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Businesses targeted in possible New Zealand energy targets

Xinhua, March 3, 2016 Adjust font size:

The New Zealand government -- much criticized for its climate change policies -- is mulling targets for energy use by industry and transport, Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges said Thursday.

The government was looking to send a strong signal to businesses about what New Zealand's energy future should look like, Bridges said in a statement.

"Technological transformation, the critical role energy plays in business competitiveness and the transition to a lower carbon economy mean it's timely to revisit our energy goals and set a clear direction about New Zealand's energy future," Bridges said.

"Our existing target of achieving 90 percent of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2025 clearly sets out the government's direction for renewable electricity," he said.

While renewables currently made up 80 percent of electricity generation, they made up around 40 percent of total energy demand, which opened opportunities to increase the use of renewable energy in the transport and industrial heat sectors over time.

"Setting an energy intensity target -- the measure of energy used per dollar of GDP -- is another option I'm considering. Improving our energy intensity will lead to decreased costs and improve our business competitiveness," said Bridges.

"Energy targets would help us to measure our productivity relative to other countries as well as provide a platform for engagement on these issues between businesses and government," he added.

The New Zealand government was heavily criticized at the Paris climate change conference in December last year for its relatively weak emissions targets and lack of a clear climate change plan. Endit