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You are here: The issues Contains: Climate change Contains: Policies and initiatives Contains: Other government sustainability initiatives with climate change benefits Contains:

Other government sustainability initiatives with climate change benefits - Energy

Current government energy initiatives include the following:

  • The Marine Energy Fund has been established under the NZES and provides a contestable $8 million fund over four years to support the early deployment of marine-based electricity generation, such as wave or tidal.
  • New energy investment from 2006 ($11.7m over 4 years) is targeted towards bio-energy options, the New Zealand ‘Energyscape’, and a hydrogen economy.
  • The Forest Industries Development Agenda is a bio-energy programme targeting demonstration projects for bio-energy such as using wood waste as a substitute for coal and gas ($2.5m over 4 years).
  • Mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards have been implemented by the government for many products, including fridges/freezers, hot-water cylinders and air conditioners. These standards, matched with information and product labelling initiatives, help to ensure that we all buy more efficient appliances and equipment.
  • Government investment in energy research includes geothermal energy, biofuels, generating electricity from waves, and improving household efficiency. Statistics New Zealand estimates the private sector investment in energy research was approximately $15.8m in 2004.
  • A national policy statement under the Resource Management Act on renewable electricity generation is currently under consideration.
  • Regulations for the connection of distributed generation have been implemented.