reduce costs for operators and unlock much-needed investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Energy Resources Aotearoa is pleased the Act adopts its key recommendation to extend the same streamlined settings to thermal electricity generation. Projects such as gas-fired peaking plants - essential for meeting demand when wind generation is low, hydro storage is depleted, and solar output is unavailable - will now benefit from faster consenting, with decisions required within 12 months. Chief Executive of Energy Resources Aotearoa, John Carnegie, says this change is a big win for the energy sector and New Zealand households and businesses. "Renewables will power more and more of New Zealand's future energy needs, but we need firming capacity to step in when the weather doesn't co-operate. This decision means we can plan and build the backup generation that keeps the grid stable and the country's economy and industrial base humming." Carnegie says that in adopting this change, the Government has agreed with Energy Resources Aotearoa's call for a broader, fuel-agnostic consenting framework that includes all activities improving New Zealand's energy security. "We've long argued for a fuel-agnostic approach where projects are judged on their merits, not their fuel or technology type. Parliament has recognised that reality today, and it's a vital step toward a more secure system that provides the energy abundance New Zealand needs to thrive." Energy Resources Aotearoa commends the Government for taking a whole-of-system approach to resource management reform that recognises the interdependence of renewable and thermal generation in maintaining a secure and reliable electricity supply for New Zealand's future.
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Consultation To Build On New Zealand's Strong Fuel Security Welcome
Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes today's announcement of public consultation on the proposed Fuel Security Plan by Associate Minister of Energy Shane Jones. Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the proposed plan is a constructive opportunity to build on New Zealand's already high-performing fuel security settings. "New Zealand has a robust, well-functioning fuel supply system. Our current system, based on importing refined fuels, rather than crude, gives us more flexibility and resilience than when we imported crude into Marden Point, a single point of failure." Carnegie says the proposed Fuel Security Plan announced today is about building towards a longer-term strategic direction for New Zealand's fuel security. "The risks we face today are not the same as five years ago. The geopolitical landscape is shifting, and our security planning must change with it. It's critical that the Government balances our high-functioning fuel imports system with any domestic production. We will seek to ensure the final plan does this in a way that minimises costs for consumers." Fuel resilience must continue to be balanced with affordability and practical implementation, Carnegie says. "It's important to be clear-eyed: New Zealand will always rely on imported fuels. Domestic alternatives like biofuels will only ever supplement, not replace, imported fuels. We have to weigh the cost of resilience. Emerging technologies often come at a premium, and we need to think critically about how much we're willing to pay for the insurance for domestic production" Carnegie says the best insurance policy remains New Zealand's diversified network of experienced fuel suppliers. "This consultation is an opportunity to make innovative, cost-effective improvements to an already strong system. We look forward to engaging with the Government to find the lowest-cost, most effective options to build on our current level of resilience, without duplicating effort or adding unnecessary cost."
Scoop
08-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Energy Sector Unites To Future-Proof Tomorrow's Workforce
The Electricity Engineers' Association (EEA) and Energy Resources Aotearoa have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to develop a comprehensive 2025 national energy workforce report and action plan. This collaborative initiative brings together two of New Zealand's leading energy industry bodies to develop an evidence-based, sector-wide workforce strategy that encompasses electricity supply, energy resources, large energy users, and the service sector. The report will identify critical workforce gaps, training needs, and future skills necessary to support the evolving energy sector landscape. It will also map the current schooling, vocational, and tertiary pathways while proposing actionable solutions for attracting, developing, and retaining the workforce required to power New Zealand's future. John Carnegie, Chief Executive of Energy Resources Aotearoa, says this partnership marks a turning point for workforce development in the energy sector. "By aligning analysis across all forms of energy, we can provide a clearer picture of workforce needs and better coordinate investment in talent development. It's about building a resilient, skilled workforce that's ready to lead the future for our energy sector." Nicki Sutherland, Chief Executive of Electricity Engineers' Association, says the new partnership is a significant step forward for the sector's workforce planning. "Through this initiative, EEA and Energy Resources Aotearoa aim to foster a more unified energy sector by strengthening cross-industry collaboration and aligning efforts around shared workforce priorities as we journey towards a lower emissions future. By breaking down traditional silos, the partnership seeks to ensure that workforce planning reflects the full complexity of the sector's challenges and opportunities enabling smarter, more coordinated action to meet the demands of a low-emissions future." The final report will be published in December 2025 and launched at a national event that will engage government, iwi, educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders. About Energy Resources Aotearoa About Energy Resources Aotearoa Energy Resources Aotearoa is New Zealand's peak energy industry body. We represent participants from right across the energy system, providing a strategic sector perspective on energy issues and their adjacent portfolios. Please visit our website for further details about our members and to learn more about Energy Resources Aotearoa's initiatives. About the Electricity Engineers' Association The EEA is a membership body that works across the electricity sector. EEA is independent of interests and works with industry, for industry to unite, guide, and educate our talented workforce while making sure the voices of our membership are represented and heard through legislative and regulatory change.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Past Policy Choices Coming Home To Roost
Press Release – Energy Resources Aotearoa There has been a 27 per cent year-on-year reduction in natural gas reserves, dropping to 948 petajoules from 1,300 in 2024, which was 20 per cent down on the previous year. Production is now forecast below 100 PJ by 2026, rather than 2029, as previously … For yet another year, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) data published today shows that estimates for New Zealand's gas reserves are rapidly declining. There has been a 27 per cent year-on-year reduction in natural gas reserves, dropping to 948 petajoules from 1,300 in 2024, which was 20 per cent down on the previous year. Production is now forecast below 100 PJ by 2026, rather than 2029, as previously forecast. Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the $200 million Crown co-investment in new domestic gas projects, the removal of the 2018 exploration ban, and changes proposed through the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill are all great signs that the Government is working hard to turn the corner on the deindustrialisation of the New Zealand economy. 'We acknowledge the Government is moving to support the strong potential of our domestic gas supply. But only time will tell if this will be enough.' Carnegie says the ongoing challenges with gas supply underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to secure energy stability and support New Zealand's economic resilience. 'We know there are still prospective fields out there – now we need to see the right conditions continue so that we can unlock the supply. Kiwi businesses are doing it tough as gas supply becomes further constrained. We desperately need more natural gas in the market to ensure electricity is available to keep the lights on and our export economy thriving.' Currently, we're witnessing the consequences of a shrinking domestic gas supply: higher prices, the use of imported coal, and uncertainty for industrial users, Carnegie says. 'Natural gas plays a critical role in supporting renewables, powering industry, and keeping energy affordable and reliable. Gas production projects underpin everything from electricity to industrial manufacturing. If we don't continue to work hard on securing more domestic gas for New Zealand, we risk higher prices, more imported coal use, and further instability.' If New Zealand can get this right, the benefits are enormous: jobs, royalties, export earnings, and the confidence of regional businesses to expand, knowing they have secure and affordable energy for the future.
