Latest news with #Fast-track
Scoop
5 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Energy Reserve Ensures Security For Next Decade
Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones have welcomed an agreement by Genesis, Mercury, Meridian, and Contact to establish a strategic energy reserve, which will boost energy security and support affordable energy prices. 'New Zealand needs reliable and stable power so our households and businesses can keep their lights on, even when the wind isn't blowing, the sun isn't shining, and our hydro lakes are low,' Mr Watts says. 'Last year's dry winter highlighted vulnerabilities in our energy system with a shortage of fuel and generation led to high prices and unacceptable pressure on Kiwi industries, businesses, and households. 'This could have been avoided if New Zealand had enough fuel for electricity generation to meet our energy needs. Actions by the previous government, including a ban on new gas exploration and a drive to immediately achieve 100 percent renewable electricity, combined with disappointing drilling results from our gas fields, have left us in this difficult situation. 'I have been extremely clear with power generators that the Government expects them to deliver additional supply so we can reduce the risk of winter power shortages during periods of low lake levels. This will reduce the need for significant commercial power price spikes and the need for businesses to reduce their power use.' Genesis, Mercury, Meridian, and Contact have jointly agreed to a 10-year fuel stockpile, building resilience in the market to ensure consumers have access to fuel even when lake levels are low. 'This announcement is a positive step to show the power generators are responding. It will act as an important buffer during periods of high electricity demand in winter and when renewable generation is low,' Mr Jones says. 'While this is positive news, there is still more to do to ensure New Zealand does not see a repeat of last winter.' The Coalition Government is taking strong actions to further strengthen New Zealand's energy system. These are focused on: Ensuring the security of gas and fuel supplies. Supporting investment certainty and removing regulatory barriers through Fast-track and RMA reforms. Strengthening market competition via the work of the Energy Competition Task Force. 'All of this work is critical to easing the cost of living for Kiwis, ensuring the security and affordability of our energy system, and ultimately removing a significant barrier to economic growth,' Mr Watts says.
Otago Daily Times
02-08-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
New solar farm idea sparks Network Waitaki's interest
PHOTO: ODT FILES A new solar farm in Waitaki could help Network Waitaki combat "capacity constraints" in the region. In a statement to the Oamaru Mail this week Network Waitaki chief executive Dylan Andrews said North Otago faced "a capacity constraint in our region, with decreasing headroom each year". "As a summer-peaking network, there is a significant risk of disruptions to our customers during dry, hot summers if we do not take action." He said the line company was working closely with Transpower to explore future options for strengthening supply in the area. "This includes potential development of a new GXP [grid exit point] near the planned Black Point Solar Farm. "Working together provides an opportunity to ensure that any future investment is appropriately sized, designed and timed to meet the needs of all parties." As nothing is confirmed, there are no strict timelines for the grid exit point, Mr Andrews said. "We are committed to ensuring best value for our customers by meeting their needs at the lowest cost options. We look forward to further discussions with Black Point Solar in the future." Black Point Solar Farm is one of 149 projects included in the government's Fast-track Approvals Act passed into law in December. The company behind it, Black Point Solar, is aiming to build the solar farm in Black Point, about 35km inland from Oamaru. It said in its project application, if built, the solar farm would consist of about 380,000 solar panels across 240ha and would generate enough energy to power roughly 38,000 homes. The solar farm will connect to the national grid by way of the new grid exit point Network Waitaki is planning. The goal is to construct the project in its entirety once the necessary consent approvals and project finance is in place. This is expected to take about two years once approvals have been granted. Black Point Solar has a lease agreement with the landowners which allows for a three-year period to obtain resource consents, project financing and complete the development process. The site is presently a deer and sheep farm. "As part of the project, sheep or other compatible farming will continue under and around the solar panels, maintaining the productive potential of the site," the application reads. It also said the applicants have undertaken initial discussions with Network Waitaki, Transpower and the Waitaki District Council, Waitaki MP Miles Anderson and the owners of properties adjoining and opposite the site. Mr Andrews confirmed Network Waitaki has had "high-level discussions" with Black Point Solar. However, an Environment Protection Authority Fast-track spokesperson said last week Black Point Solar Farm had not lodged a substantive Fast-track application. At present the project is not proposed to be staged.
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Fast-Track On Track To Help Deliver Infrastructure
It's been nearly six months since the Fast-track Approvals system opened for business, and updated statistics show the one-stop shop is on track to make it quicker and easier to build the projects New Zealand needs for economic growth, RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say. 'The Fast-track Approvals Act, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, was signed into law just before Christmas and opened for project applications on 7 February this year,' Mr Bishop says. 'The Act helps cut through the tangle of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth. 'In Fast-track's first six months, more than 50 projects have made applications. We expect the first eight projects to have completed the full end-to-end Fast-track process including final consent decisions by the end of this year.' Projects before Expert Panels 'The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, from 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. The expert panels consider each application, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals,' Mr Bishop says. 'Since 7 February when the Fast-track one-stop shop approvals regime officially opened for project applications, we've seen good progress for a range of applications for projects that, if approved, will help address our infrastructure deficit, housing crisis, and energy shortage, instead of tying essential projects up in knots for years at a time as so often happens under the RMA. 'Eight projects are now before expert panels for consideration, with the first expert panels' final decisions expected by mid-September this year. These projects, if approved, will contribute billions of dollars to New Zealand's economy and create thousands of jobs.' Projects before the Panel Convenor 'The Panel Convenor will shortly establish expert panels for a further six projects that have lodged substantive applications,' Mr Jones says. 'Projects currently before the Panel Convenor include expansions to Kings Quarry and Drury Quarry. These quarries provide much-needed aggregate which supports the construction of major infrastructure projects. 'It is heartening to see applications for mining and quarrying projects working their way through the system.' Project referrals 'Projects not listed in the Act can also apply for referral into the Fast-track process,' Mr Bishop says. 'These applications go first to me as Infrastructure Minister for consideration, which includes inviting written comments from the Minister for the Environment and any other Ministers with relevant portfolios, before deciding whether to refer the project for Fast-track. 'To date I have referred seven projects to the Fast-track process, meaning they can now submit substantive applications to the EPA. 'The latest three referrals are Stage 2 of the Auckland Surf Park community which would include a large artificial intelligence data centre, a residential development of about 400 homes, and a village centre; the Waitākere District Court's new courthouse project; and The Point Mission Bay which would see 252 new retirement homes and amenities for residents and visitors. 'Other projects have also applied to me for referral into Fast-track, including from the renewable energy, housing and infrastructure sectors. 16 of these applications are under consideration or being circulated to other Ministers for feedback. Decisions will be made in due course.' Note: Fast-track project statuses to date: Expert Panels are currently considering: · Bledisloe North wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension · Delmore (residential) · Maitahi Village (residential) · Milldale (residential development) · Tekapo Power Scheme (power scheme consent renewal) · Waihi North (mining extension) · Drury Metropolitan centre · Sunfield (residential development) Panel Convener will shortly appoint panels for: · Drury Quarry · King's Quarry extension · Rangitoopuni (residential and retirement units) · Ryans Road (industrial subdivision). · Stella Passage (wharf extension and related work) · Taranaki VTM (seabed mining) Six projects have been 'referred' into the Fast-track process by the Minister for Infrastructure: · Auckland Surf Park · Waitākere District Court – New Courthouse Project · The Point Mission Bay (retirement village) · Ashbourne (residential and retirement units) · Ayrburn Screen Hub · Gordonton Country Estate Development · Grampians Solar Project
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
We Haven't Sold Out: Council To Clarify Seabed Mine Stance
Article – Craig Ashworth – Local Democracy Reporting Taranaki Regional Council is going public against accusations it has sold out to would-be seabed miners Trans-Tasman Resources. Taranaki Regional Council is going public against accusations it has sold out to would-be seabed miners Trans-Tasman Resources. The Australian company has a permit to mine the seabed off Pātea for an initial 20 years, seeking to extract iron, titanium and vanadium. But Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) can't begin mining until it gets discharge consents to pump 45 million tonnes of unwanted sediment a year into the ocean. Iwi and community opponents of seabed mining spoke to councillors meeting on Tuesday morning, urging them to stand with their communities against the proposed mine. But the regional council wants to hang on to any influence it might have in the government's new Fast-track process – and fears taking a public stand might block it from decision-making. Councillor Bonita Bigham said Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) needed to state clearly what it's trying to achieve by staying neutral for now. 'I've been… attacked on social media [and] in private for not having a position,' the Māori constituency councillor said. 'I've been accused of being a sell-out and having been bought out by TTR… I think this is a real risk to our reputation as an organisation.' Bigham said those in the room – including opponents – understood the reason for neutrality. 'But we've got 100,000 people out there who don't understand why we aren't saying something.' As previously published by Local Democracy Reporting, TRC has three likely ways to have a say on the fate of Trans-Tasman's application under the Fast-track Approvals Act The council will help pick one of the four (or more) panel members that will approve or deny the seabed mining. And TRC staff are almost certain they'll be a relevant local authority and be one of the few groups allowed to formally comment on Trans-Tasman's application – and on any consent conditions. Councillor Susan Hughes KC advised elected members to be cautious even in their private lives. 'It's just a useful thing to remind ourselves that it's not helpful if we're expressing opinions we think are informal at a social gathering or something like that – it has the potential for coming back to bite us.' She advised councillors keep the discussion between themselves 'so we don't risk undermining the effectiveness that we might otherwise wish to bring to bear on behalf of the regional council.' Council chair Craig Williamson said individuals could have personal discussions to help form their views, but agreed the council would issue a press release to make its position clear.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
We Haven't Sold Out: Council To Clarify Seabed Mine Stance
Taranaki Regional Council is going public against accusations it has sold out to would-be seabed miners Trans-Tasman Resources. The Australian company has a permit to mine the seabed off Pātea for an initial 20 years, seeking to extract iron, titanium and vanadium. But Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR) can't begin mining until it gets discharge consents to pump 45 million tonnes of unwanted sediment a year into the ocean. Iwi and community opponents of seabed mining spoke to councillors meeting on Tuesday morning, urging them to stand with their communities against the proposed mine. But the regional council wants to hang on to any influence it might have in the government's new Fast-track process - and fears taking a public stand might block it from decision-making. Councillor Bonita Bigham said Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) needed to state clearly what it's trying to achieve by staying neutral for now. "I've been… attacked on social media [and] in private for not having a position," the Māori constituency councillor said. "I've been accused of being a sell-out and having been bought out by TTR… I think this is a real risk to our reputation as an organisation." Bigham said those in the room - including opponents - understood the reason for neutrality. "But we've got 100,000 people out there who don't understand why we aren't saying something." As previously published by Local Democracy Reporting, TRC has three likely ways to have a say on the fate of Trans-Tasman's application under the Fast-track Approvals Act The council will help pick one of the four (or more) panel members that will approve or deny the seabed mining. And TRC staff are almost certain they'll be a relevant local authority and be one of the few groups allowed to formally comment on Trans-Tasman's application - and on any consent conditions. Councillor Susan Hughes KC advised elected members to be cautious even in their private lives. "It's just a useful thing to remind ourselves that it's not helpful if we're expressing opinions we think are informal at a social gathering or something like that - it has the potential for coming back to bite us." She advised councillors keep the discussion between themselves "so we don't risk undermining the effectiveness that we might otherwise wish to bring to bear on behalf of the regional council." Council chair Craig Williamson said individuals could have personal discussions to help form their views, but agreed the council would issue a press release to make its position clear.
